Spend less time planning a getaway and more time enjoying one this winter. These delightful digs—including a bohemian retreat on Long Island, a historic B&B in Connecticut, a boutique Cambridge hotel and something new just across the river in New Jersey—offer affordable rates on the weekend (not just Sunday-Thursday) and easy car-free access from New York City.
Jersey City, New Jersey
The Place: Westin Jersey City Newport
The Price: From $183
The Perks: Toss any preconceived notions of this town into the Hudson River. There’s a burgeoning restaurant scene, New York-worthy food trucks, a craft brewery, stunning views of the Manhattan skyline wherever you look, and now a place to unwind close to home, courtesy of Westin. The hotel also has an indoor pool and jacuzzi to relax in.
The Directions: Take the PATH train to Jersey City. One way is $2.75.
Greenport, New York
The Place: Greenporter Hotel
The Price: From $99/Queen room
The Perks: An inexpensive room means more money to spend on everything else, like beer at Greenport Harbor Brewing Company (order the $8 tasting for eight generous pours and a free pint glass), lunch by the fire at the Greenporter’s Cuvée Seafood & Grille, and dinner and Friskafellas at the Frisky Oyster. The eco-friendly Greenporter exudes relaxation and romance—make time for the outdoor hot tub—and is perfectly-situated near the Hampton Jitney drop-off in the heart of this historic maritime village.
The Directions: Take Hampton Jitney to Greenport. $21/one way.
Old Saybrook, Connecticut
The Place: The Pratt House
The Price: From $135/weekend night
The Perks: Sometimes you come across a town that reminds you why weekend getaways exist. Old Saybrook, with its unabashed charm, pristine beaches, mom and pop shops, and intimate jazz nights, is one of those places. The Pratt House, built in 1746, will help you shed the habit of moving fast as you savor a great home-cooked breakfast and go for a leisurely ride on the inn’s free bikes.
The Directions: The Metro-North New Haven Line stops at Old Saybrook Station 1 mile from the B&B. Transportation provided to/from B&B. One way on Metro North is $6.75.
Newport, Rhode Island
The Place: The Francis Malbone House
The Price: From $169
The Perks: Like Paris, Newport is always a good idea. Perhaps especially in winter, when the festive holiday spirit oozes well into the New Year, locals stroll the narrow cobblestone streets, and after a day by the sea, touring mansions and skirting brisk beautiful beaches, there’s no place you’d rather be in the world than a cozy waterfront restaurant like The Mooring, lapping up clam chowder by a roaring fire. At The Francis Malbone House, luxurious chambers, a breakfast feast (think eggs Florentine, mixed berry crepes, blueberry ricotta pancakes), afternoon tea, and daily baked items—from cookies and lemon squares to grilled pizza and homemade soups—are alone worth a trip up to Rhode Island.
The Directions: Take Peter Pan Bus. Tickets are $40/roundtrip.
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Place: Hotel Marlowe
The Price: From $151
The Perks: Perched on the banks of the Charles River, Marlowe has all of the Kimpton hotel perks (complimentary wine hours, bikes, a light carbon footprint, $10 mini bar credit, yoga mat), plus crafty cocktails and bites at Bambara and stylish rooms with Boston views.
The Directions: Take Megabus to South Station in Boston. Tickets range from $3/one way to $20/one way.
Photos: Respective hotels. Lead photo: Hotel Marlowe.
The co-founder and editor-at-large at offMetro, Lauren is a sustainable travel specialist and freelance journalist with frequent bylines in National Geographic, Bicycling Magazine and Shape. Follow Lauren’s adventures at @laurenmati.
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