HotelChatter

1. Gansevoort South: There might be other peaceful places in Miami or the rest of Florida that you could seek out, but we are kind of liking the Gansevoort for its one-stop offerings. Aside from the standard hotel amenities and services like pools, beachfront access and room service, the hotel also features a nightclub, a David Barton gym (probs amazing people-watching here) and the retail store, Big Drop. Don't forget to get your hair did at the Cutler Hair Salon. An added bonus: half of the hotel is residences so maybe you'll meet a local who you can call on again in the future. Wink, wink.
Rates: Starting at $361 a night. Alternative Option: Shore Club for $296 a night.

2. Excalibur Las Vegas: Yes, you could fork over some money and stay at a classier hotel on the strip for a lot less than you could last year. But we think America needs to have some fun. The Excalibur Hotel is offering rooms for $61 on Friday and Saturday night and a bargain $36 on Sunday night. The total tab is $158. Yes, the rooms look hideous but hopefully you will snag yourself a Thunder from Down Under man to make up for it.
Rates: Starting at $36 a night.

3. Vail Cascade : Although getting caught on the ski lift with your pants down could deter you from hitting the slopes this season, we say just make sure your shizz is on tight. The Cascade Resort is offering a remodeled standard room for $399 a night. This is a little pricey but fairly decent for Vail on a holiday weekend. Oh yeah, and it's a ski-in, ski-out property. If you can, get a buddy and split the room.
Rates: Staring at $399 a night.

4. Hard Rock San Diego: San Diego is a party city but if you stay at the Hard Rock you might not need to leave the hotel. Inside is the Rande Gerber bar, Sweetwater, Mary Jane's Coffee Shop, Nobu and Moonstone lounge which surrounds the rooftop pool area. And don't forget the hotel's Vibe Manager if you feel like your groove needs correcting.
Rates: Starting at $225 for a studio with two queen beds.

[Photo: Sher-Midd

5. Topnotch Resort and Spa: Truth be told, the snow that falls in the cities along the Eastern Snowboard doesn't last very long. If anything, it's just annoying and after a few days of cars passing through, it's ugly. Up in Stowe, Vermont, the snow and the air is fresher. The biggest draw at the Topnotch is their spa which is good whether you plan on doing skiing or not. There's also 24-hour room service, a sports equipment store on site, a beauty salon and fresh baked cookies served in the hotel's living room every afternoon. And it's close to the slopes. The biggest drawback is their prices. Room rates are steep and massages start at $138 a pop.
Rates: Starting at $595 for a double.

*This HotelChatterer is actually getting away for MLK Day. We will be in Whistler, Canada. What about you?