The Radisson Hotel New Orleans

Royal Sonesta Houston, Texas

Kick off the holiday season with the royal treatment on the rooftop of Houston’s fabulous Royal Sonesta. Book a stay for Thanksgiving Day, November 27, and view the annual Uptown Houston Holiday Lighting ceremony and 7 pm fireworks. Guests also receive dessert, hot chocolate, and champagne for two. Other perks include a $25 credit good for the three on-site eateries, complimentary self-parking for one vehicle and a 4 p.m. late checkout. Rates for the package start at $169 per room for double occupancy. Need an extra day to snag some holiday gifts at the Galleria and Post Oak shops? Extend your stay for $99 per night. Visit or call at 1.800.SONESTA (766.3782).

Radisson Blu Mall of America Bloomington, Minnesota

The Radisson Blu “Shop in Your Slippers” package includes two pairs of slippers, two cocktails at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, complimentary parking and complimentary package pick-up within Mall of America. (Shopping bags are delivered to your hotel room.) Rates begin at $187 per night for double occupancy and is available November 26 through December 30.To book “Shop in Your Slippers”, visit:

New Orleans Hotel Collection New Orleans, Louisiana

Holidays are special in the Big Easy. Make a reservation between November 29 and December 2 to snag the best winter rates for stays through January at one of six hotels. You have to book during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion to get rates starting at $89 (prices vary by property and day of stay). Participating hotels include: Bourbon Orleans, Dauphine Orleans, Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport, The Whitney Hotel, Hotel Mazarin, and Hotel Le Marais. For complete details, visit
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Barbara Twardowski writes with her husband, Jim, who is a registered nurse. The couple lives near New Orleans and are the parents of a college-age son.