Digital detox at a boutique hotel? We dare you to unplug…

Bite the bullet. Stay offline for a night or two and try to enjoy the real world. Why? Try 30% off at some really sweet hotel digs, that’s why. Broughton Hospitality, which includes 12 boutique hotels in California and Chicago (like the Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica and Inn of the Spanish Garden in Santa Barbara), is going to help you unplug. In an effort to help you let go of Twitter, Facebook — and yes, even your blog — the hoteliers of Broughton will lock up your BlackBerry, iPhone or other electronic devices in a PDA lockbox (shown).

Deal: Ironically, the package is called the “ReTweet With Broughton.” Sure it’s a play on the word “retreat,” but if you were going to “ReTweet,” you’d still be using Twitter. All the tricky wordplay aside, the hotel staff will encourage you to stay unplugged. They’ll offer non-Web distractions like board games, Mad Libs, conversation starter cards and squeezable stress balls to help keep your texting digits in shape. You’ll also get local event listings and spa coupons. And nobody will be spying on you if you want to watch the TV.

Sample rates (Before deal/after discount):

Andreas Hotel & Spa, Palm Springs, CA $109 / $77

The Georgian Hotel, Santa Monica, CA $220 / $154

Inn at East Beach, Santa Barbara, CA $125 / $88

Inn of the Spanish Garden, Santa Barbara, CA $245 / $172

The Morgan, San Simeon, CA $109 / $76

Mojave Resort, Palm Desert, CA $109 / $76

Palos Verde Inn, Redondo Beach, CA $119 / $83

Caveat: Not all of the hotels are at the same level of swankness but are unique in their own right.  Package deals are based on a limited availability.

Addicts: Don’t worry, the hotels will be be sensitive to online withdrawals and will give you back your device if you really want it back. But they will encourage you to be unplugged. Also - couples who take this package only need to give up one device. And yes, you’ll still get the 30% off.

When: Good through August 2009.

Contact: Broughton Hospitality

– Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times Travel & Deal blogger

[Images: Broughton Hospitality]

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 11:07 am by Jen Leo and is filed under California, California's Central Coast, Chicago, Deals, Hotels, Los Angeles, Midwestern States, News, Tips & Advice, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.