The Ultimate Travel Destination for Little Girlsby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 01 Feb 2008 09:12 AM Well... that is if your favorite little female is into American Girl dolls. And judging by the doll manufacturer's stats there are a ton of little girls who love these life-like and expensive (they typically sell for about $90 each) creations--my daughter included. According to Mattel (which makes the American Girl dolls), more than 13 million American Girl dolls have been sold in the United States alone. What's more, 3 million doll lovers have traveled thousands of miles to visit American Girl Place shops in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and smaller American Girl Boutique and Bistro's in Atlanta and Dallas. That's where doll owners can pick out new outfits for their mini-me's, have their portraits taken with them, or dine with their pint-sized pals prior to having them fitted with dolly braces on their tiny teeth. If you are related to an American Girl doll fanatic and are looking for the ultimate birthday, Valentine's Day, or Christmas gift to give your little princess you might consider taking advantage of the following American Girl theme travel packages designed specifically by local hotels in cities where American Girl shops are located. All of the travel deals are good through December 31, 2008. CHICAGO The Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is offering the American Girl Getaway package, which includes a one-night stay, use of an American Girl doll travel bed, a free American Girl-themed dessert for a girl (and one for her doll) at a hotel restaurant, complimentary health club access, and valet parking--all for just $179 per room per night. In addition, a similar American Girl package is being offered at Chicago's Four Points Sheraton for between $165 and $315 a night, depending on the day of the week and the season. **Note: I have been to the American Girl Place in Chicago multiple times--it is located right on Michigan Ave. and is within walking distance of the two aforementioned hotels. You can save money on parking and cab fare by hoofing it over from the hotel. Bring a stroller if you have a little one like mine who will walk there, but prefers to ride on the way back. NEW YORK The American Girl Place New York package includes a one-night stay at the Marriott Courtyard Manhattan Midtown East at a 10% discount. For $179 per room per night you will get an exclusive American Girl travel doll bed to take home and use, and a snack for you and your child to enjoy in your room. DALLAS The American Girl Boutique and Bistro in Dallas just opened last year and already it's one of the city's most popular sites. If you are coming in from out of town, you might want to consider booking the American Girl Texas package, which includes a one-night stay at the Westin Galleria Dallas, complimentary Texas pralines on arrival, milk and cookies in the evening, an American Girl travel doll bed that you can keep, and American Girl cowboy hats for your little girl and her doll for just $258 per room per night. The catch: The deal is good on weekend stays only and rates are based on one child and one adult per room. LOS ANGELES If you are planning a trip to L.A. consider taking advantage of the American Girl Experience Package at West Hollywood's Le Parc Suite Hotel. For $299 per room per night you will get a one-night stay, use of an American Girl travel doll bed, cookies and milk delivered to your room after check-in, a copy of an "American Girl Minute Mysteries" book, and a free ride in a town car to the American Girl Place located at the Grove at Farmers Market. The catch: Rates are based on one adult and one child per room. Each additional parent cost extra. Also, a ride back from the store is not included. Related Articles: Additional Chicago Attractions Additional New York Attractions Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags American Girl Dolls, chicago, family travel, new york, travel deals Discuss this article
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