Deal of the Week info. - Off-Peak Fun at Our National Parks
Nov. 21, 2003
When we think of vacations in the winter, we often thing of warm climates or ski resorts -- we probably don't often think of national parks. But as our Travel-Expert-in-Residence, Rudy Maxa, says, there are great reasons for visiting in the off-season: The scenery is spectacular, the crowds are gone, and you can find great deals.
DEAL:
Consider Yosemite's Tenaya Lodge, where from January 2 through March 27th, two people can check in on weekends for $149 a night. And, that includes snowshoe rental and s'mores around the bonfire at night. Or, you can add $10 to the nightly rate and get two, all-day ski lift tickets during the week. Step up to $184 a night and in addition to the Ski Yosemite deal, you get full breakfast for two.
At the Grand Canyon, the winter rate for a double at the Maswik and Yavapai lodges plunges to an unbelievable $68 per night. Kids under 16 stay for free, or you can add an older teenager for $9.25 a night. At Sequoia National Park, pay $69 for a double that normally goes for at least $155 in the summer -- and that's good seven days a week, even during holidays. You can cross-country ski or take snowshoe walks with equipment you can rent there.
Web resources:
--Yosemite's Tenaya Lodge offers a "Weekend Snowshoe" package Jan. 2 to March 27, on Friday and Saturday nights, for $149 per night for a double, plus taxes.
There's also a "Ski Yosemite" package for $159 a night that includes two lift tickets to the Badger Pass Ski Area. Stay one night, Sunday through Thursday, and ski Monday through Friday from Jan. 11 to March 25.
Info: 877-322-5492 or www.tenayalodge.com.
--Details on the $69-per-night rate at Sequoia National Park's Wuksachi Lodge: (888) 252-5757, or www.visitsequoia.com.
--At the Grand Canyon, ask for the "Winter Value Rate" at the Maswik or Yavapai lodges. Or, for big spenders, consider a "Romance Package" at the El Tovar hotel: $249 for a double room includes dinner for two, a bottle of sparkling wine from California, and a fruit basket in your room, plus a bottle of El Tovar wine at dinner. Details: (888) 297-2757, or www.grandcanyonlodges.com.
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