Staying Inn

The holidays are coming to a close. This is a sad, but very true fact for those of us who haven’t quite gotten our much-needed break yet. But fear not, there is still hope for some rest and relaxation in your future – and you won’t even need to hop on a plane to get it.

“Staycations” have become a trend amongst vacation-deprived people who just want a day or two to unwind. It’s basically a day trip around town – like to a museum or art gallery – or time off spent at home instead of a tropical getaway. The idea of a “staycation” sounds nice, but it’s not much of a vacation if you ask me, because staying at home and declaring yourself “on vacation” probably won’t excuse you from at-home duties like laundry and cooking dinner.

Solution? Take a “staycation” and stay somewhere else besides home – like an inn or chic hotel. Going to an inn affords you the luxury of being away from home and you don’t even need to book time off from work.

Inns like the Old Mill Inn and Spa in Toronto are located in downtown areas, which make you close enough to the office that you might even be able to sneak in a nap on your lunch break. A stay at Vancouver’s Opus Hotel is almost like being at a contemporary design gallery, because of the design-centric rooms they’re known for. Jorg & Olif city bikes are also available to hotel visitors, so you can turn your work commute into a stylish, mini adventure. Architectural beauties like Casa Bianca in Montreal can really make you feel like you’ve escaped to a different place – and time. Built in 1912, the Casa Bianca is a little taste of history.

No matter where you stay on your “staycation,” if you’ve still got to work, just remember to set your alarm because you may be far too relaxed to want to leave.

— Kate Aenlle