Thinkstock
Experience the Olympics Without Going to London
We can't think of one reason why you shouldn't head to London for that full 2012 Olympic experience. (And it's not too late to catch some hyped events in person.) But if you're anything like us, there may be factors that prevent you from crossing the pond (like family, time, money and jobs!). Thankfully, plenty of hotels and resorts are offering exciting Olympic-themed packages closer to home, so you can still experience the Games outside of your living room. Check out our roundup of hotels and resorts that put you one step closer to the Summer Olympic Games.
Zachary Hyman of Billy Farrell Agency
Eventi
New York City
With a smashing opening ceremony party that included a screening on a big outdoor screen, the Eventi luxury hotel offers daily events to celebrate the Olympic Games in the very first "Event Olympics." Creative games include Beer Olympics (beer slides, keg stands, quarters, arm wrestling), Astroturf Wars (tug-of-war, horseshoes), free arcade games like Pac-Man and Street Fighter, and neighborhood-wide scavenger hunts. Best of all, the games are open to the public -- and free!
The Brazilian Court
The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club
Palm Beach, Florida
The well-appointed Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club is so into the Olympics they're offering a package that goes beyond the Olympic Games’ dates. Until Oct. 31, guests booking the "Summer Games, Golden Sands" package can participate in a variety of Olympic-style games, including sail boating, tennis, biking and swimming. Furthermore, the popular Cafe Boulud is offering British-inspired dishes (like filet of beef with horseradish and traditional bubble and squeak) to continue the celebrations.
Michael Spengler
Washington School House
Park City, Utah
Home of the 2002 Winter Games, Utah has several Olympic-themed attractions and specials for visitors. The Washington School House, an 1880s-era school transformed into a boutique hotel, has a truly exceptional package for Olympics fans. Guests can enjoy a cocktail by the flame of the Park City Winter Games torch (one of the actual Olympic torches) on the hotel's hillside terrace. Guests can also ride down the bobsled course on the same tracks where the 2002 gold medal was won at Utah Olympic Park.
Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort Lake Placid, NY
Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
Lake Placid, New York
The Adirondacks are a favorite mountain retreat in upstate New York, and Lake Placid was home to the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. The destination's Olympic heritage has been preserved and cherished since 1980's closing ceremony, and visitors can still experience Olympic-themed activities. Guests at Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort can add Olympic excursions at discounted rates. For $20, they can experience the Olympic Training Center Tour to see where athletes trained and lived and, with a Golden Arrow Adventure Package, they can also check out all the incredible Olympic sites and venues, including the Olympic Sports Complex where visitors can see what it takes to be a biathlete.
Embassy Suites
Embassy Suites Fort Myers-Estero
Fort Myers-Estero, Florida
Guests staying at Hilton's Embassy Suites can "Catch the Olympic Spirit." The hotel has 4 packages available (Gold package, Silver package, Bronze package and Olympic Celebration package), all of which include complimentary tickets to the Art of the Olympians museum, which is based in Fort Myers and showcases artwork from previous Olympics. It's also one of the only facilities in the world that can show the trademarked Olympic rings! The packages run until December, so guests can still book for Paralympic Games that run Aug. 29 to Sept. 9.