Valentine's Day escapes

January 27, 2008

If you're planning a romantic getaway with your Valentine, here are a few sweet deals.

• Located in the Pocono Mountains, the French Manor, a AAA four-diamond bed-and-breakfast, offers the Enchanted Evenings Valentine's Week Getaway, available Feb. 10-14. The package includes a book of poetry on the bedside table, chilled champagne, fresh roses, Saturday afternoon tea featuring sweets and refreshments, turn-down service with Godiva chocolates, gourmet candlelight dinner, full country breakfast and picnic basket lunch prepared for stays of two nights or longer. Rates start at $285 per couple, per night. Call 570-676-3244 or go to thefrenchmanor.com.

• The New Orleans-style Inn at Jim Thorpe, also in the Poconos, offers the Simon and Garfunkel Valentine's Package. Available Feb. 8-10, the package includes two nights' accommodations, two tickets to the Simon and Garfunkel tribute at Mauch Chunk Opera House, a bottle of wine in the room, romantic Valentine's dinner, his-and-hers full-body massages and a hot breakfast. Rates start at $295 per person, per night. Call 570-325-2599 or go to innjt.com.

• Closer to home, the Five Gables Inn & Spa in St. Michaels has the Valentine's Package, which includes two nights on the weekend of Feb. 15-16, an hour massage, champagne, chocolates and six red roses. Rates are $660-$910. Call 410-745-0100 or 877-466-0100, or go to fivegables.com.

• Easton's Historic Tidewater Inn has the Forever Inn Love Maryland Vacation Package, which offers an overnight stay for two, a $100 gift certificate toward dinner at Restaurant Local, a bottle of champagne, chocolate truffles and valet parking. Rates, including tax, are $260 with an extra night available for $108. Call 800-237-8775 or go to tidewaterinn.com.

• Cape May, N.J.'s Victorian-chic Virginia Hotel offers a post-Valentine's Day retreat with Belgian sheets, Bulgari bubble baths and romantic dinners at the hotel's fine-dining restaurant, the Ebbitt Room. Available midweek (Sunday through Thursday) from Feb. 28 through May 1, the package includes a room for two, dinner and continental breakfast. Rates start at $185 plus tax. Call 800-732-4236 or go to virginia hotel.com.

• The Westin New York at Times Square is offering a post-Valentine's Day Big Apple getaway. Starting at $399 per night, the package includes breakfast in bed and is valid Thursday through Sunday through March 30. Ask for the HEARTS08 rate plan when booking. Call 888-627-7149 or go to westinny.com. Rates are based on availability and do not include tax or service charges.

[From staff and wire reports