One of the few quadrennials in addition to the World Cup, the Summer and Winter Olympics and presidential elections is leap year, in which February has 29 instead of the usual 28 days.
The reason for this extra 24 hours? Despite what we have been led to believe, the Earth actually takes a little over 365 days to orbit the sun each year, leaving us with around a quarter-day error each calendar year. To make up for this, and to realign the Gregorian calendar with our seasons, an extra day is added every four years.
Arguably, when we aren’t inundated with events every year, they are more enjoyable. Take these specials from our recommended hotels — offering the unique opportunity to celebrate leap day with incredible savings.
Trump Hotel Collection
The Andrew Harper-recommended Trump Hotel Collection properties in Chicago and Panama are offering 29% off all suites booked on February 29, 2012, for stays between March 1 and April 30, 2012.
Tasteful, contemporary 339-room hotel occupying first 28 floors of a soaring 92-floor stainless-steel-and-glass tower. Spacious rooms with 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows afford spectacular city views. – AH
Opus Hotel in Vancouver
The recommended Opus Hotel in Vancouver is extending a leap year special that offers a room rate of 29 cents with stays of three nights or longer.
Fashionable 96-room boutique hotel in the exuberant Yaletown area. The rooms are decorated in vibrant colors, with dark wood furniture and modern art. Chic bar, plus new contemporary restaurant, One Hundred Nights. – AH
Four Seasons St. Louis
Four Seasons St. Louis is encouraging guests to “take the leap” today only, with $29 off spa treatments of $100 or more in celebration of leap year.
New 200-room hotel near the riverfront, minutes from the central business district. Spacious rooms feature king beds or two double beds, writing desks, 42-inch plasma-screen TVs and views of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River. Marble baths include soaking tubs and separate rainfall showers. – AH
Where will you be spending your extra 24 hours this year? Let us know in the comments section, below.
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