Sherman's Travel

Say Tel Aviv and one of the first things that comes to mind is sand – lots of it. Tel Aviv’s famed Mediterranean beachfront stretches more than ten miles from north to south, and is lined by mainly high-rise beach hotels that at first glance put the definitive stamp on the city’s touristic character. Collectively, however, they’re only one chapter in a far more interesting book whose pages are made up of a tangle of boulevards and side streets turned away from the coastal fray. That’s where you’ll the best Bauhaus architecture, coolest restaurants, and increasingly, the most interesting boutique hotels.

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Step back in time to the charming, Tudor-style Henley Park Hotel. Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, the hotel is offering rates at only $160 per night for three nights – a savings of 30% on current rates.

The historic Henley Park served as home to notable Senators and Congressmen in the early-20^th century.  The mansion was converted into a hotel in the 1980s, but preserves the same European architectural features, including stained-glass windows, high archways, chandeliers, and stone gargoyles.  Formal tea is even served each day in a traditional drawing room that once served as the politicians’ parlor.

Rooms include antique furnishings, flat panel TVs, and free WiFi.  The hotel also features a fitness room, a Zagat-rated restaurant, and a cocktail lounge with live music on the weekends. Countless city attractions are within walking distance, including the White House, the National Portrait Gallery, and the D.C. Convention Center.

THE VALUE: Save 30% on a three-night stay at this historic and ideally-located D.C. hotel.

THE CATCH: You must stay for a minimum of three nights to receive the 30% savings.  (Stay one night and save 10%; stay two nights and save 20%.)

THE DETAILS: Visit The Henley Park Hotel and choose “Save 30% Off Three Nights.” This deal is available now through February 11.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to Washington, D.C. For general trip-planning information, see our Washington, D.C. Travel Guide.

Discover Philadelphia this winter from your base of a newly renovated, centrally located hotel from just $104 per night. Stay at The Latham over the holidays (December 18 to 25) at this price. Or for just $15 more stay in January or February. Both offers are a 25% discount on current rates.

The Latham is a modern boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. The property is surrounded by the city’s finest restaurants, shops and theatres. Many nationally renowned museums and historical landmarks including the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Independence Mall and the National Constitution Center are all just minutes away.  All of The Latham’s guest rooms were recently redesigned and the hotels’ social spaces are also newly renovated.

THE VALUE: You’ll save 25% on a newly renovated property in downtown Philly.

THE CATCH: The lead rate of $104 is only available over the holidays, but for just $119 you can stay through February.

THE DETAILS: Visit The Latham Website or call 877-528-4261 and use promo code HOT.

WE’VE GOT MORE: See our Philadelphia Travel Guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights, packages, and more travel deals.

We named Guanajuato, Mexico, as one of our Top 10 Value Travel Destinations in 2011, but the colonial town is a smart bet for luxury, too. These boutique hotels offer refined service and upscale amenities in a romantic setting while capitalizing on the city’s unique charm.

Quinta Las Acacias

Housed in a French-style mansion originally built in 1890, Quinta Las Acacias’ main building harkens back to that era with period-style furnishings and photographs of the former residents on the walls. However, you should definitely splurge on one of the Jacuzzi suites in the buildings behind (just avoid La Puerepecha, which has no natural light). You won’t find flat-screen TVs and the Wi-Fi can be spotty but this 17-room AAA Four Diamond property doesn’t disappoint on ambience. Jacuzzi suites start at $275/night, with breakfast included. www.quintalasacacias.com.mx

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