Photo courtesy of Hotel Esencia.
The only thing more oppressive than waiting for summer to arrive is the number of days between now and the next long weekend. We know: All you want is to sit by a pool (or, better yet, the ocean) with a cocktail in hand, and your iPhone nowhere in sight.
Thankfully, paradise is calling -- and you don't have to wait for that elusive summer Friday to answer it. Whether you dream of hitting somewhere exotically remote or pine for a classically preppy locale -- or if you simply want a change in urban scenery -- it's surprisingly easy to book a quick, last-minute getaway without drawing up a new budget for your real, mid-August vacation plans.
We've rounded up 12 destinations that you can typically get to from NYC for around $500 or less, and a selection of accommodations for each spot. That trip you've been pining for is a simple, guilt-free click away.
Photo courtesy of La Fonda on the Plaza.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Offering a multitude of both outdoor and cultural activities, Santa Fe is a hot, year-round tourist destination. Honor New Mexico's multicultural spirit by exploring the indigenous art scene and enjoying the iconic southwestern architecture.
Splurge: La Fonda on the Plaza
The only Santa Fe hotel centrally located on the historic plaza, La Fonda provides guests with an authentic New Mexican experience. The hotel offers luxury services and is regarded as one of the best in the city. It's also a historic landmark, and the location is said to have operated as an inn since the 1600s.
Save: The Bobcat Inn
This family owned bed and breakfast sits on a gorgeous 10-acre southwestern estate. The Bobcat Inn is a unique alternative to typical lodging options. Its welcoming atmosphere provides the perfect place to settle in for a relaxing and peaceful vacation.
Photo courtesy of Rex/Shutterstock.
Los Angeles, California
Flights from New York to LAX can be found for as little as $230 roundtrip, which makes it an especially attractive destination. Of course, cheap fares are just one reason to visit L.A. The allure of all things Hollywood, the consistently gorgeous weather, the amazing beaches, and the super chic dining and shopping scenes are a few more.
Splurge: The Mondrian L.A. is perched in the hills of West Hollywood, right on Sunset Boulevard in the center of the action. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, but the real draw is the pool deck, which is so sexy and scenic even locals like to hang there. By night, it's a great spot for drinks -- though you may prefer to wander over to the infamous Chateau Marmont, which is just a few blocks away.
Steal: Of course, like any major city, L.A. has plenty of super cheap chain hotels, Airbnbs, and a selection of decent hostels. But for something a little more unique, try Mama Shelter, a hip and affordable new spot near Hollywood Boulevard.
Photo courtesy of Hilton Hotels.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Jamaica's big, northwestern beach city of Montego Bay is a jewel all its own, but it also features the closest airport to the popular East coast beach town of Negril. Whichever tropical locale you choose, you'll be replacing the clatter and grind of the New York City subway with an infectiously laid-back soundtrack of reggae and dancehall music.
Splurge: The Hilton Rose Hall, Montego Bay
All you need to pack is your bikini. Here, an all-inclusive stay offers three daily meals, drinks, access to a private beach, a poolside concierge service, and water sports.
Save: The Rockhouse, Negril
We can't decide which is most amazing: the secluded patios, the outdoor showers, the incredible spa, or the unbelievably reasonable price.
Photo courtesy of Chameleon's Eye/Rex/Shutterstock.
Mexico City, Mexico
If you'd rather encounter Frida Kahlo on her native turf than at the New York Botanical Garden, here's your chance to see her home and dedicated museum in the festive Coyoacán neighborhood -- not to mention an opportunity to dive into the Distrito Federal's bustling, world-renowned restaurant and street-food scene.
Splurge: Las Alcobas
Traditionalists might go for the Four Seasons D.F. or the St. Regis, but we're all about this boutique hotel in Polanco. Enjoy luxury spa services, dine at its seasonal, locally sourcing eatery, and take in panoramic views of the streetscape from the corner rooms' king-sized beds.
Save: The Red Tree House
This 1930s artists' hideaway turned cozy guesthouse (with a complimentary daily breakfast that Serious Eats writer Daniel Gritzer says "[is] worth whatever digestive real estate you can spare") makes annual appearances on best-of lists. Also: It offers lower rates for solo travelers.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Esencia.
Cancún, Mexico
Because everyone you know just got back from Tulum, is in Tulum, or is talking about going to Tulum, which is about an hour and a half away from the Cancún airport. Pick something slightly closer to feel the vibe sooner and to maximize your beach time.
Splurge: Hotel Esencia
Our ideal non-agenda: Traipsing around the ocean-facing pool deck in our complimentary Havaianas after sunrise yoga and a Lime Ritual purifying body treatment.
Save: Krystal Hotel and Resort, Cancún
Skip the all-inclusive option and book only the room at this sprawling resort, then spend the entire weekend watching the waves crash from its beachside pool.
Photo courtesy of Kylie McLaughlin/Getty Images.
Austin, Texas
Swap North Brooklyn's scenery for this laid-back art-and-music hub. When you get back, let us know whose barbecue you like best.
Splurge: The Kimber Modern
Architects (and Dwell magazine) approve of this design-savvy downtown favorite. Unwind in style in the hotel's impeccably appointed, sun-drenched digs after catching a show in the nearby 2nd Street District.
Save: The Casa Kenwood Guesthouses
Walk from these bungalow-style retreats (woodsy, pristine views included) into Austin's hip South Congress corridor, known for its variety of shopping, food, and entertainment.
Photo courtesy of Nicolas Kipourax Paquet/Getty Images.
Montreal, Canada
If you're growing tired of New York's blue Citi Bikes, pack your helmet and head north to Montreal, where you can explore the city on its popular gray Bixi cycles. With more than 200 miles of bike paths, it's the perfect place to tour on wheels.
Splurge: Le Petit Hôtel Montreal
You won't find anything like Old Montreal in the five boroughs. Stay at this sleek boutique hotel nestled in the historic district and take a spin around the Old Port on its incredibly cute (and free!) first-come, first-serve set of bicycles.
Save: Hôtel Bonaventure Montréal
Forget the crowded dance floors of the Meatpacking District. Nestled amid Montreal's cultural center is the Hôtel Bonaventure, boasting the city's secret treasure of a (year-round!) rooftop pool, complete with blissful chaises lounges for napping.
Photo courtesy of Danita Delimont/Getty Images.
Denver, Colorado
If one too many downtown pub crawls has got you down, maybe it's time to tap the Rockies. Fly west to Denver, the land of perfect temperatures, endless summer sunshine, and a thousand craft breweries.
Splurge: Denver Hotel Monaco
Book the Happy Hour promotion and receive two cocktails daily. We particularly love that they furnish the brightly patterned rooms with luxe Frette linens.
Save: Renaissance Denver Downtown
Relax after a long day of hiking (or sightseeing) in the gorgeous Colorado National Bank landmark building, which comes decorated with its original murals and 19th-century details.
Photo courtesy of Hilton Hotels.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Trade your Rihanna-heavy radio rotation for a taste of the sassy singer's Caribbean home country, known for its rum, diving sites, and pristine beaches. The flight to paradise is a mere five hours.
Splurge: The Hilton Barbados
With its Eforea Spa (complete with the Caribbean's first quartz-sand bed for treatments), the swanky Hilton, situated on scenic Needham's Point, is your best bet on Bridgetown's beach corridor.
Save: Infinity on the Beach Hotel
We're looking forward to spending an entire weekend sans shoes at this mid-rise hotel, which opens right onto the picturesque Dover Beach.
Photo courtesy of Hyannis Holiday Motel.
Hyannis, Massachusetts
Transplant yourself from JFK International Airport to the site of the Kennedy family's vacation compound in just over an hour. Stay there for a classic Cape Cod vacation or, for the full Jackie O. experience, hop on the ferry to Nantucket Island.
Splurge: The Wauwinet Hotel
From its adorably shingled exterior and wicker chaise loungers to its extensive concierge services, everything about this secluded Nantucket stalwart is tailored to perfection.
Save: Hyannis Holiday Motel
Watch the ferries set sail from the harbor-view rooms at this family-owned motel, just a 15-minute walk from idyllic Keyes Beach.
Photo courtesy of The Thompson Chicago.
Chicago, Illinois
Millennium Park, the Bean, the architecture, the hot dogs -- late spring and early summer is the most hospitable time for New Yorkers to make a Windy City escape.
Splurge: The Thompson Chicago
Ask for a room on the north side of this award-winning Gold Coast hotel for a view of Lake Michigan, and book its City Summer Camp package for guided farmers'-market tours, paddleboarding, private tennis lessons, and curated ice cream crawls. All you have to do is tear yourself away from the Sferra bedding to start exploring.
Save: Longman & Eagle
This farm-to-table gastropub in friendly Logan Square has the perfect (pocket-friendly) solution for customers who spend a long night at its top-shelf whiskey bar: Simply head upstairs to its six design-conscious, Apple TV-equipped rooms. Plan to stay there, and you'll be at the center of all the action.
Photo courtesy of Friedrich Schmidt/Getty Images.
Savannah, Georgia
Sure, Gramercy Park is gorgeous, but unless you know someone, it's nearly impossible to get a key. Consider Savannah a city of equally beautiful green spaces, open to the public, accented with Spanish moss and framed by a charming array of historic buildings.
Splurge: Andaz Savannah
Whether you spend all day exploring downtown or sunning on Tybee Island, we think a dip in the Andaz's terrace pool is the perfect sunset treat.
Save: The Catherine Ward House
All the rooms have fireplaces (and most still work), and many have their own porches. After you devour a scrumptious breakfast, you'll feel like an honorary Georgian.
By: Elyse Moody & John Gleim
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