Who needs a quick vacation?

Weekend getaways are SO much fun and great for the wanderer soul. But sometimes, I get more tired when I am back, because hey, no one needs a vacation more than someone who’s just gotten back from one! So, what would you do if you had something to celebrate but didn’t really have the luxury of time to go away on a vacation or head out on a drive somewhere far away? What has worked for me in the past couple of years – is to barter the luxury of time for a luxury experience – and that’s how I planned our Valentines’ Day this year. A staycation in the city. I know this post is epic-ally late. But people at work and otherwise are always asking me what to do special and different in limited time, so well, thought this could be a useful read.

Research Right

It’s really simple, if you were planning a trip you’d have to research a lot. But a staycation in the city requires far less planning. Also keep a look out for good deals, there are often seasonal promotions.

1. Subscribe to a few newsletters, doesn’t hurt.
2. Facebook and Google now can pick up cues to show you exactly what you need, so suggestions and online search gets quite effective.
3. When you’re booking something, usually enrolling as a member gets 10-15% discounts. Do that, but before you pay up!
4. Be slightly flexible with dates if possible.
5. Check out special opening offers in new hotels.

Evaluate Options

Usually the Deals or Offers tab on a website will show you packages for weekends for various category of rooms – possibly including the following:

1. Meals apart from included breakfast
2. Club/Lounge access
3. Pick up & Drop from residence
4. Choice of Spa massage
5. Late checkout – possibly until 6pm
6. Hotel credit – that can be redeemed at restaurant, bar or spa

And Book It Off!

Check your schedule, prioritize your preferences. Be it a spa or an amazing Thai restaurant or both, select and book it off! Taj Westend, JW Marriott Bangalore, The Oberoi Bengaluru, Courtyard by Marriott ORR are some of the properties I have checked out for staycation – but a lot of hotels offer it these days. The budget you could look at is anywhere between INR 7000 – INR 20000 depending on the what indulgence and inclusions you’re looking at.

Our Experience

We booked ourselves for a staycation at The Oberoi, Bengaluru. Tapash and I love the property and booked it off for a quiet weekend. We had a car pick us up and the seamless in-room check-in had us in our room in no time. We caught up with our dear friend Pinky over some drinks at The Polo Club. And then it was just chilling in the gorgeous temperature-controlled pool – accessible only by residing guests. Dinner at Rim Naam was exquisite. Breakfast was at Le Jardin, it was a busy Sunday. Our package also included spas, so both of us indulged in relaxing body massages and spa therapy. We checked out at about 6pm, and the hotel had their Mercedes from their new line of cars drop us to our residence. A weekend totally relaxed and well spent.

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