Bi-Coastal Getaways

Looking for a spot off the beaten path? Here are a few on each coast:

Rosario Resort on Orcas Island, one of the San Juan Islands near Puget Sound off the coast of Washington, can be reached from the mainland by a one-hour ferryboat ride. The resort is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and was built in 1909 as the residence of a shipping tycoon. The resort has an imposing pipe organ with almost 2,000 pipes, and many evenings there is an organ concert (call hotel for schedule) and a presentation on the resort’s history. Orcas Island boasts a 5,000-acre park with waterfalls, lakes and picturesque harbors.

Rosario Resort is offering a seniors getaway package that includes guest rooms with views, round-trip ferry service, continental breakfast, taxes and tips. The rate for two, one of whom must be over age 55, is $75 per night. For information, call (800) 562-8820.

*

In Blaine, Wash., farther north near the Canadian border, is the Inn at Semiahmoo, a luxury resort hotel with 200 large guest rooms, some with balconies and wood-burning fireplaces. The resort was at one time a salmon cannery. It offers a discount from published rates based on the guest’s age. For example, a 70-year-old guest would get a 70% discount. Minimum age is 55 to qualify. Offer valid until March 31. Regular rates are $175. Water-view executive suites range from $245 to $375. For information, call (800) 996-3426.

*

Over on the Gulf Coast, the Park Inn in Bradenton, Fla., south of St. Petersburg, is offering senior discounts of 15% to 20% depending on location of guest rooms for members of the American Assn. of Retired Persons or those over age 60. Regular per-person rates are $90 to $95, or $115 for a VIP suite or one with a Jacuzzi. The following extras are included: daily deluxe continental breakfast, two cocktails per adult, one game of bowling for each guest, use of fitness center and discounts on miniature golf.

Golfers may prefer the Park Inn’s Hole in One deal, which includes continental breakfast, cocktails, use of spa, beach towels and 54 holes of golf including cart on four different full-size courses. Package prices from January through April are $310 per person but are sharply reduced to $195 per person from May through October. For brochures and information call (800) 437-7275.

*

The Peabody Hotel in Orlando, Fla., advertises itself as “Orlando’s only Five-Duck resort” since it has inaugurated the “March of the Peabody Ducks,” where ducks waddle through the hotel lobby twice daily. The ducky idea originated at an affiliate hotel of the same name in Memphis, Tenn.

The Peabody Orlando, with just under 900 rooms, is extending its discount promotion for seniors to run throughout the calendar year 1995. Regular room rates run from $210 to $230 per night but are reduced to $89 for those over 50. The Orlando Peabody is near Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios. Public transportation is available to those destinations. For information or reservations at the Orlando Peabody, call (800) 732-2639.