Romantic weekend getaways are best enjoyed in lodging that meets your needs and budget. If you're undecided as to whether a hotel, resort, motel, inn, cottage, cabin, campsite, or bed & breakfast is the most romantic place you can choose to getaway for a weekend, discover the pros and cons of each here.
HOTEL Romantic Weekend Getaways
- The Pros:
Staying at a fine hotel means you can expect full service and privacy. If you want to stay in bed all weekend, sipping Champagne and nibbling on chocolate-covered strawberries, room service should be able to accommodate.
Hotel Close-Up: The Dorchester, London, England
Hotel Close-Up: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, New Jersey
Hotel Close-Up: Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia
If you care to venture out for a meal, a hotel dining room is nearby. The concierge can arrange reservations, transportation, and tickets for you during the weekend. For privacy, just put out the "do not disturb" sign, and a weekend of romance is yours.
The Cons:
Good hotels can be pricey, but many that host business guests during the week offer romantic weekend getaway packages for couples. If you stay in a city hotel in a business district, some surrounding local establishments may be closed on Sundays.
RESORT Romantic Weekend Getaways
- The Pros:
Spending a weekend at a resort means that you can choose from a variety of activities to participate in. Beach resorts often rent sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and other watersports equipment. Ski resorts put you close to a mountain. Larger resorts, depending on the location, may offer instruction in sports such as scuba diving, golf, tennis, and skiing. Resorts also tend to have more than one restaurant (plus room service) so you can savor meals in a variety of settings.
Resort Close-Up: Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Resort Close-Up: Marco Island Marriott Resort, Florida
Resort Close-Up: Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Aruba
The Cons:
A resort can be costly, and little things — like parking and raiding the minibar — can add to the expense. Also, many large resorts cater to families, so there's a chance the squeals of children or the noise of them tearing down the hallway may intrude on a romantic weekend. In the event this occurs, don't put up with it. Ask management for another room, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
LODGE Romantic Weekend Getaways
- The Pros:
Smaller than resorts but larger than inns, lodges are usually located in beautiful natural surroundings and offer a variety of outdoor activities.
Lodge Close-Up: Mohonk Mountain Lodge, New York
Lodge Close-Up: Lodge at Emerson Place, New York
Lodge Close-Up: Skytop Lodge, Pennsylvania
The Cons:
Lodges cater to families as well as couples. Food tends to be banquet, not gourmet, quality.
INN Romantic Weekend Getaways
- The Pros:
Finer inns are known for their historic charm and well-prepared meals. Many feature antique or reproduction furniture.
Inn Close-Up: Inn of the Five Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Inn Close-Up: Farnsworth House Inn, Gettysburg Pennsylvania
Inn Close-Up: Kingsbrae Arms, New Brunswick, Canada
The Cons:
Since inns are smaller than hotels and resorts, facilities may be limited. Meals may not be available at all hours during your romantic weekend.
MOTEL Romantic Weekend Getaways
- The Pros:
Motels offer weekend romantics free parking and easy-in/easy-out access. They're typically less expensive than a hotel or a resort.
Motel Close-Up: Hampton Inns in the USA, Canada, and Mexico
The Cons:
Many motels are bare-bones affairs. Don't expect luxury linens, room service, sports facilities, or beautiful decor. Motels with thin walls and those located close to highways can be noisy.
COTTAGE or CABIN Romantic Weekend Getaways
- The Pros:
Cozy and private, a cottage can be the perfect size for a couple on a romantic weekend getaway.
The Cons:
Cottage quality, cost, and decor vary widely from place to place. And you never know who your neighbors will be.
BED & BREAKFAST Romantic Weekend Getaways
- The Pros:
At locations lacking a hotel or resort, you're still likely to find a B&B to stay in. As the name implies, breakfast is included in the cost.
The Cons:
The owners are on-site at a B&B, and they're watching you. So are the other guests. If you don't like chatting at breakfast or eating with strangers, this romantic experience isn't for you.
CAMPSITE Romantic Weekend Getaways
- The Pros:
Camping out allows couples to experience romance under the stars and get close to nature. It's also the most inexpensive romantic weekend getaway you can have --unless you go overboard buying camping equipment.
The Cons:
Bugs. Snakes. Rain. Dirt. Strange noises. Wild animals. Other people. Less-than-perfect bathrooms. And did we mention having to cook over an open fire?
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