San Francisco Sightseeing Articles

It's the Fourth of July, and our American neighbours are celebrating the Declaration of Independence that took our countries on separate paths. But, despite hiccups such as the War of 1812 (and recent changes to customs rules), the border hasn't proved to be a major barrier for Canadians who want to enjoy the many attractions next door.

And Canadians are still travelling south of the border in impressive numbers. These days, that's no wonder: A drop in business travel and the recession south of the border mean that prices are excellent right across the U.S.

CENTRAL FLORIDA
Nearly two dozen hotels in Orlando have teamed up with SeaWorld to provide serious savings. Travellers who buy three hotel nights get two additional nights free and unlimited admission to two of SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens during their stay. With a family of four, this offer starts at $40 per person per day and is available at SeaWorldOrlando.com. The package must be purchased by Sept. 1 for vacations scheduled through Dec. 31. Also, the Shuttle Express provides guests staying in Orlando round-trip transportation between SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Pick SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as part of this vacation package and get free shuttle transportation.

To celebrate its 35th anniversary, Rosen Hotels & Resorts is turning back the hands of time to 1974, when the chain was just a single hotel and nightly rates were just $9.99. The hotel chain is offering rooms at its four leisure properties – Quality Inn International, Rodeway Inn International, Quality Inn Plaza (all three located along International Drive in Orlando's tourist corridor) and Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista near Walt Disney World – for $9.99 (U.S.) for the first night and $35 for each additional night, with a two-night minimum stay. Rooms must be booked by July 15 for travel by Dec. 23. For more information or to book a room, visit www.orlandohotels4less.com/35 or call 877-224-5377 and ask for the 35th Anniversary Package.

MID-ATLANTIC
Beginning in August, the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau features “Canada Weeks,” offering Canadians two extra nights free in Virginia Beach when they book a six-night stay from Aug. 16 to Sept. 3 and Sept. 6 to Oct. 1. For information on hotels and to book, visit www.vbfun.com/canadaweeks.

Participating kayaking, surfing and ecotourism outfitters are offering a book one, get one 50 per cent off offer to Canadian travellers. Busch Gardens Williamsburg (www.buschgardens.com/BGW) is also offering discounted rates to Canadians.

WEST COAST

In California's Orange County, home to Disneyland and beaches, the Irvine Chamber Visitors Bureau is trying to lure visitors to local hotels by offering a summer rebate. The promotion gives $25 (U.S.) back to hotel guests who stay for two nights, $50 for three nights. The rebate offer is valid for Thursday through Sunday visits only; rates start at $69 ($80 Cdn.) per night. To book, visit www.irvinecvb.org.

Hotel Nikko San Francisco tour is offering a San Francisco stimulus package with 30 per cent off its best available rates through Dec. 31. A few steps away from Union Square, the property is also close to many of the city's attractions. For more information, visit www.hotelnikkosf.com or call 866-NIKKO-SF.

The Monterey Peninsula is one of California's most scenic destinations, and a new boutique hotel is opening this week with special rates. Hotel Abrego is offering opening rates starting at $208 Friday and Saturday, and $184 Sunday to Thursday, through Sept. 3. The 93-room property is close to Cannery Row, as well as recreational activities from kayaking on the Marine Sanctuary to exploring the San Carlos Cathedral. For reservations and information, call 1-800-982-1986 or visit www.hotelabrego.com.

NEW YORK CITY
New York City has been hugely popular with Canadians in the past few years and some of its top properties are offering a third night free this summer. Eight hotels in the Signature Collection, a group of 17 luxury hotels, will participate in the Signature Collection Third Night promotion. The program gives visitors a complimentary third night, now through Sept. 7. The hotels participating in this program are the Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel; Jumeirah Essex House; Loews Regency Hotel; the London NYC; the New York Palace Hotel; the Plaza Hotel; the Sherry-Netherland; and the Waldorf-Astoria. For details, visit nycgo.com/thirdnight.

HAWAII
Each Marriott Vacation Club resort in Hawaii is currently offering up to 25 per cent off nightly rental rates. Valid now through Dec. 12, guests who stay five or more consecutive nights will also receive a $200 (U.S.) credit toward area dining and activities. Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club on Oahu, Marriott's Maui Ocean Club, Marriott's Kauai Beach Club and Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club feature beachfront locations and one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas including fully equipped kitchens with granite countertops, separate living and dining areas, multiple televisions with DVD players, master bedroom with whirlpool tub, private lanai or balcony, washer/dryer and Wi-Fi. For more information or reservations, visit www.vacationclub.com/resorts.

LAS VEGAS
It's not uncommon for the temperature to hit 100 F in the Nevada desert during the summer, but a non-smoking, non-gaming hotel here has a package designed to keep you cool. Aimed at a group of friends or bachelor/bachelorette party, The Signature at MGM Grand's His or Hers package includes a one-bedroom suite, champagne and strawberries (or bucket of beer and popcorn) on arrival, four poolside cocktails, a $25 golf credit and 25 per cent off spa treatments at MGM Grand Spa. The suites include separate bedrooms with king bed, two bathrooms, Wi-Fi and CD/DVD players. The package is available throughout the summer starting at $209 (U.S.) per night. To book, call 1-877-727-0007 and use booking code HISHER09. For more information, visit www.signaturemgmgrand.com.

NEW ORLEANS
Summer can be steamy in New Orleans, and one boutique hotel is offering a three-night package – with cocktails – for a low price during July and August. International House, located two blocks from the French Quarter, is offering the three nights at $256, less than $90 per night, including three cocktails at the hotel's bar, loa. To book, call 1-800-633-5770 or visit www.ihhotel.com.

ARIZONA
The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa is marking its 80th birthday this summer with a number of special deals. Summer rates starting at $126 are available through Sept. 13. Stay at the Biltmore during your birthday month this summer and get the second night free, plus a birthday cupcake and balloons brought to your room. In addition, a special menu of spa treatments is available for $92 each and a complete multi-course dinner for two with wine in Wright's at the Biltmore is offered for $92. For information, visit arizonabiltmore.com/holidays.