Vacationist Hotel Deals: New York, Los Angeles + San Diego

We’re starting 2012 with Vacationist deals in some of our favorite cities in the U.S. In New York, the Sherry-Netherland is a classic property located directly across from Central Park; the hotel restaurant, Harry Cipriani, is a Manhattan icon. Looking for warmer weather? The Huntley Hotel is also set on prime U.S. real estate—a tree-lined street just steps from the Santa Monica boardwalk. But if true surf culture is on the brain, head further south to La Jolla, where the pink-tinged La Valencia has been delivering oceanfront views since 1925.

The Sherry-Netherland - up to 41% off
New York, New York

Situated directly across from Central Park in the center of midtown Manhattan, this grand-scale boutique hotel has a sumptuous feel, from its opulent lobby that was modeled after the Vatican Library to its intricate mosaic floors and manned elevators. Originally designed in the 1920s as residences, the hotel today features 50 classically decorated rooms draped in calm tones of white and beige accented with fresh flowers. Don't miss the on-site museum-quality vintage jewelry store, A La Vieille Russie, whose friendly and encyclopedic staff will tell you colorful histories of each piece. There are also popular hair salons for women (Garren, a favorite of fashion editors) and men (the Emile Salon). Guests, as well as New York's chic social set, flock to Harry Cipriani, the hotel's restaurant, for its tuna tartare, trademark bellinis, and upscale European-tinged atmosphere. (Sale ends in 2 days.)

The Huntley Hotel - up to 37% off
Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica is a slice of serenity in Los Angeles: it's a beachfront urban enclave where pedestrian-filled streets are lined with upscale boutiques and top-notch restaurants. Set on a tree-lined block just steps from the boardwalk, the Huntley, a 204-room modern tower that's one of the neighborhood's tallest buildings, is a local's type of place. Though it's close to the beach and all the best sites, the setting is quiet, and the stark white-and-black interiors (dark leather Chesterfield chairs, deep soaking tubs) evoke the area's upscale sensibility. The staff is well-trained—car valets are prompt and offer easy-to-follow directions; restaurant staffers are truly knowledgeable about the inventive menu—and come evening, hostesses without attitude will find you a seat at the bar, which is crowded with local professionals. (Sale ends in 2 days.)

La Valencia - up to 35% off
La Jolla, California

Its nickname has long been the Pink Lady, but La Jolla, CA's La Valencia is anything but fussy. With its Mediterranean elegance, sweeping views, and steps-from-the-beach location, the hotel has been a local institution since it opened in 1926, when it attracted Hollywood types as well as World War II soldiers waiting to ship out. Today, the rosy hotel evokes two distinct eras: the compact hallways, black-and-white silver-screen-star photos, and petite chandeliers recall a bygone sensibility, but the property also offers a front-row seat to San Diego's posh enclave La Jolla, with bakeries, bookstores, and a Cartier boutique just across from the entrance. While many of the 112 rooms and suites offer ocean views and private balconies—and most suites have fireplaces—it's hard to resist watching the waves from La Sala, the ground-floor lounge with its plush armchairs, terrace, and baby grand piano. (Sale ends in 4 days.)


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From top: photos courtesy of La Valencia; the Huntley Hotel.