It's true there's no place like home for the holidays...but sometimes you just want to get away from it all before the chaos ensues (or rather family togetherness--or in-laws--becomes just too much to bear). The current state on the economy has put a damper on many people's travel plans, but hotels are beginning to take note of this by significantly lowering their rates to an affordable level and creating packages that allow you more bang for your buck this holiday season. Check out these amazing opportunities before it's too late.

For the Nature Lover: Outdoors enthusiasts (and fans of Free Willy) should consider heading to Monterey to take advantage of Hotel Pacific's "Whale of a Holiday" deal, which includes one night in a deluxe guest room, a thrilling three-hour whale watching expedition with Monterey Bay Whale Watch, complimentary Marine Mammal Guide, delicious continental breakfast each morning, warming afternoon tea service and more. Available December 14, 2008 through January 31, 2009 (excluding December 31), the package rate starts at just $220 Sunday through Thursday; $240 Friday and/or Saturday. For reservations and information, visit www.hotelpacific.com or call 800-554-5542.

For the City Folk: Joie de Vivre, purveyor of some of the finest boutique stays around, has recently added a new property to its mix, the Good Hotel. At $112 a night in a single or double room, the "It's All Good" package features accommodation at the hotel, complimentary parking (which usually hovers around $50 a night at most city hotels), and either a Good continental breakfast of two or a pizza lunch at the in-house Good Pizza. Located in the trendy SoMa district, the Good Hotel opened its doors in November; the offer is valid through March 31, 2009 by calling 415-621-7001 or visiting www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/good.

For the Eco-Friendly Traveler: Green-chic property, Orchard Hotel--one of San Francisco's first truly green accommodations--is affording visitors the opportunity to experience a round-up of some of the city's best offerings--and at just $299 a night (for two people). The "San Francisco Faves" package, valid through Feb. 28, 2009, includes a deluxe guest room at the Orchard Hotel, a $100 voucher for lunch or dinner at Scoma’s, two CityPasses, a booklet of tickets to San Francisco’s hot attractions like the newly reopened California Academy of Sciences, and unlimited rides on the famed cable cars. For reservations or information, log on to www.theorchardhotels.com or call 888-717-2881.

For the Romantic: Seven Gables Inn, a lavish oceanfront Victorian-era inn located in Pacific Grove, puts lovers’ getaways back in the budget during these challenging economic times with a 20 percent savings in rates. Available through April 30, 2009, Sunday to Thursday, guests will enjoy savings ranging from $40 to $110 per night depending on the guest room selected. Deal is not valid Dec. 21, 2008 through Jan. 3, 2009 and Feb. 16, 2009. For reservations and information please call 831-372-4341.

For the Snow Bunny: Hit the slopes this Christmastime, with Northstar's steal-of-a-ski deal: For $108 a night (per person), you get a studio condo, access to the recreation center (fitness, pool, spa and children’s game room), ski and board storage, free ice skating and equipment rental, a lift ticket and more. Meaning, you'd essentially be skiing for free! Book by phone (800-GO-NORTH) and request the “Stay and Ski Free exclusive offer, good through Dec. 19, 2008.

Other stellar holiday deals can be found at LocalGetaways.com, a newly-launched resource for discounted Northern California travel.