We (mid thirties couple) are hoping to use up some frequent flyer miles on a long weekend/short trip (5 nights max) probably next spring. Since I won't have to pay for the airfare, I thought it would be
a good opportunity to try out a resort or fabulous hotel that would normally be a bit out of budget. I would prefer to spend less than $300 night on average, be able to fly non-stop from the NYC area, anywhere in the continental US (though West coast would be a bit of a stretch--still...), not in a big city, but near enough to some city or town to see a museum, good restaurants, shopping, yet still be in/near an area with some good natural scenery.
All of your suggestions are welcome. Thanks

Just had a similar situation. We went to the Ritz Carlton-Laguna Niguel. AAA was running a rate in September/October for $249 plus upgrade to an ocean-view room. It's a beautiful hotel, if a bit staid, but the ocean is gorgeous, Laguna Beach has good restaurants, cute little shops. If you can get a good deal, I'd recommend it for a romantic, relaxing getaway. The Surf and Sand in Lagune Beach looked great, too.

But that's West Coast, so it is a longer trip.

Not in the US but look at Chateau Lake Louise in Banff.
There are some great resorts near Big Bend National Park in Texas.

I know it's on the west coast but Seattle is a great place to visit. It is a wonderful combination of outdoor and big city activities. Also wonderful places to eat.

What a great question to have!!! You could go to Phoenix - then drive up to Sedona - beautiful. Las Vegas is very fun - lots to do besides gambling. San Diego is beautiful. My next trip (hopefully) will be to Albuquerque to stay in Santa Fe - I hear it's really interesting. You could fly to Miami and stay at some of the really nice Florida locations... New Orleans is interesting... So many choices!!!!

Thanks, all for your suggestions so far.
For those of you who recommended locations (and they do sound good) , do you have specific upscale hotels to recommend? This trip will be mostly about the hotel/resort, and the location and amenities nearby will be the "gravy"!

Last year we went to Colorado for the first time. If you go far enough into the spring you may get great rates at the Peaks in Telluride.....full spa, indoor outdoor pool, fabulous food and gondala ride, check it out....they're owned by Wyndham. Arizona was a good recomendation......Plenty of choices for outstanding hotels in Scottsdale, and Sedona has good choices too.

Haven't been myself (maybe one day) but what about Hilton Head. Seems like a great place and is at least on the right coast!

PEOPLE

She is looking for resorts MORE than destinations! Arizona and Colorado are good choices.....I loved visiting New Orleans for the first time.....stayed at Windsor Court......lovely pool and greatplace if food is on the agenda. Really, think for yourself here......where have you always wanted to visit? Then do a search on resorts, then do an internet search for the best rates. I'm in my late 30's and have checked of Colorado, Chicago, New Orleans, Arizona and San Francisco.....decide where and what you want to see,,,,,,,,then chip away at the best deal you can get!

Boca Raton Resort and Club
Arizona Biltmore
The Breakers Resort
The Broadmoor
Little Palm Island
Cap Julaca (more than $300 but worth it)
The Delano
The Phoenician
The Marriott Desert Springs Resort
The Greenbriar
The Homestead

topping

The best hotel/resorts, under $300/nt in low season, in the US which can be reached (or are convenient drive from airport) from NYC via direct flights:
Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
Peninsula, Beverly Hills
Peninsula, Chicago
The Boulders, Carefree AZ
Enchantment, Sedona AZ (OK, so it's a 2 hour drive; it's one of the most romantic places in the US)
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur CA
Ritz Carlton, Naples FL
Phoenician, Scottsdale
Fisher Island Club, Miami
Four Seasons, SF
Bermuda, Grand Cayman, Aruba would also be on my list.

Arizona is coming out ahead.
These answers are great. They're getting me daydreaming about a trip, too. Any more suggestions?

About Enchantment,
their website lists "2002 Peak Season February 15 – June 22 , August 30 – December 31"
(yes, I know it says only 2002 but the website for this high end resort only list 2001 and 2002 dates!)
Doesn't leave much of the rest of the year! A check of a random couple of days next May comes up with $500+ per night.

do any of these resorts people mention here really have room rates of less than $300 a night??

Yes---because you should never pay rack rate unless it's a major holiday or you're totally inflexible on dates. AAA frequently has good deals, the hotels themselves offer packages, and if you wait until a few weeks before, many places drop rates to fill rooms.

Alex, for some ideas pick up a copy of last months Travel & Leisure. It says "Worlds Best Awards" on the light blue cover. They list the top resorts all over the world. If you can't get it at a newstand your library will have it. Most of the resorts listed there are destinations unto themselves.

Also go to luxurylink.com. Not only will you see the most fabulous resorts anywhere, a lot of them are auctioned off and have discounts so it wouldn't be difficult to pay less than $300/night for some really special resorts.

Regarding Enchantment, their basic rooms can be had for <$300 many times of the year, but keep in mind:
*the place frequently sells out, and during near sold out periods they're less likely to offer deals.
*checking room rates more than 2-3 months in advance will almost always net you the highest rate possible.
*packages are available at different times of year. Get on their e-mail list to stay current.
*if you plan well, you should be able to find a reasonable rate.
I always make the disclaimer, though, that the standard rooms at Enchantment need updating. The new junior casitas are the noteworthy rooms, but they're expensive, of course.