An Inn With a Mission: Bargains

The Mission Inn in Riverside, designated a National Historic Landmark, had its grand opening in 1902.

It has been restored to its former glory with colorful Tiffany windows, courtyard fountains and its famed bells. Many of the furnishings in the guest rooms and the public areas are antiques, and there is a collection of historic paintings.

The inn has added a large swimming pool, hot tubs, sun deck and a fitness club. Tours of the nearby Temecula Valley wine country are available.

A senior package at the inn includes overnight accommodations for two, continental breakfast and a tour of the hotel and its history museum.

The package price is $75 per couple, one of whom must be over age 65. The price is a 40% savings over regular rates--without all the extras. For information or reservations, call (800) 843-7755.

Not far from Riverside, the Temecula Creek Inn is offering a “Temecula Sunsets for Seniors” package valid Sunday through Thursday.

The inn is in the heart of Southern California’s wine country, where complimentary tours and tastings are offered. The “Sunsets for Seniors” package includes guest room for one night, complete dinner for two with choice of entrees and a round of golf with cart on the inn’s 18-hole course.

The package, valued at $239 per couple, is available to senior guests over 50 for $94 per person, double occupancy. Call (800) 962-7335.

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The Dakota Hotel in downtown San Francisco has been completely renovated and reopened, is calling itself a “boutique” hotel and is on the San Francisco Register of Historic Buildings.

It was constructed in the 1920s and is two blocks from the city’s Union Square near major department stores, the theater district, Chinatown and cable cars.

Each room has a Victorian era claw-foot bathtub, color TV, microwave and refrigerator. The large guest rooms face outside, and there is no charge for local telephone calls.

Rates for one or two are $49 per night, valid through December. For information, call between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. at (415) 931-7475.

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Travelers who are members of the American Assn. of Retired Persons and plan to visit Europe, Africa or the Middle East before the end of 1994 can save on lodging costs at more than 130 Holiday Inns in 17 countries.

The plan covers Holiday Inns in 98 cities abroad and includes breakfast for two each day, value-added taxes and service charges at participating hotels.

In the event there is an existing room rate for $99 or less at any Holiday Inn, the rate will be reduced by 10%.

Participating hotels are located in Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Netherlands, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Reservations and information are available through most travel agents or by calling Holiday Inn Reservations at (800) 465-4329.

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Disney World in Florida has created a “Fall Fantasy” resort package with savings for seniors over age 65.

The package is available until Nov. 20 and includes three nights accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort, daily breakfast, transportation throughout the Disney properties via ferry boat, monorail and bus shuttles.

Also included is a coupon book with savings on food, beverage, merchandise and recreation, which is valued up to $700.

The “Fall Fantasy” package is valid from Sunday through Thursday and begins at $134 per person, double occupancy. The price will vary depending on which of the 12 Disney World hotel properties is selected.

For information, call (407) 827-7200 or write to: Senior Fantasy Package, Resort Reservations, P.O. Box 10,000, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830-1000.