Top 10 Mother’s Day weekend getaways

With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, many families will be thinking about the best ways to indulge mom on her special weekend. Pampering is one the most popular, and appreciated, thank-you’s that a mom could ask for, but there are so many different ways to do it. Breakfast in bed, spa days, relaxing getaways, an amazing dinner; these are all great choices, but which is best? Well, why not go for all of the above this year, but do it without a huge price tag. At Hotwire, we’re seeing low prices and great hotel deals in even our most popular Mother’s Day destinations for 2013. This means the whole family can get away while saving enough money to pamper mom with a plethora of big-city activities. And let’s be honest, few things will make mom happier than spending quality time with her loved ones.

To help you get planning, I’ve compiled our top-10, most-booked destinations for Mother’s Day weekend this year.

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1. Chicago, Ill.

If your mom fancies herself a gourmet chef, or just enjoys a delicious gourmet meal, look no further than Chicago. Visitors can stop by Pucks’ at the Museum of Contemporary Art for a delightful feast for both eyes and stomach. Alternatively, check-out Bottle & Bottega for a luxurious buffet followed by a two-hour painting session. Mom can dine in style and leave with a hand-made souvenir. For the outdoorsy family, head to the Morton Arboretum, where you can enjoy breakfast and take a family portrait amidst the scenic gardens. Though our research is showing Chicago is the top booked destination for Mother’s Day weekend, visitors can still find fantastic hotel deals through Hotwire to take full advantage of the city’s attractions.

Sample deal: $107/night for a 4-star hotel in the Downtown Chicago—Millennium Park area – bookings on 4/23/13 for stays 5/10-5/13/13.

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2. Las Vegas, Nev.

While Las Vegas offers indulgent breakfast buffets and meals from renowned chefs year-round, it’s also an ideal spot for moms who are interested in world-class live entertainment. And with average hotel prices just under $100 to attract travelers before the hot summer months, you won’t feel guilty treating mom to a show. Steal her away to Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat and feast your eyes on exotic animals. Or, try Beatles’ LOVE Cirque du Soleil set, featuring classic Beatles tunes and jaw-dropping acrobatics.

Sample deal: $75/night for a 4-star hotel in the Strip—South area – bookings on 4/23/13 for stays 5/10-5/13/13.

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3. New York, N.Y.

New York offers an abundance of options for the “do-it-all” moms who have a wide variety of interests. With plenty of hotels to choose from, all competing to attract spring leisure travelers on the weekends, you’re sure to find a room and a deal that’s a perfect fit for mom. Sweep her away for a soothing day at one of the city’s top-rated day spas before catching one of the city’s relaxing dinner cruises, featuring a gourmet meal and a magnificent view of the New York skyline. For those families looking for a wonderful bonding experience, spend the morning walking across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge—a great way to talk and enjoy the fresh spring air.

Sample deal: $140/night for a 3.5-star hotel in the Downtown—SoHo—Financial District area – bookings on 4/24/13 for stays 5/10-5/13/13.

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4. New Orleans, La.

New Orleans has been known for its southern hospitality, including hosting a variety of fun events to celebrate mothers on their special day. Head down to Magazine Street for the annual champagne stroll, where you can enjoy an evening of shopping on this famed street, along with some free champagne! Travelers can also enjoy a classic southern brunch before heading to City Park, located in the heart of the Big Easy, and visit the New Orleans Botanical Gardens or the Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. If you’re looking for a fun activity that the entire family will enjoy, you’ll want to pay a visit to the Audubon Zoo, which offers a variety of Mother’s Day-related activities, including live music. And outside of peak seasons like Mardi Gras, The Big Easy is almost always one of the more affordable destinations.

Sample deal: $80/night for a 4-star hotel in the Downtown New Orleans area – bookings on 4/23/13 for stays 5/10-5/13/13.

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5. Seattle, Wash.

Seattle is offering a host of special Mother’s Day events. This, coupled with warmer weather, means there’s no shortage of ways to spend the day for adventurous moms. Rather than the traditional brunch, take your mother to the Pacific Science Center where you can enjoy an IMAX experience and learn more about dinosaurs, sea creatures and other wildlife. Or trek over to the Smith Tower observation deck, a scenic lookout in one of the city’s oldest skyscrapers, to observe Seattle’s beautiful skyline and waterfront views. As Seattle’s sunniest days are still just around the corner, hotels are offering plenty of great deals in advance of high season; average room rates are hovering around $100.

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Sample deal: $105/night for a 4-star hotel in the Downtown Bellevue area – bookings on 4/23/13 for stays 5/10-5/13/13.

6. San Francisco, Calif.

San Francisco is a cultural mecca offering a host of walking tours for moms who are interested in an educational (and foodie-filled) getaway. One such tour, hosted by Gourmet Walks, features seven different stops over the course of three hours at various downtown chocolate shops, so you can sweep mom off her feet with a decadent afternoon of desserts. If architecture is more up mom’s alley, enjoy the Victorian Home Walk—a historical tour through some of the city’s oldest homes. And, for those who love wine, Napa Valley is just a hop and a skip away. You and mom can board the Napa Valley Wine Train and enjoy a lovely ride through some of the area’s finest vineyards, tasting some of the fruits along the way.

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Sample deal: $97/night for a 3-star hotel in the Civic Center South-Hayes Valley area – bookings on 4/24/13 for stays 5/10-5/13/13.

7. Washington, D.C.

This year, the nation’s capital is offering an abundance of fun family activities to share with mom on her special day. Treat mom to a Mother’s Day Tea at the Tudor Place Historic House and Garden. Moms and children ages five and up can celebrate the day together while enjoying teas, desserts, and finger sandwiches amidst a lovely garden. For those who love to run, sign up for a jaunt with mom at the Mother’s Day 5K, which kicks off in Rock Creek Park. Afterward, you can enjoy brunch along with amazing views on a cruise along the Potomac River. Washington, D.C. is seeing some price drops this year, partially due to less business travelers because of the sequester. With average room rates in the area holding steady at around $110 per night, you’ll have the freedom to enjoy all the city has to offer without hurting your wallet.

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Sample deal: $82/night for a 4-star hotel in the Arlington—Falls Church area – bookings on 4/23/13 for stays 5/10-5/13/13.

8. Orlando, Fla.

While Orlando offers family fun year-round, at this time of year, the city caters to moms looking for a flower-filled getaway. With hotels in the city currently experiencing a lull in theme park visitors between spring and summer break, great prices have become the rule instead of the exception. Room nights are averaging $68 so you won’t have to spare any expenses on your daytime entertainment. The Harry P. Leu Gardens are offering free admission for moms this Mother’s Day, and with fifty acres of beautifully manicured gardens, grasses and waterways, it’s sure to make her day. Or, take mom to the annual Flower and Garden Festival right in downtown Orlando to enjoy the myriad of topiaries on display. Afterward, treat mom to one of the many Mother’s Day teas happening at resorts throughout the area.

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Sample deal: $57/night for a 4-star hotel in the SeaWorld—I-drive South area – bookings on 4/23/13 for stays 5/10-5/13/13.

9. San Diego, Calif.

This seaside town is a beautiful destination year-round, and not just because of the amazing weather. May, in particular, has no shortage of fun family activities, making it the perfect place to celebrate a sun-soaked Mother’s Day. Whether you want to spend the morning on a yacht tour traveling through the San Diego Bay or enjoying brunch with Shamu, there’s something here for anyone who’s in a vacation state of mind. And, don’t forget the San Diego Safari Park for a kid-friendly destination, which offers a bountiful buffet and some quality time with an array of wildlife. There are always great deals to be had in San Diego, but this year hotel prices are down, making this a choice city for celebrating Mother’s Day.

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Sample deal: $86/night for a 4-star hotel in the Gaslamp Waurter South—Convention Center area – bookings on 4/23/13 for stays 5/10-5/13/13.

10. Houston, Texas

This year, Houston is offering a variety of free activities to help families celebrate Mother’s Day. With hotel rates averaging a very reasonable $66 per night, this is a good opportunity to take advantage of deep savings. For moms who love the arts, visitors will want to check out Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theater and the Houston Ballet, which will offer free shows on Mother’s Day weekend. And, if mom is a sports enthusiast, travelers will want to stop by Minute Maid Park to catch the Houston Astros playing the Texas Rangers.

Sample deal: $73/night for a 4-star hotel in the Houston Galleria area – bookings on 4/23/13 for stays 5/10-5/13/13.

Above average rates are based on hotel bookings made on Hotwire on 1/1 – 4/22/13, for travel 5/10 – 5/13/13. Hotel sample rates are based on searches made on Hotwire.com on 4/23 and 4/24/13 for stays 5/10 – 5/13/13.