The Wall Street Journal-20080205-Travel Watch

Return to: The_Wall_Street_Journal-20080205

Travel Watch

Full Text (399  words)

Presidential Suite

Embrace this political campaign season with travel packages fit for a president.

In honor of President's Day and the 2008 elections, Horseshoe Bay Resort in the Texas Hill Country is offering a special $149 nightly rate from Feb. 14 to Feb. 19. There's just one catch: to qualify, travelers must have the same last name as any of the U.S. presidents or 2008 presidential hopefuls.

Guests will stay in one-bedroom luxury villas at the Waters, overlooking Lake LBJ at this 7,000-acre resort. History buffs can tour nearby Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and golfers can unwind with a round on Whitewater Putting course, a made-to-scale, 18- hole, par 72 Bermuda grass putting course. Call 877-611-0112 or visit www.hsbresort.com.

Democrats in Denver

As Denver prepares to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek pampers passionate politicos with two packages highlighting contenders Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Both include deluxe guest-room accommodations on weekends through August.

Guests choosing the Hillary Clinton Package start the morning with a speed walk through Cherry Creek North and Denver Country Club neighborhoods. Guests receive a $50 Cherry Creek North gift card and a chocolate treat at turndown -- one of Mrs. Clinton's self-professed guilty pleasures. Prices start at $249 per night, not including tax.

The Barack Obama package includes two guest passes to the Denver Athletic Club and dinner at Prime 121 steakhouse. Then it's back to your room for a viewing of "Lawrence of Arabia," one of Mr. Obama's favorite movies. Prices start at $299 per night, not including tax and gratuity.

Call 303-316-2700 or visit www.jwmarriottdenver.com.

Super Tuesday Deals

Appointing Tuesday its new Day of Deals, CheapTickets unveiled new last-minute travel discounts, a blog and an online "Deal of the Day" Video. Travelers can enjoy $75 off vacation packages to big cities around the world until Feb. 24, using promotion code BIGCITY75. Eligible destinations include: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Montreal, Toronto, Mexico City, Mexico; Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. Go to www.traveldeals.cheaptickets.com.

Reward-Program Perks

Hilton Hotels Corp. now offers loyalty members the chance to book trips with guest rewards without worrying about blackout dates and other restrictions. All standard rooms at more than 2,900 hotels worldwide are available for rewards. Travelers may enroll in the program online at HiltonHHonors.com or call 800-HHONORS.