The deal
Spring-break time is here, sounding the signal for some no-holds-barred vacationing. As such, we've rounded up the best low-priced deals to party capitals and beach hotspots.
If you're looking for the spring-break staples of bikinis, beaches and beer, we've found bargains to two homegrown beach cities, Miami and San Diego, and, of course, a Caribbean and Mexico option, from just $99/night. Plus, it's tulip time in Amsterdam and we've found an affordable museum package at a famous city hotel from only $216/night. Party on!
For spring breakers, this sprawling, sexy, sun-splashed resort playground of South Beach, Miami, is the quintessential party capital: a posh combination of sun, sand and hedonism. After dark, head out to explore “the scene” at the area’s ubiquitous, ultra-cool lounges and nightclubs to mix and mingle with the rich, famous and fabulous. For those of us on a budget, try a stay at the affordable Hotel Nash, a landmark art deco property just one block from the beach.
Book your stay by March 11, and you’ll snag a free room upgrade. Rates start at just $99/night, that’s 35 percent off the regular $189 cost for a room.
Some come for the tulips, some come for the weed, but whatever’s on the vegetative agenda, visitors to freewheeling Amsterdam often find themselves mesmerized by the city’s free-thinking, live-and-let-live mantra. Visit during spring’s warm days to explore city’s picturesque canals, museums and infamous coffee shops within this laid-back, European capital. We recommend a stay at the renowned Hilton Amsterdam, site of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous 1969 bed-in for peace, just a short walk from the old city center.
Rates start at $216/night, a price that includes complimentary buffet breakfast and Van Gogh Museum admission.
Plenty of sun, beaches and bars make San Diego the ultimate spring-break hotspot. Mild spring weather is perfect for strolling downtown city streets, cruising the boardwalk at Mission Beach, hitting the surf, or enjoying a few beers at one of the many outdoor beach bars. Head out after dark to explore the happening club scene in the Pacific Beach neighborhood, with dozens of bars strung along Grand and Garnett avenues, or attend raging bonfire booze-fests at one of the city’s fabulous beaches.
For an affordable spring stay, we recommend this 4-night air-inclusive offer available at the chic 212-room Sofia Hotel, located within walking distance of San Diego’s trendy Gas Lamp Corner. Highlights include a full-service yoga center and a well-reviewed onsite restaurant, Currant, serving French-American bistro fare. Package rates start at $277.
For balmy dry weather amidst gorgeous stretches of sand, swaying palms and aquamarine Caribbean waters, Aruba is hands-down one of the best places to unwind for a relaxing spring getaway. Spend your time taking long romantic strolls along the island’s sandy shores and enjoy the pampering you’ll receive at top-of-the-line resorts and flashy casinos. Located on Aruba’s lively Palm Beach, the Westin Aruba offers guided scuba diving tours, sunset sailing and windsurfing adventures, along with exciting casino nightlife and a world-class spa.
For a wallet-friendly stay, consider booking the resort’s all-inclusive package, which covers all meals at select resort restaurants (or room service), premium alcoholic beverages, kids activities, snorkeling and sports equipment rental, free access to both the tennis court and the fitness club, and more. Nightly all-inclusive rates start at $400.
There is perhaps no place better to celebrate spring break than the Mexican hot spot of Puerto Vallarta, a resort town that uniquely combines a raging nightlife scene with the laid-back atmosphere of a colorful colonial village. After nightfall, live it up by dancing the night away in the area’s many trendy lounges, salsa clubs and romantic oceanfront watering holes. Stroll by day along the town’s famed malecón, a mile-long stretch of oceanfront boardwalk where you’ll find many gift shops, upscale boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
For accommodations, we recommend the newly renovated Marriott CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta Resort, currently offering a special promotion that gets you a fourth night free and complimentary breakfast. A four-night package with flight included starts at just $679.
The dollars
Based on double occupancy. Taxes and fees are additional.
The catch
Reserve as soon as you can for the best availability at these popular spring destinations. Some of these offers expire as soon as Feb. 21, so don’t delay.
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