V-Day might be one of the most ‘romantic’ days of the year but our research* has revealed Valentine’s Day is in fact the most overrated event of the year.
The annual day of love was voted the one Australians feel the most pressure to have fun, ahead of other hyped days on the calendar year such as New Year’s Eve and even the dreaded work Christmas party. However, despite the lack of enthusiasm for Valentine’s Day, the good news is love isn’t completely dead, with almost one in three people (30%) admitting they like to spice up their relationship by taking a last minute getaway with their other half.
While many feel the stress to impress on Valentine’s Day, spontaneous escapes throughout the year are much more thrilling, not to mention usually cheaper than booking a hotel room on the 14th February.
So why not ditch the pressure of Valentine’s Day this year and instead channel your inner spontaneity with a cheeky last minute escape at another time of the year?
We found on average hotel rates in Melbourne CBD are approximately 38% cheaper the week after Valentine’s Day, while in Sydney’s Circular Quay savings of up to 25% can be made if you stay in a luxury hotel stay just seven days later**.
Not only are you less likely to break the bank balance by opting for a spontaneous rendezvous over the cliché of Valentine’s Day, there is also less expectation and pressure to have fun.
Five spontaneous grown-up city stays for any day of the year:
- Sydney: Old Clare Hotel
Most don’t think romance when you’re staying at a former brewery, however this creative boutique hotel defies the odds with its rooftop pool, free-standing sculptured in room baths and room service served directly from Kensington Street Social.
- QT Melbourne
The newest hotel in the QT family is the ultimate date night location. Mixing dark and mysterious decor with a quirky and playful humour, a stay at this hotel is all about sunset rooftop cocktails, dinner at the Pascale Bar and Grill and lazy sleep-ins coupled with breakfast in bed.
- Perth: COMO The Treasury
This sophisticated hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers a romantic retreat filled with rich history and architecture. Not to be missed is dinner at Wildflower fine dining restaurant, while for the ultimate in staycation relaxation, make sure you book in a couples pampering session at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape.
- Brisbane: Emporium Hotel
Located in the hip suburb of the Fortitude Valley, this hotel has the romantic touch, from the moment you walk in the doors with its velvet wallpaper, silver and red cut-out designs in the lobby, velvet chairs, throw cushions and zebra-covered ottomans. It’s all about the details and the little touches that quietly nod to you, the guest, that, yes, you are somewhere special.
- Canberra: Hotel Hotel
Food lovers and design aficionados will be wowed with the stunning architecture and stylish touches throughout this hotel which oozes the cool factor. Monster Bar and Kitchen isn’t your average hotel restaurant, so make sure you book ahead, it’s the perfect date night location before retreating to the comfort of your chic room.
* Research was conducted by Pure Profile on behalf of lastminte.com.au on a sample size of 1,000 Australians in November 2016.
**Based on the average daily rate for 4 – 5 star rated and self-rated accommodation bookings for two adults on lastminute.com.au in January and February 2016 for travel dates 14 February 2016 in comparison to 21 February 2016 for the described destinations. Rates are subject to accommodation selections made.