Taking a Break Closer to Home

Travelers who want a nearby getaway may want to check out a joint promotion for seniors sponsored by several hotels and restaurants in Marina del Rey.

To obtain the discounted rates, guests are advised to obtain confirmed reservations in advance. The participating hotels include:

* Doubletree Hotel--300 guest rooms with 38 harbor suites. Guests over age 62 get a rate of $99 per day (regularly $135). Call (310) 301-3000 or (800) 353-6664.

* Jamaica Bay Inn--An intimate hotel adjacent to Venice Beach with 42 rooms and suites with balconies. Free parking, beachside cafe, heated pool and spa. Senior rate is $87-$97 for a room with a king-size bed (regularly $99-$119). Tel. (310) 823-5333.

* Ritz-Carlton--A luxury hotel adjacent to the marina. All 154 rooms have private balconies or patios overlooking the harbor. Pool, spa and putting green. Members of American Assn. of Retired Persons receive a room rate of $159 (regularly $225). Tel. (310) 823-1700.

Three popular Marina del Rey restaurants also are participating in the senior promotion:

* Benihana of Tokyo--Japanese steakhouse offers dinner for two for $29. Selection changes monthly. Tel. (310) 821-0888.

* Charley Brown’s has a 65 & Over Club that offers a 10% discount on all menu items. There also are early bird dinners served from 3:30 to 7 p.m. with a choice of five entrees priced from $9.95 to $12.95, including soup or salad and dessert. Discount does not apply to these dinners. Tel. (310) 823-4534.

* Shanghai Red’s--Continental cuisine, early bird specials served 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Steak, fish or chicken dish for $10.95, including soup or salad and dessert. Tel. (310) 823-4522.

A free brochure about Marina del Rey with maps, list of attractions, shopping, restaurants, activities and special events is available by calling (310) 305-9545.

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Those over the age of 60 who may be traveling in Michigan can get a discount at the Bayshore Resort in Traverse City through May 16. From Sunday through Thursday nights the rate for two is $49 per night with a two-night stay. Price includes daily breakfast. When space permits, senior guests will be upgraded to bay-view or bay-front guest rooms that usually range from $80 to $150 per night. Call (800) 634-4401.