Father’s Day Gift Guide 2012: Luxury Hotel Specials

Father's Day is in less than a month, and while it tends to be overshadowed by Mother's Day, who said fathers don't enjoy a great getaway in a luxury or boutique hotel, especially if paired with a fine meal? We've done the work for you and found some great deals in six cities, which we've also paired with dining ideas. Note that all hotels are first come, first served, and you must be a TravelSort member (it's easy and free to request membership) to book these special Father's Day deals.

New York

The Setai Fifth Avenue + Dinner at The NoMad

The Setai is a class act. From the most spacious standard rooms in the city and your own personal assistant, to the no set check-in or check-out time and complimentary minibar, you'll enjoy service the way it should be–personalized to your needs. Request this hotel through our contact form. Savor a drink at the bar, where live jazz plays nightly, before going out to dinner at one of the hottest new tables in town: The NoMad, from 3 Michelin star chef Daniel Humm (of Eleven Madison Park). But reserve quickly–reservations are going fast!

Mondrian SoHo + Brunch at Five Points

If the dad in your life prefers the liveliness of SoHo, surprise him with a weekend at the Mondrian SoHo, with its modern yet comfortable blue and white decor. Although standard rooms are small, beds are comfortable, bath amenities are Malin and Goetz, and every room comes with its own iPad. Floor to ceiling windows afford great views from many of the rooms on high floors. In the morning, give the hotel restaurant a miss and head instead to Five Points in Noho for a hearty brunch: roasted farm eggs with polenta, ricotta cheese and chunky tomato sauce from the wood fired oven, flat iron steak served with a cheddar scone and eggs, lemon ricotta pancakes or churros with a hot mexican chocolate for dunking.

Miami

Mandarin Oriental Miami + Cafe Sambal

The Mandarin Oriental Miami occupies a prime position on Brickell Key, with lovely water views from many rooms and from the spa's luxurious spa suites. Even standard rooms are a spacious 400 square feet, and marble bathrooms offer a soaking tub and separate glass shower. While the pool area is small, the manmade beach is lovely for relaxing and sunbathing. For dads and couples seeking a tranquil oasis, and not the party scene of South Beach, the Mandarin Oriental Miami offers welcome respite. For dinner, treat dad to Asian fare at Cafe Sambal: perhaps some spicy Korean-style Kobe Skirt Steak, Honey Miso Charred Sea Bass, or Singapore Chile Prawns.

The Biltmore + Sunday Champagne Brunch

The Biltmore, set on 150 lush acres in Coral Gables, is a must if dad is into golf, with one of the most picturesque championship courses in greater Miami. Or, if dad prefers tennis, the Biltmore also offers lighted tennis courts. Don't miss the stunning pool, where private cabanas are available to rent, or a twilight walk around the romantic Mediterranean-style courtyard and fountains. Request this hotel through our contact form. Champagne brunch is an elaborate affair, with carving stations offering prime rib, spiced leg of lamp, roast pork and fresh fish; omelettes, eggs benedict, sushi made to order; Alaskan king crab, oysters, caviar and blini, countless gourmet salads and desserts, a chocolate fondue fountain and more.

Los Angeles

Shangri-La Santa Monica + Tar & Roses

An art deco gem lovingly restored, the Shangri-La Santa Monica is in a great location perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, just a 10 minute walk down to the beach and close to the Third Street promenade and great dining options. The pool and jacuzzi area is lovely, and the rooftop bar is popular with hip locals. While the Dining Room at the Shangri-La is quite good, we'd recommend trying out Tar & Roses for new American small plates such as whole roasted branzino with Meyer lemon risotto, braised lamb belly, balsamic glazed ribs, and ricotta gnocchi. Finish off with strawberry ricotta crostata with honeycomb ice cream.

San Francisco

Clift Hotel + Gary Danko

Clift Hotel is a Morgan Hotel, so expect hip, sensual and dim, dramatic interiors with a cozy fireplace in the lobby. The hotel is conveniently located near Union Square and Market Street, with many shopping and dining options. Rooms are quite small, but bathrooms are a treat, with excellent shower water pressure and Malin and Goetz bath amenities. Note that the hotel's bar, the Redwood Room, is a local hotspot and tends to get packed weekend nights with San Francisco's pretty young things. Request this hotel through our contact form. For a special dinner, we'd wholeheartedly recommend Gary Danko, if you can still manage to get reservations. As far as we're concerned, it remains the top fine dining spot in all of San Francisco.

Chicago

The James Hotel + Sunday Brunch at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Just a 5 minute walk from Michigan Avenue, The James is a boutique hotel that with modern design and superb service. Enjoy fantastically comfortable beds, Kiehl's bath amenities and nightly turndown service that includes a sweet treat. Take advantage of the hotel's town car, an Audi Q7, which if available will drop you off at most any downtown location. Request this hotel through our contact form. For Sunday brunch, it's hard to do better than Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, despite it being a chain. Brunch specials include the lump crab cake bendict and house moked Norwegian salmon with scrambled eggs, or you can get one of the lunch specials: a 3 course meal of soup, 6 oz. filet mignon with potatoes and grilled tomato and banana cream pie for dessert is just $24.95.

Boston

The Colonnade Hotel + The Capital Grille

The Colonnade Hotel is the only Boston hotels with a rooftop pool (opens for the summer season to hotel guests starting May 25), and enjoys a great location in the heart of the Back Bay, right next to the Prudential Center and a T Stop, just two blocks to Newbury Street shopping and walking distance Fenway Park and the Boston Public Garden. Rooms offer plush Sealy pillowtop mattresses, marble baths with rain showers, 37 inch flat screen LCD TVs, and plenty of power outlets for devices (one of our pet peeves, at hotels with insufficient or inaccessible power outlets). While one could certainly splash out on French cuisine at nearby L'Espalier, we think dad might be happier with a succulent steak at The Capital Grille, or, if he's not a meat eater, the Citrus Glazed Salmon and the Lobster Mac ‘n' Cheese.