Combat the mid-winter doldrums with a mood-boosting getaway. We’ve rounded-up 7 hotels that offer plenty of amenities without requiring you to open your wallet too wide. If you’re concerned about planet earth as we forge into 2017, these properties are easy to reach without a car, so you may indulgently repose while keeping the carbon footprint light. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, these romantic retreats may be your ticket to paradise.
Hotel Fauchère, Milford, PA.
Only 75 miles from NYC sits the Hotel Fauchère, an exquisite inn situated in the heart of quaint Milford. Dining and shopping options abound, but if it’s nature you crave you’ve found your sweet spot. Each winter, hundreds of eagles migrate to the area, attracted by the fish-filled waters and undisturbed habitats of the Delaware River. The hotel’s Eagle Watching á la Fauchère package is offered in conjunction with experienced volunteers at The Upper Delaware Visitor Center. This weekend package includes a superior room for 2 nights, breakfast each morning, dinner for 2 in the Delmonico Room and a guided tour of the eagles in their natural splendor. The package usually costs $750 per couple, but off Metro readers will receive a special rate of $500 per couple for the 2-night package when they call 570-409-1212 and reference promo code OFFMETRO OFFER.
Get here:
The Short Line bus has multiple daily departures from Port Authority. You’ll be in Milford in two hours.
The Kennebunkport Resort Collection, Kennebunk, Maine
This February the Kennebunks transform into a romantic coastal Maine rendezvous for lovebirds as they roll out the red carpet during the Paint the Town Red festivities. Restaurants will feature discounted Red Plate Specials, pizza making, mixology classes, wine tastings and more. Red Tag Savings will also be offered throughout the month at participating shops, attractions and spas.
The Kennebunkport Resort Collection is offering the “Love KPT” lodging package that includes a two-night stay for two people at The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel (starting at $373) or the Kennebunkport Inn (starting at $405), arrival goodies of red wine and chocolate-covered strawberries, a three course dinner for two and a late check-out. The package is available from now through March 30, 2017. To book, visit the individual property’s website.
For the full scoop on the February festivities, visit www.lovethekennebunks.com.
Get here:
See our Boston Transportation Guide. From Boston’s North Station, catch Amtrak’s Downeaster train. The journey to Wells, Maine takes around 90 minutes. From Wells you may catch a taxi to Kennebunkport.
Wentworth By The Sea, New Castle, New Hampshire
Few hotels are as historically noteworthy as Wentworth By The Sea. The diplomats negotiating the Portsmouth Peace Treaty to end the Russo-Japanese War stayed here back in 1905. Celebs ranging from screen siren and mistress extraordinaire Gloria Swanson to jolly Prince Charles have stayed here, so you’ll be in excellent company. It’s a relaxing oasis with glorious sea views and a fabulous ocean-inspired spa. Book the Best Friend’s Spa Package and you’ll receive a two-night stay, elegant Champagne breakfast for two each morning, two $50 spa credits, wine and cheese upon arrival and more, starting at $279 per night based on double occupancy.
Get here:
Ride the C & J bus from Port Authority and you’ll arrive in Portsmouth in five hours. Catch a taxi for the quick ride to the Wentworth.
Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, MA.
The bucolic Berkshire Mountains provide an excellent respite when you need a shot of country in your urban existence. Quaint and cozy Stockbridge is where you’ll find the stately Red Lion Inn. This historic Main Street hotel is committed to eco-aware practices such as purchasing foodstuff from local purveyors, using green cleaning products and a comprehensive composting program. The Date Night package includes room, a $50 dining voucher and wine and chocolates starting at $210 midweek and $280 weekends.
Get here:
Peter Pan bus departs from Port Authority to the center of Stockbridge.
The Hyatt Place Washington, DC-National Mall
The Hyatt Place is a modern property right in the center of DC, but the Valentine’s Day Romance package may keep you and your sweetheart indoors. Book your stay for nights between February 11– February 18 and you’ll pay just $239, including an in-room romantic dinner for two. The menu for the evening will be a Surf & Turf dinner, a bottle of bubbly, and chocolate covered strawberries for the finale.
Get here:
See our Washington Public Transportation Guide.
Saybrook Point Inn, Saybrook, CT.
The Saybrook Point Inn and Spa faces the Long Island Sound on the Connecticut coast, so expect terrific views. The property takes green practices seriously and their eco-amenities include complimentary shuttle service to and from the train station in Old Saybrook, making getting here without a car no problem. The indoor saltwater pool is delightful, but it’s the spa that really shines. Play hooky from work on Monday and book the Sunday Spa Package. You’ll get a room, a $100 per person spa credit and late checkout on Monday starting at $379 nightly.
Get here:
Metro-North New Haven Line to New Haven and switch to a Shore Line East train to Old Saybrook. You may also ride Amtrak to Old Saybrook from Penn Station.
The Woodstock Inn, Woodstock Vermont
Outdoor enthusiasts should consider journeying to the Woodstock Inn in the Green Mountains for the Tubbs Snowshoes Trek Package. You’ll step into snowshoes for a wintery walk to rustic Mt. Tom log cabin for a fireside lunch prepared by the resort’s stellar culinary team. The package includes a room for 2 nights, daily farm-fresh breakfast, picnic lunch at the log cabin, rental equipment and more, staring at $443 per couple for the package.
Get here:
Take Amtrak from Penn Station to White River Junction, 14 miles from Woodstock. As an alternative the Dartmouth Coach departs from NYC to Hanover, NH, 20 miles away. The hotel concierge can arrange shuttle service from the station for a nominal fee.
Photo credits: Hotel Fauchere, Kennebunkport Inn, Red Lion Inn and the author
Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributes travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She is fluent in Italian and Spanish and laughably adequate in French. Her background as an Early Childhood Educator gives her an added understanding of what it takes to travel with kids in tow. She firmly believes that the most important part of education takes place outside of the classroom, on the road, around the world. She never misses a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. Follow Allison at @gourmetrav.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram