Spring deals at National Park lodges: Olympic NP and Death Valley

Lake Crescent Lodge specials:

 Aramark has the new concession contract for Lake Crescent Lodge and they are offering its Grand Opening Special in conjunction with the season opening on May 7, 2010. From opening day to June 15, 2010, guests can book lodging for as low as $79 a night plus taxes and fees for a total savings of up to 27 percent.

For more information about lodging and activities at Lake Crescent Lodge, or to book the Grand Opening Special, please call (866) 297-7367 or visit www.olympicnationalparks.com. Promo code: OPENRATE.

The cheap rate special is for the main lodge room, charming small rooms with shared bathrooms (each room has a sink); there is a $129 rate for queen size rooms with views in some of the one-story motel-like units. Ask for the rooms facing the lake, although these motel units are my least favorite.

I always recommend staying at the main lodge if you don't mind sharing a bath; Singer Tavern units (queen, $192 plus tax or a two room cottage $222 plus tax); or the Roosevelt Fireplace Cottages with kitchen (booked at this time), but you can check for other dates. Always ask about other promotions when you make your reservation.

Bring your rain gear, but don't fret about the weather. This is paradise!

This photo was taken by David M.Morris and appears in Great Lodges of the National Parks, Volume Two

READ MY FEBRUARY POST ON LAKE CRESCENT LODGE.

Death Valley deals, too
 If you love the heat, this could be for you:

Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley is offering its  summer season special on its year-round Stay and Play golf package with savings up to 16 percent now through May 8 and up to 38 percent off winter-season rates from May 9 through Oct. 7, 2010. 

The Stay and Play package at the Furnace Creek Resort includes accommodations for two people, one day of unlimited golf, club storage and electric cart rental for the first 18 holes. The per-night rate at the Ranch at Furnace Creek is $232 from April 19 through May 8 and the rate at the Inn at Furnace Creek is $387 per night. On May 9, the same day the Inn closes for the summer season, the Ranch drops package rates even more to $169 per night.

Note from the lodge lady: The Ranch is nice and a good alternative to the pricier Inn. It's ideal for family with a big pool. The golf course is on the dry side, but as the lowest elevation course in the US, it does have novel elements. (Why they have changed the names to Inn at Furnace Creek and Ranch at Furnace Creek is beyond me!) 


By the way, Furnace Creek Inn is one of the National Trust's Historic Hotels of America.  

READ MY MARCH POST ON FURNACE CREEK INN