So let me guess: It’s Wednesday and you still haven’t made any plans for Valentine’s Day. Well it’s not too late to come out of this smelling like a rose and save some money while you’re at it. In these tough economic times there are dozens of hotels in Northern California offering steeply discounted Valentine’s Day packages that include a romantic dinner for two, plenty of fine wine, and a short walk straight to your guestroom. So instead of staying in the doghouse this coming weekend, consider staying in style at one of these highly recommended Valentine’s Day getaway destinations…

Resort at Squaw Creek, Lake Tahoe
The most deluxe resort in Lake Tahoe is the Resort at Squaw Creek, a paradise for skiers with ski-in/ski-out access to Squaw Valley slopes and a full-service spa and salon. And in the spirit of the Valentine’s Day they’re offering the Ultimate Valentine’s Getaway, which features 3 nights in a deluxe Forest View guestroom, a “Sparkles and Sweets Champagne” amenity upon arrival, 2 adult lift tickets, 2 50-minute spa treatments, a private horse-drawn sleigh ride for two, and complimentary valet parking and nightly turndown service. The package price starts at $1599 per couple and runs from February 12-17. For more information log onto www.squawcreek.com or call 800/327-3353.

Stanford Inn by the Sea, Mendocino
Located just south of Mendocino is the rustic yet sumptuous Stanford Inn by the Sea, perched on 11 acres of land abutting the serene Big River (you’ll love this place). It’s already one of the most romantic lodgings in California, and they’re cranking it up a notch with a Valentine’s Day special that includes 5-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day Menu that is brimming with natural aphrodisiacs such as truffles, oil of rose, and morel mushrooms to stimulate the libido, as well as a Valentine’s Day Comedy Show with stand-up comedian Stu Stuart, a veteran of Comedy Central and An Evening at the Improv. Stimulating food, good laughs, great wines, and romantic lodging: What more do you need? For more information log onto www.stanfordinn.com or call 800/331-8884.

Hotel Carter, Eureka
Located in Eureka’s Old Town, the Hotel Carter, Carter House, and Carter Cottage are the finest and most romantic lodgings on the Northern Coast. Believe me—if you reserve a night in the ultra-romantic Carter Cottage you won’t even want to leave. And owner/hotelier Mark Carter has upped the romance ante with a “Romance in the Redwoods” getaway package that includes a luxurious room, a 5-course dinner at their renown Restaurant 301, in-room massage for two, a bottle of champagne, a dozen red roses, a two-course breakfast, wine and hors d’oeuvres before dinner, cookies and tea before bedtime, and even a turndown with chocolate truffles—all for $570 (that, my friend, is a bargain). For more information log onto www.carterhouse.com or call 800/404-1390.

Chateau du Sureau, Oakdale
If you really want to surprise your lover this weekend, book a room at the renown Chateau du Sureau, one if the top small hotels in the nation. The domain of Vienna-born Erna Kubin-Clanin, the Elderberries estate is the sine qua non of luxurious lodging, decadent dining, and exclusivity, and this weekend you’re invited to partake in the indulgence. The chateau is hosting its 28th Annual Epicurean Dinner: A Valentine’s Celebration, “a magical evening of soft candlelight, delectable food, fine wines, and the hauntingly beautiful music of harpist Laura Porter.” If beef cheeks, truffle sausage, red beet risotto, and a canopy bed covered in Italian linens and goose-down comforters doesn’t get you in la mood, nothing will. It’s a wonderful place to stay on your way to (or from) Yosemite. For more information log onto www.chateaudusureau.com or call 559/683-6860.

Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Set atop an ocean bluff and looking every bit like the grand seaside lodges of the 19th century is the spectacular Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. This 261-room spa and golf retreat is the premier luxury resort on the Northern California coast, and the perfect Bay Area Valentine’s Day getaway. The resort is offering a full weekend of options for couples—Chocolate Tastings & Jazz, Pink Champagne Brunch—but my favorite is the gourmet three-course prix fixe dinner for two that’s delivered directly to your guestroom to share in bed (the menu includes lobster salad, braised short ribs and Valrhona chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis). Throw in a little adult “video-on-demand” and you’re in business. For more information log onto www.ritzcarlton.com or call 650/ 712-7000.

Calistoga Ranch
If you’re really in the doghouse, check your credit limit and book a night at Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley’s hottest luxury resort. Tucked into the eastern mountainside on 157 pristine hidden-canyon acres, each of the 46 rural-chic freestanding luxury cottages is packed with every conceivable amenity. And this weekend they’re offering special Valentine’s Day Package which includes a two night stay in a spa lodge, a romantic dinner for two at the Lakehouse Restaurant with a special Valentine’s Day Menu, and an Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence for Lovers at their Bathhouse Spa. Yes, it’s expensive ($1295 per night), but how can you put a price on true love? For more information log onto www.calistogaranch.com or call 800/942-4220.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 at 1:45 pm by Getaway Guru and is filed under Holidays. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.