Couple holding hands at The Oceanside, a Coast Hotel

How to Create a Romantic Hotel Getaway

03/02/2021

Ask just about anyone and most people agree that they would rather have a memorable experience over a material object. It's no different when it comes to gift-giving. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, consider switching things up from the traditional flowers and chocolates. Instead, why not treat your special someone to a romantic getaway?

A truly special, memorable Valentine's Day (or any other special occasion, for that matter!) doesn't have to be difficult to plan or out of reach. The great news is that it's actually relatively simple to completely surprise your partner and sweep them off their feet. As the saying goes, it really is the thought that counts. Putting the extra effort into researching and planning romantic weekend getaways will surely impress.

Planning a couples retreat isn't quite like planning other types of vacations. Priorities are different than if you were travelling with young children or going on a business-leisure trip, and there are other things to take into consideration. To make planning and booking your romantic retreat simpler and more enjoyable, we're sharing our top tips.

Plan ahead for your couples retreat

Planning a couples getaway is not a time when you want to "wing it" or simply go with the flow. The goal is to sweep your partner off their feet, and one of the best ways to do that is to handle every detail ahead of time. Make all reservations well in advance, especially if your romantic retreat falls on a weekend or coincides with another holiday or busy time. Don't wait until the last minute if you have something in mind — get those plans finalized!

When you consider romantic weekend getaways, think beyond the basics of a romantic hotel and dinner. Schedule some activities you know your partner wants to try or that are meaningful to you as a couple. Perhaps it's taking skiing or snowboarding lessons together, a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through town, or getting couples' massages. If any of your plans, including the romantic getaway itself, are a surprise, consider recruiting the help of friends or family to create a diversion.

The final piece in planning weekend getaways for couples today is familiarizing yourself with travel-related COVID-19 precautions. Do your homework ahead of time so you know local restrictions, as well as where you can visit and eat.

strawberries and champagne on hotel room bed

It's all in the (romantic) details

There's something inherently romantic about a couples retreat at a hotel, but special little touches can make it feel even more special. Enhance the coziness of your romantic hotel with things like champagne, rose petals, bubble bath or bath salts, and chocolates. Create a special playlist ahead of time to set the mood, and consider bringing cards or a few favorite board games for an excuse to stay in.

Book a "room with a view"

A literal room with a view — whether it's of the ocean, mountains, lake, or city skyline — goes a long way in enhancing the ambiance during romantic weekend getaways. Splurging on a room upgrade often comes with additional perks besides just a great view, including a private balcony or patio, premium housekeeping or turndown service, and sometimes more luxurious beds and linens. If you're celebrating an extra-special occasion such as an engagement or anniversary, consider inquiring about honeymoon packages and other special VIP services for your romantic retreat.

Disconnect from the outside world

We live in a world that's increasingly connected and "plugged in," especially as more and more people work remotely. Although it may be easier said than done, commit to simply enjoying time with your loved one and staying off devices during your romantic getaway. Make an extra effort to wrap everything up work-wise before beginning your romantic weekend to minimize distractions and set up an email away message so you won't be disturbed. 

Take advantage of hotel amenities

Hotels have carefully-curated lists of amenities and services for a reason — for guests to take advantage of them! Find out if the hotel you choose for your couples getaway has a spa or restaurant onsite. Often, romantic hotel restaurants have live music or happy hour specials at least a few days a week, and the spa may offer services tailored specifically to couples vacations.

Another built-in amenity many hotels offer is a concierge, someone dedicated to making your romantic getaway more special. A concierge has insider info on attractions, local events, the best restaurants, and "hidden gems" in the area. They may also arrange the best table in the house at dinner or even help you surprise your significant other by placing a bottle of chilled wine in your room while you're out. The options are essentially limitless, and all you have to do is ask! 

Finally, be sure to mention that it's a special occasion, either when you book your romantic retreat or during check-in. The hotel may have a special package or room type available that you were unaware of.

masked couple happy outside

Where to stay for a romantic getaway

Whether the occasion is Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or "just because," make Coast Hotels your home away from home for your couples retreat! We have 35 properties across Canada and the U.S., ranging from hotels in the heart of major cities to beachfront plantation-style cottages and properties high in the mountains, nestled at world-famous ski resorts.

Many of our hotels have special romance packages this month, each geared toward weekend getaways for couples. If you have a Coast Hotels in your backyard, choose from packages and perks including dining credits, a bottle of wine or Prosecco, chocolates, complimentary room upgrades, and much more. Whichever romantic hotel you ultimately choose, all of us at Coast Hotels wish you safe travels and a wonderful couples getaway filled with celebrating and reconnecting!