Whether you're writing a check to Uncle Sam this year (or maybe he's cutting one for you), the stress of preparing your taxes may leave you yearning for a vacation.
Don't fret. Some hotels and restaurants around the country have come to the rescue by offering special Tax Day promotions for filers that include meals, deals and room rate reductions.
Travelers have until midnight April 16—that's Thursday—to take advantage of the "Tax Break" special for weekend stays at participating Starwood hotels in the New York City area.
The deal provides weary taxpayers with 15 percent discounts on stays with Thursday through Sunday arrival dates through May 31. Participating locations include New York regional W Hotel locations at Downtown, Times Square, Union Square, Hoboken, Sheraton Times Square and Tribeca, the Westin Grand Central and the Westin Jersey City.
Those checking into those hotels on Tax Day (April 15) may also request the tax break discount rate, and cash in on special, tax-themed cocktails and additional perks being offered by some of the hotels.
For example, W Hotels guests will receive a piggy bank, while those who stay at the Sheraton New York-Times Square will receive a $25 Macy's gift card, two complimentary drinks during Sheraton Social Hour and a Pay Day candy bar. Meanwhile, guests at the Sheraton Tribeca will be able to nibble on complimentary Pay Day, 100 Grand and Sugar Daddy candy bars.
On April 15, Portland, Oregon's Hotel Monaco will offer complimentary chair massages during its nightly wine hour. There's free Champagne—perhaps for toasting refunds—and chocolates to console those who owe Uncle Sam money. The adjacent Red Star Tavern will be serving specialty cocktails for $4.15 and will buy a drink for any guest who shows proof that they had to send money to the government this year.
The Tax Break Package at the Hotel Monaco Chicago waives the city's hefty 16.4 percent occupancy and lodging taxes on room rates throughout April. And on April 15, the food tax on bills at the hotel's South Water Kitchen will also be waived. Also on Tax Day, the front desk will also be handing out Pay Day and 100 Grand candy bars.
Travelers will also find special tax deals at some restaurants around the county.
Boston Market is offering diners a buy one/get one free meal deal on April 15. For those interested in bartering for their meals, on April 15 participating Hard Rock Cafe locations will host a Sing For Your Supper event and will give a free Local Legendary Burger to diners willing to get up and sing a song on stage.