Looking for a romantic Valentine’s getaway? Here are my top 6 suggestions for a fantastic couples vacation to stir the romance.

 

6 Affordable Romantic Getaways

1. Paradise Coast, Florida

Marco Island Marriott
Credit Jeff Herron

For Hoosiers, flights to the Ft. Myers airport in Florida are almost always a steal with Allegiant coming as low as $49/person one-way and Southwest also offering good deals. So instead of spending your bucks on airfare you can splurge a bit on the hotel and meal.

One of our favorite spots in Florida is Marco Island. The Marco Island Marriott, which recently completed its transition to a JW Marriott, typicall has great Valentine’s weather with highs in the 70s and 80s. Sounds awesome to me!

If you want to up the romance factor even more, book the Romance package to enjoy:

  • An oceanfront room
  • Breakfast for 2 or a $19.50 per person credit if you’d rather have breakfast in bed
  • Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.

What to do there: Sail on a catamaran, ride waverunners, kayaking, golf, spa

 

2. New York City

Flying into New York City is also typically a cheap flight via Southwest from many cities and so thus another pick for couples looking for an escape. Head to the Big Apple for shopping, theater, fine dining and just to feel its never-ending energy.

I personally love to stay in fun and funky hotels, so I’ve picked several that I think fit the bill for unique weekend away.

The Refinery, Midtown Hotel, New York City
Credit The Refinery

The Refinery Hotel, a boutique hotel located in Midtown near Bryant Park with views of the Empire State Building (An Affair to Remember or Sleepless in Seattle anyone?) and in the Garment District, is in a building that once hosted a hat factory in the early 1900s.

The design pays tribute to its industrial past while adding chic and artistic decor. Fun elements include a writing desk designed to look like a 1900’s sewing machine, wall-hanging toilets and original artwork.

A definite stop is the Refinery Rooftop with amazing Empire State Building (which will be lit up in red and pink lights for the holiday) views and signature cocktails.

Maritime Outdoor Shower New York City
Credit, The Maritime

Another fun New York City property is The Maritime, located in West Chelsea and near the up-and-coming Meat Packing District.

Formerly the formerly the National Maritime Union, the building and its interior is a modern take on nautical design complete with porthole windows for all room windows!

The hotel’s Terrace Penthouse actually has an outdoor rain shower overlooking the Hudson River and Manhattan, via porthole windows, of course.

The hotel has a complimentary DVD library, so you can cuddle up and watch your favorite chick flick, as well as complimentary bicycles for a spin around town.

 

3. Chicago

Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse
Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, River North

The Windy City is always one of my favorite places to visit because it’s just a couple-hour drive from home for me. Plus, you get the big city experience with all of its amazing restaurants and its incredible vitality.

I highly recommend Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse for your Valentine’s meal.

We have eaten there in the past, and the quality of food — and service — was second-to-none. HOLY COW! This is NO typical tourist stop with subpar fare 🙂

Plus, this building was once the home of Frank Nitti, a member of Al Capone’s gang, and if you go into the basement area near the bar, you can see his vault and the tunnels they used to in and out of the building!

Hotel Palomar, Chicago Hotel, River North
Credit Cris Molina

Where to stay? How about the nearby Hotel Palomar in the River North not far from Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse.

Rooms feature original artwork from Chicago’s World’s Fair with bursts of red and blue color.

Hotel Palomar’s Date Night package, includes a dining credit for their Sable Kitchen & Bar where you can order cocktails inspired by Prohibition-era classics, a bottle of sparkling wine delivered to your room and a late 1 p.m. check-out.

Don’t miss their outdoor terrace and indoor pool — both with amazing downtown Chicago views.

The Gwen, Chicago Hotel, River North
Credit The Gwen, a Luxury Hotel, Chicago

Another fun spot to rest your head is the super cool Art Deco The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Chicago right on the Magnificent Mile just north of the river.

Themed around 1930’s Chicago, the hotel offers open-air terraces of the Chicago skyline.

[29 Awesome Things to Do in Chicago]

 

4. Washington, D.C.

Donovan House, Washington DC hotel, boutique hotel
Credit Michael Weber

Generally, another cheap flight from many cities takes you right into our nation’s capital where there is so much culture and so much to do!

A really funky hotel in town is The Donovon Hotel boutique hotel, also a Kimpton property, with its artfully designed “cocoon” showers and “bubble” chairs perfect for an Instagram shot.

Situated in the hot 14th Street district of the city, most of the hotel’s guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on Thomas Circle.

 

5. Louisville

21c Museum Hotel Louisville
Credit 21c Museum Hotel Louisville

Louisville is the home of bourbon and the Kentucky Derby.

For interesting accommodations, book a room at the sleek and stylish 21c Museum Hotel, the flagship property of the chain.

Snap a selfie with the famous in-room red penguins, which also adorn the outside of the hotel, and enjoy art from living artists through the property.

The hotel itself is actually an art museum open 24 hours a day.

 

6. Indianapolis

The Alexander, Indianapolis boutique hotel, art hotel
Credit: The Alexander

Indianapolis, where I call home, also has some nice romantic properties for a couples retreat. If you ask me, an overnight at the magnificent Alexander hotel in downtown Indianapolis will make you feel like you are no longer in the Circle City.

This art hotel with really fun installations like Madame CJ Walker made of combs (this is a site to behold!) and a piece of birds in flight made from old records (including Hoosier-born Jackson 5) should definitely make your Indy bucket list.

The rooms are very spacious with full refrigerators and mini kitchens if you’d like to just stay in for the evening. Many offer great views of Lucas Oil Stadium.

Looking for help funding your honeymoon? Check out Honeyfund, a free honeymoon registry.

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