BudgetTravel

The Real Deal: A stay at the boutique Hotel Carlton, culturally themed events, and a 15% discount at the hotel restaurant from $109 nightly

When: Nov. 1, 2005 - Mar. 31, 2006

Details: The $109 nightly rate is based on double occupancy, with a minimum two-night stay. Additional 14% hotel taxes apply

Contact: Carlton Hotel, 1075 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94109, 800-922-7586, hotelcarltonsf.com

An historic 1927 building renovated in 2004, the Hotel Carlton lies in the lower part of tony Nob Hill. Its 167 rooms are arrayed with 1930s and '40s-style furnishings and evocative Eastern touches (Buddha busts, carved dark wood, red and gold fabrics). A private collection of photographs, courtesy of the American Himalayan Foundation, hangs in the rooms and public spaces. For each night's stay, guests are entitled to one culturally themed event of their choosing, cleverly tailored to one of San Francisco's ethic enclaves. The six options are:

Japanese: Communal baths at Kabuki Springs & Spa in Japantown

Latin: Peruvian and Latino Nuevo Fusion Cuisine at Limon in the Mission

Irish/World: Live Celtic Music and drinks at the Plough & Stars in Richmond

Chinese: Traditional tea service at Chinatown's Imperial Tea Court

Gay: Feature movie package at the historic Castro Theater in the Castro

Italian: Espresso and treats at Steps of Rome in North Beach's Little Italy

Also included is a 15% discount at Saha, the Carlton's Yemenese Arabic-influenced restaurant.

The package kicks off with live music nightly (Nov. 1 - 6), from Celtic to classical to Middle Eastern, in the lobby during a complimentary wine hour.

Getting There: Roundtrip airfare to San Francisco for the first weekend of November is currently pricing at $296 (JetBlue) from New York City; $224 (United) from Boston; $326 (ATA) from Chicago; $204 (Alaska Air) from Seattle; $282 (America West) from Phoenix