Need to recharge but don’t have any annual leave left? A romantic staycation is the perfect solution. Here are our top 5 tips on a romantic relaxing holiday in your own city.
Just because you’re spending time with your partner doesn’t mean it’s quality time, which is the important thing. Because Mrs Romance and I work together, we spend most days with each other.
But we realised that we’re still lacking good quality romantic time together. Those times when we step away from the house, stop talking about all the everyday things and find time to connect.
Usually we tend to think this only happens when we’re on a holiday. We think we need a lot of time away to create that environment. But a simple night away on the weekend with a romantic staycation in your own city is all it can take.
That one night’s staycation helps you to switch off and can make it feel like you’ve been away for longer. There’s no stress of travel and not much to plan.
Here are our five tips for organising a romantic staycation that will feel better than a weeklong holiday.
How to have the perfect romantic staycation
1. Pick a great hotel
You’re only staying one night, so you can afford to pay a little bit more. Most city hotels are busier Monday to Friday so you can negotiate a great rate for a Saturday night, so it’s a win-win.
Pro tip:
Booking last minute can often result in some good discounts. Check out this mobile-only app called Hotel Tonight that offers unique last-minute discounts in hotels across the globe.
2. Ask for a late check out
Again, city hotels aren’t as busy at the weekend, so you’re more likely to be able to keep your room for longer on the Sunday. A sleep-in is the ultimate way to recharge. There’s nothing better than coming back from your hotel breakfast buffet to be able to get back into bed and relax for a few extra hours.
Pro tip:
If there’s no late check out or if you want to stick around longer – get the hotel to hold your bags for you so you can spend the rest of the day out and about.
3. Plan your activities together
You might love museums but your partner wants to be out in nature, so try and find a compromise. It’s only overnight so don’t feel like you have to overload your schedule either.
Pro tip:
Check with your hotel’s concierge or website. Many hotels have affiliated offers with local attractions. See what discounts might be available through the hotel.
4. Enjoy the perks of a hotel concierge
If you’re booking a good hotel, one of the perks is a great concierge. Tell them it’s the special occasion and ask for their help and advice to organise something special for Saturday night. They can get tables at booked out restaurants and tickets to sold out shows so you don’t need to worry about anything.
Pro tip:
Top quality hotels often have an executive level too. You might be able to upgrade (in places like Bangkok they love upgrading you to this level). Executive levels have things like express check in and check out, and also even better connections than the regular concierge.
5. Treat yourself
Check in to the hotel as early as you can and make an appointment with the hotel spa for a massage – for both of you of course. A massage will ensure you feel relaxed right from the start and really make the most of your 24-hour staycation.
Pro tip:
Even if it’s too early to check in, you should be able to book a treatment before your room’s ready. Not a bad way to start your staycation!
If you are in Sydney, here’s our list of our favourite hotels to stay or you can often find lots of savings on local hotels by searching through hotels.com.
If you’ve never had a staycation before, be spontaneous and book a stay for next weekend. Your partner will love it and so will you!
Don’t forget to play tourist in your own city as well – here are our tips for that!
Have you ever tried going on staycation? How did you find it? Tell us in the comments!
