Jump on One of These 10 Incredible Labor Day Travel Deals
Rates starting at about $100 a night, a third night free and a $200 resort credit are among the deals that can still be booked last-minute across the U.S.
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Photo By: Mission Point Resort
Photo By: Bob Winsett
Photo By: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
Photo By: Geyserville Inn
Photo By: Time Nyack
Photo By: Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
Photo By: Williamsburg Inn
Photo By: Getaway
Photo By: Barnsley Resort
Photo By: Mission Point Resort
Photo By: KenWiedemann
Falling on the first Monday in September, Labor Day has come to symbolize the end of summer vacation, one last hurrah to swim in the salty ocean, road trip with the windows down and maximize the late sunsets. But the holiday's roots stem from a time when the average American worked long hours seven days a week. It became a federal holiday in 1894, officially recognizing a day off for laborers. For 2019, those who waited until the last minute to plan a trip around September 2 can take advantage of one of these Labor Day deals across the U.S., most of which are within a two-hour drive from major metropolitan areas. Note that these deals were available at the time of writing.
From Denver
Breckenridge is best known as a quaint ski resort at the base of the Rockies, but like many ski towns it also makes for an ideal summer escape. This year Beaver Run Resort, less than two hours from Denver, is holding its first Breckenridge Yoga Fest from Aug. 31-Sept. 1. As such, the event, in conjunction with locally based Meta Yoga Studios, is offering area lodging starting at $115 a night, and 10 percent off yoga tickets after securing a place to stay. A two-day adult pass runs $265 before the discount, but that gets you four classes a day and plenty of fresh mountain air.
From Philadelphia
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina offers everything a family could want in a long weekend, from an 18-hole golf course to a full-service spa. Plus, the resort’s waterfront setting near Chesapeake Bay instantly transports you to vacation mode. Numerous dining options vary from enjoying freshly caught seafood overlooking the water to poolside snacks, taking the guesswork out of where to eat. The four-star property starts at $212 a night during the Labor Day holiday; rooms booked for $409 a night also offer a $200 per day resort credit with a minimum two-night stay. Hyatt is also offering 20 percent off rooms booked before August 27 for stays through September 2, but this can’t be combined with the resort credit deal.
From San Francisco
Sonoma County is always a good idea, especially for San Franciscans who can reach it under two hours. Here, the Geyserville Inn makes an ideal base for wine tasting as it’s located between Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley, both known for a wide variety of high-quality wineries. Geyserville Inn has also wrapped a $2 million renovation that updated its 38 rooms. For Labor Day, guests can enjoy a third night free, allowing more time to enjoy features like the on-site pool. It also allows more time to visit the compact downtown that’s within walking distance, nearby Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Lake Sonoma.
From New York City
While the Catskills are a popular weekend escape, the Hudson Valley is closer to NYC and also delivers in the pretty getaway category. About an hour north of the city, Nyack resides along the Hudson River, and offers a walkable downtown filled with boutiques and restaurants — enough to fill a long weekend. As of 2016 the town also offers the Time Nyack hotel, a boutique property housed in a former factory warehouse. Expect stylish digs and an outdoor pool. In time for Labor Day, the hotel is offering a package that includes breakfast, round-trip train tickets from NYC on Metro North and a $10 drink voucher — with rates starting as low as $129 a night.
From Phoenix
If you can stand Arizona heat in August, then it’s hard to overlook Labor Day prices starting at little more than a $100 a night at the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. Plus, the four-star property is celebrating its 90th birthday this year. Since this hotel is under the Hilton umbrella, Hilton Honors members can score the best prices. Take note that the daily resort fee covers a two-hour bike rental, use of the fitness center, putting course access and more. And those eating at the Biltmore have three dining choices and a traditional afternoon tea option. Days can also be spent enjoying the 22,000-square-foot spa and eight(!) pools — so there’s little reason to complain about the heat.
From Washington, D.C.
Family-favorite Colonial Williamsburg is offering two packages that apply to the Williamsburg Inn, Griffin Hotel, Colonial Houses, Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection and Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites. The Summer Getaway package can be booked until August 31 and is valid until September 3; at Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites, for example, prices start under $200 a night, with rates closer to $100 a night in the week leading up to Labor Day. Plus, the package includes a three-day pass to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country, a coupon booklet worth $350 to Colonial Williamsburg Resorts Outlet, a free golf and tennis clinic and more. Alternatively, a Fall Getaway package is available starting September 1 and includes 15 percent off hotels, two free passes to Colonial Williamsburg, and many of the same offers as the summer savings package.
Nationwide
Those craving a Marie Kondo-style respite should look no further than Getaway, a company specializing in tiny wood cabins outside of large cities. Prices start as low as $99 a night depending on the location, and students get an additional 15 percent off the total price. Tiny cabin getaways are currently available near Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, Portland and Washington, D.C. While the cabins are small in size, they’re comfortably equipped with a modern kitchen (complete with a two-burner stove, sink and small fridge), private bathroom with a shower and hot water, and a queen-size bed that encourages sleeping in. Don’t expect a TV, but a large picture window framing mother nature is all the entertainment that’s needed.
From Atlanta
The four-star Barnsley Resort is a sprawling 3,000-acre retreat located about an hour from Atlanta. The grand size makes it possible to go horseback riding (the most popular activity), with guided rides lasting 90 minutes. Hiking, biking, fly fishing and kayaking are among the other outdoorsy activities. The grounds are also home to the Barnsley Museum, where you can learn about the original Barnsley family, whose original manor home on the property (now in ruins) dates back to the 1840s and played a role in the Civil War. Not least, there’s even a Jim Fazio-designed golf course, plus a spa and beer garden on site. While not the cheapest deal available, the resort is offering 20 percent off in celebration of its 20th anniversary. This even applies to bookings made through September 9 as long as the reservation is completed by August 31. Rates start at $305 a night during the Labor Day holiday.
From Detroit
Granted, car-free Mackinac Island in Michigan takes longer than two hours to reach by car and ferry from the Detroit area, but consider that this laid-back throwback is only open through October. And it’s here that you’ll find Mission Point Resort, an 18-acre lakefront property that feels unchanged from an era when families would spend entire summers away. A movie theater, swimming pool, five restaurants, spa and salon, 18-hole putting course, bike rentals and croquet are a sampling of the many amenities. Plus, 2019 debuted a new coffee shop and rooms that benefitted from a $10 million renovation. For Labor Day, Mission Point is offering a deal that includes three nights, daily breakfast and round-trip ferry tickets starting at just $424 a person based on double occupancy — but you have to call 231-715-4900 to nab this special.
Nationwide
Surprise travel companies are growing in popularity — a trend that allows you to specify parameters, and the company then surprises you with the destination. What makes this a particularly good deal is that you can choose your budget, which starts at $400 a person for hotel and transportation with Pack Up + Go. The company specializes in three-day trips around the U.S.; to arrange one, simply hop online, answer a survey with your trip dates, interests, preferences and budget, and the company does the rest, from providing trip research to planning activities. It sends basic logistics a week before, such as what to pack and where to depart from, and the actual surprise envelope arrives a few days beforehand. Of course, the real fun happens when you’re finally allowed to reveal the surprise destination at your departure location. Sample destinations include Portland, Maine (pictured), San Diego and Miami.