senior-spectrum.com

Hotel Offers a Major Senior Discount — Free Rooms

Spectrum staff

There are senior discounts, and then there are senior discounts. For seniors planning a vacation to Florida, there’s one discount in particular that will be of interest.

But be forewarned — the deal is available only for the most senior of seniors.

An Orlando resort with an exceptionally long name, the Holiday Inn Family Suites Resort Lake Buena Vista, is offering free rooms to guests age 90 and older from now through the end of 2004.

The free-room deal, part of the resort’s SeniorSaver$ program, is good for a maximum of three nights per year.

For those who aren’t quite old enough to qualify, the resort offers discounted room rates for all guests over 50, with the deals getting sweeter after age 70 and even better after 80. There’s also a 10 percent discount on food and beverages purchased by seniors.

“Orlando has become the No. 1 destination for grandparents traveling with their grandchildren, and we think this program offers a unique way to welcome these ‘grandtravelers’ to our family-friendly property,” said Terry Whaples, managing partner of the resort.

The facility is very close to the Walt Disney World theme parks, and free transportation to the parks is offered.

For details, call toll-free 1-877-387-5437 or check the Web site www.hifamilysuites.com.

• HOTEL OR MUSEUM?: The Herald Square Hotel in New York City is both a hotel and a museum, housed in an ornate building which dates back to 1893, but featuring all the comforts travelers expect from a modern hotel. The building has the distinction of being the birthplace of the Gibson Girl, and was home of the original Life magazine. Visitors also know the 114-room hotel as a bargain, with room rates starting at just $65 a night. For information, call 1-800-727-1888 or check the Web site www.heraldsquarehotel.com.

• SLO MOTION: The San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau is trying to attract seniors to the scenic area by offering special deals for older adults. The bureau has a special area on its Web site where hotels, restaurants and other businesses can list senior specials on massages, golfing, theater outings and more. The site is at www.SanLuisObispoCounty.com — click on “Go SLO Deals” and then “Especially Seniors.” For a free travel guide, featuring details on Hearst Castle and other lures, check the Web site or call 1-800-634-1414.

• SMALL SAILING: If you’re looking for a cruise vacation but don’t like the idea of being on a huge ship, the Clipper Cruise Line may be for you. The line offers many cruises on ships carrying no more than 138 passengers, with itineraries taking travelers along both coasts of North America and throughout the world. For details, call 1-800-325-0010 or check www.clippercruise.com.

• NATIONAL PARK: If you’re planning on visiting a National Park any time soon, make sure to first pick up a copy of “Expedition America — A National Park Odyssey.” The book, researched by Stevie and Terry Halbert during their year-long tour through the parks in a Volkswagen camper, includes valuable personal insights along with reference materials like maps, average temperature listings and other details. The book comes in a zippered binder that makes it especially convenient for on-the-road reference. The book sells for about $25, and is available by calling (208) 543-6048 or ordering through the Web site www.nationalparkodyssey.com.