The countdown to the holidays is on. Just 55 days until Thanksgiving, 78 days until Hanukkah, 87 days until Christmas… Which means time is ticking, especially if you are trying to solidify your holiday travel plans. Are you preparing to either spend time at a relative’s home or preparing your own home for your loved ones arrival? Either way the holidays can spell S-T-R-E-S-S for many people.
However, relief is being offered by an unlikely source—hotels. Omni Hotels has a cleverly named holiday special called “Run from the Relatives.” The deal is being offered at Omnis in Los Angeles, San Diego, Tucson and outside Denver. From November 18 to January 7, 2007 you can hide out for $199 a night, not including tax, with room-service breakfast thrown in. But that’s not all, there’s more. You get a $50 American Express gift certificate, plus a list of excuses to explain why you’re not sharing a couch or inflatable mattress with your second cousin twice removed.
Not to be out done… Americas Best Value Inn is running a similar promotion – called “Too Close For Comfort.” The hotel chain is running a contest (sponsored by American Express and HBO) that pokes fun at all those holiday/travel/family horror stories. The hotel is inviting anyone who needs a place to vent about their experiences traveling or staying with relatives to log onto their website and share their stories with the world. The stories will then be posted on the hotel’s website and the public will then get the chance to vote on their favorites. The 10 top vote getters from all of the posted submissions will each win $150 in free room nights at any of the 650 Americas Best Value Inns throughout the country.
I know I have a few to contribute… how about you? There are already a few hysterical stories posted. You can check them out and get a chuckle by clicking here.