Bring Out Your Romantic Romeo (or Juliet) This Valentine’s Day

February 13, 2007 -- Being romantic sure seemed easy in Shakespeare’s world. But in the modern world, with such demands as business trips, long commutes home from work and sports practice with the kids, busy couples hardly have the time for adult conversation – let alone a little cuddling. In fact, Americans are looking forward to escaping their demanding schedules for a weekend whether they have kids or not, according to the “Romance in America” survey conducted on behalf of Doubletree® Hotels.

Today most Americans desire a few days away with the one they love. As a matter of fact, Americans today are looking for more than the traditional gifts as an expression of romance. Half (50 percent) of Americans with children and a majority of couples without kids (37 percent) say a weekend escape is the best Valentine’s Day gift.

“With the daily demands of a busy lifestyle, it’s challenging to plan and celebrate the special occasions near to your – or your significant other’s – heart in a unique and romantic way,” said Ronnie Kaiser, senior director of brand marketing for Doubletree. “When, or if, we have the time to plan a weekend getaway, there’s the added pressure of planning a romantic dinner and excursions that are both intimate and fun.”

Doubletree Hotels come to the rescue of busy couples with an easy, convenient and fun gift to extend the romance past Valentine’s Day with their Sweet Romance Getaway™ package. Available at more than 180 relaxing hotels and resorts throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America, couples who book a Doubletree Sweet Romance Getaway receive deluxe accommodations for two; early check-in and late check-out (upon request, based on availability); a bottle of sparkling wine* or sparkling cider delivered to room upon arrival and breakfast served in-room or at the hotel restaurant. Guests who extend their trips beyond one night can also purchase one lunch or dinner entrée and get a second of equal or lesser value free on additional night stays.**

One of the unique ways the Doubletree Sweet Romance Getaway takes the extra step out of planning quality time together is through a unique Sweet Romance Selections menu, provided to guests upon check-in. The menu, which is developed with recommendations by employees at each Doubletree hotel, is an easy-to-read resource that provides couples with a local guide to romantic hot spots and activities in the area.

Doubletree also has taken some extra steps to remind today’s couples of reasons to celebrate romance on their Sweet Romance Getaway website at  www.doubletree.com/romance. From this romance resource, couples can rediscover 10 top occasions to celebrate romance, 10 easy ways to show your care about the one you love as well as 10 romantic Doubletree destinations to enjoy a Sweet Romance Getaway across North America.

For those business professionals who might be away on Valentine’s Day or another romantic occasion, the year-round Doubletree Sweet Romance Getaway makes it possible for couples to plan that special time together when it fits their schedules.

Doubletree Sweet Romance Getaway rates are per room, per night for standard room accommodations and amenities are upon request, based on availability. Participating hotels, rates and dates of availability may vary and are subject to change. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offer, award or meeting/group stay. Travel agent commission will be applied to paid nights of stay only. Please mention booking code ROM when booking your Sweet Romance Getaway reservation.

To make a romance reservation anytime throughout the year, couples can visit our Sweet Romance Getaway website at www.doubletree.com/romance, contact their local travel professional or call 1-800-222-TREE in the U.S. or Canada.

About the Romance in America Survey
Kelton Research (an independent research firm) conducted the second-annual Romance in America Survey on behalf of Doubletree Hotels between January 21-24, 2005 using Random Digit Dialing of both listed and unlisted telephone numbers. One thousand individuals were interviewed. Quotas are set on completed interviews by four variables: age, sex, geographic region and race, to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population, 18 years of age and older.

* -- Subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age .

** -- At Doubletree Club locations, extra nights include breakfast each morning in place of the lunch or dinner offer.

SOURCE Doubletree Hotels