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The Omni's decadent lounge is the perfect setting to nestle into a warm chair and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate. (Photo courtesy Omni)

Few things are better than warm, creamy hot chocolate on a cold winter day.

Salon 401 at the Omni Hotel at Independence Park delivers with their brand new hot chocolate menu, offered daily 3-7 p.m. in the hotel’s magnificent lobby lounge. Bonus: the lounge includes a fireplace.

The hot chocolate menu, a twist on your standard happy hour, features an array of hot chocolate flavors and toppings and even an adult version capped with Bailey’s Irish Cream or Kahlua.

The hot chocolate menu features the option of a dark hot chocolate with a hint of espresso, Ghirardelli White Mocha, Ghirardelli Chocolate Hazelnut or classic milk chocolate.

All are served with a side offering of whipped cream, shaved chocolate, mini marshmallows, crumbled Oreo’s, Heath Bar bits, mini M & M’s, S’mores and white chocolate morsels. Toppings are unlimited.

Hot chocolate is $5 per steaming, sweet mug or $6 with the alcohol additions.

Located in the heart of the historic district, the Omni is the perfect place to stop in after ice skating at the RiverRink or catching the sights in historic Philadelphia.

Omni Hotel at Independence Park’s Hot Chocolate Bar
Where: 401 Chestnut Street
When: Daily, 3-7 p.m.
Cost: $5/cup, $6/alcoholic version
More info: www.omnihotels.com

Awesome Contest Alert

Romance abounds in Philadelphia in February and Visit Philly is making it possible for couples to celebrate their love in style thanks to the month-long “29 Nights of Dates” promotion, launching today, February 1.

We teased the campaign yesterday, when the With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® street team surprised Suburban Station commuters with chocolates and postcards.

Now we can provide the full reveal: Visit Philly is giving away a Vespa.

Plus 28 other great date-themed prizes all month long. From February 1-29 (yes, it’s a leap year… which only adds to the fun), fans of Visit Philly on Facebook will have a chance to win one of 29 fun, romantic and inspired Philly dates.

Fans are encouraged to check the Visit Philly Facebook page each day to see what prize is up for grabs on that day. Because each day will feature a different bonus-packed date for one person to win. Think a Mural Arts Program Love Letter Mural Tour along with lunch at Table 31 and a one-night stay at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown; or a class at Cook and drinks at Twenty Manning Grill; or Ritz theater tickets and dinner at Positano Coast.

Entrants are permitted one contest entry per day. And each day you enter, you’ll get another entry into the grand prize drawing for the Vespa scooter.

Meanwhile here on Uwishunu, at the start of each week in February, we’ll be giving you a sneak peek of that week’s prizes. Itching for details on what you can win? (Besides that Vespa; we know you’re still thinking about it.)

A few highlights:

• Headed North: A romantic setting since it was founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ is currently showing the Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit exhibit. After ogling this artist’s works, continue your walk on North Broad to Route 6, Stephen Starr’s newest restaurant. Then unwind for the night at the striking Le Meridien Philadelphia.

• That’s Amore: During a two-hour Urban Adventures tour at the Italian Market, you’ll meet store owners, learn the history of the market and get your share of tasty samples. Then enjoy supper at Supper, upscale, modern American cuisine in a rustic, urban farmhouse setting.

• Up, Up & Away: Enjoy your choice of a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride over Southeastern PA and the post-flight champagne toast that comes along with it. Continue your scenic day with dinner at the 18th-century Black Bass Hotel, complete with expansive picture windows that overlook the water, and a stay at the B&B Bridgeton House.

That’s all we’re revealing for now. Be sure to head straight to Visit Philly’s Facebook page daily throughout February (ahem, that means today) to enter to win unforgettable dates like the ones detailed above, and plenty more where those came from.

29 Nights of Dates Contest [Visit Philly Facebook]

Theatre Confetti, which recently celebrated a successful re-launch party, is unveiling Martha Undressed, a Martha Graham Cracker cabaret performance from Dito van Reigersberg of Pig Iron Theatre Company.

The February 2 song and dance production begins at 8 p.m. at Chez Colette in The Sofitel.

In addition to the stripped-down drag queen act, guests can give their own performances in the blog booth designed by Fanny Allie of Creme Design, the creative team behind the re-launch party.

As Martha puts it, “Madness will ensue.”

Tickets can be purchased in advance online for $10 or at the door for $15.

Martha Undressed
Where: Chez Colette at The Sofitel, 120 S. 17th Street
When: Thursday, February 2, 8 p.m.
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at door
More info: www.theatreconfetti.com

Hotel Palomar boasts 230 guest rooms each uniquely equipped with luxurious, stylish touches. (Photo courtesy Hotel Palomar)

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, one of the city’s luxury boutique hotels, is offering several cute new “Couples Retreat Overnight Stays” packages.

These overnight romance packages are based on the relationship statuses of the guests, and are valid for travel dates between February 1-29, 2012.

• It’s Complicated: This package is perfect for those couples that are having a great time, but have yet to decide where exactly the relationship is headed (you know how that goes). Valued at $75, this package includes a full breakfast and two free cocktails at Square 1682.

• Getting Serious: Think you’ve finally found “the one”? Celebrate the most romantic holiday of the year with this package, ideal for those couples in a serious relationship. Valued at $125, you get a complimentary upgrade to the next available room type and a full breakfast at Square 1682. With a bottle of house champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries awaiting your arrival, what’s not to love?

• Married, Back off!: For those looking to celebrate their lifelong commitment to one another this Valentine’s Day, come celebrate with the most romantic package of all! Valued at $200, snag a comped upgrade to the next available room type, parking for one vehicle and a full breakfast at Square 1682. A complimentary bottle of Veuve Cliquot and chocolate-covered strawberries will be awaiting you, plus a $50 credit towrds the hotel retail outlet.

To book your “Couples Retreat Overnight Stay” or for more information, head online or call 1 (888) 725-1778.

Hotel Palomar
117 S. 17th Street
www.hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com

Here’s some seriously exciting news for lovers of the local microbrew: on Monday, January 30, Dock Street Brewing Co. and Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia will be debuting their first of four seasonal beer collaborations with their Winter 2012 installment, the Truffled Old Ale.

The event marks the launch of “A Beer Four All Seasons,” a year-long collaboration that’s set to feature new seasonal brews in April, June and late September to early October.

As part of the January 30 debut, Executive Chef Rafael Gonzalez of the Hotel’s Swann Lounge will also be featuring two new mouth-watering additions to the Hotel’s Bar menu: a truffle burger with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms and sottocenere truffle cheese, and truffle French fries with truffle salt and truffle aioli.

And while Dock Street and Four Seasons might seem like a world apart, the two are building upon a years-long relationship that started when Dock Street originally opened in 1985 at Two Logan Square, right next door to Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.

So mark your calendar and come out for the first taste. With great beer, great food and one of the best views of the Swann Fountain that this city has to offer, it’ll be a night to remember.

Debut Event: Dock Street Brewing Co. and Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia present “A Beer Four All Seasons”
When: Monday, January 30, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Swann Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, One Logan Square
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.fourseasons.com/Philadelphia

Hotel Palomar Philadelphia was featured prominently on super popular interior design blog Apartment Therapy last week. The hotel’s interior designer, Dayna Lee of Powerstrip Studio, dished on the hotel’s Gold LEED certification, historical elements of the original Architect’s Building designed by Paul Philippe Cret in 1929, homages to Philadelphia in the hotel’s decor (an abstract portrait of Ben Franklin greets you under the awning at the entrance) and much more. Read the full interview here. [Apartment Therapy: Hotel Palomar]

Keep your New Year’s partying going strong into 2012 at the 18th annual Hair ‘O The Dog, Saturday, January 14 at the elegant Westin Philadelphia.

This glamorous gala will support two local charities this year: the Garden of Reflection, Pennsylvania’s Official 9-11 Memorial; and Friends Are By Your Side, a network of salon owners and beauty industry experts united in a mission to support women battling cancer and suffering from hair loss as a result.

The latter charity will graciously reward one woman who is battling cancer an all-inclusive “Queen O’ The Dog Package” for the party that includes a custom-made gown, VIP status and other prizes.

The festivities include multiple DJs, custom made Hair O’ The Dog strolling tables, a special photo booth, gourmet food, 4 and a half hours of top-shelf open bar and more.

Bonus: painters Glenn Stevens and Perry Milou will create a live painting at the party with a portion of their proceeds going to the two charities.

Tickets start at $95 and are available online.

Hair ‘O The Dog
When: Saturday, January 14, 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Where: Westin Philadelphia, 99 S. 17th Street
Cost: Tickets start at $95
More info: www.hairothedog.com

Make planning easy with one of the bonus-packed New Year's Eve hotel packages available this year. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Marriott Downtown)

This year you can celebrate the New Year in Philadelphia and save, thanks to some great hotel packages.

First of all, be sure to take a look at the Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, which snags you two nights accommodations, free hotel parking (a $75+ value at most Center City hotels) and a With Love teddy bear.

In addition to the extremely popular Philly Overnight, Visit Philly has a fleshed-out guide to New Year’s Eve hotel packages — helpful if you’re visiting from out of town, assuredly, but also if you’re local and looking to make the holiday extra-special or just avoid having to designate a driver for the evening.

We’ve selected a few top picks; then head over to Visit Philly for the full guide.

For the Fun-Loving Family

• Marriott Courtyard Downtown: Starting at $338, get a two night stay, two tickets to MummersFest and a backstage tour of the Mummers Fancy Brigade Family Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on January 1. Available for arrival on December 30 or 31.

For the Chic Couple

• Sofitel: Starting at $450, get upgraded accommodations for December 31, valet parking, two tickets to the Philadelphia Orchestra New Year’s Eve Concert, a pre-performance cocktail served with complimentary amuse bouche in Liberte, breakfast for two served at Chez Collette and late check-out on Sunday.

For the Pair Craving A Weekend Getaway

• Crowne Plaza Philadelphia West: A little farther removed from the city proper, the Crowne Plaza is offering, starting at just $179, overnight accommodations, a $50 gift certificate to Avenue Grill plus breakfast for two (so you hardly have to leave your room), drop-off shuttle service to the Mummer’s Parade and late check-out at 2 p.m. Plus, you can add on Friday or Sunday night for just $79.

For the History Buffs

• Comfort Inn Downtown/Historic Area: Want to be close to the action? The fireworks take place at Penn’s Landing, plus you’ll be right in the thick of Philadelphia’s most richly historic quarter. Starting at $219, get overnight accommodations for up to four per room, Deluxe Continental Breakfast and valet parking.

The Sofitel has infused French flavor with plenty of subtle American style into one of the most chic hotels in the city, now even more family-friendly than ever before. (Photo courtesy Sofitel

The Sofitel Philadelphia, one of Center City’s most luxurious hotels, is making a valiant effort to become more and more family- and kid-friendly, perfect timing for holiday travel season.

The hotel has instituted a new program called Le Petit Prince, named after a famous children’s book written by Antoine de Saint Exupéry.

The program provides a luxurious yet child-friendly experience for the younger set in town with their families.

It’s part of the Sofitel’s Magnifique Family Package, which already includes 50% off a second room for children, free breakfast for children and a late checkout at 4 p.m.

Le Petit Prince offers additional elements for children to enjoy: a Scrap Book/Travel Diary for kids to keep details of their travel experience; a welcome message customized to them; table placemats in the restaurant; and a fun activities program that will be rolled out in 2012.

Even if you’re local, great hotel packages are always of note in case you want to refer the tip to visiting friends or family, or indulge in a staycation yourself.

You can book, and learn more, through the Sofitel’s website.

Sofitel Philadelphia
120 S. 17th Street
www.sofitel.com

Celebrate all the cheer December has to offer in Rittenhouse Square at Square 1682. (Photo courtesy Square 1682)

The Hotel Palomar’s Square 1682 is getting super festive with three great holiday offerings.

You can forget all about the Twelve Days of Christmas and all the presents from your true love (seriously, what is with all the birds? And who needs 10 lords a leaping) and start celebrating the Twelve Nights of Christmas Cocktails.

Starting this Sunday, December 11 and lasting until December 23, Square 1682 will feature a different holiday cocktail for just $7 from happy hour until close.

This means Monday, December 12 you can enjoy a Grand Ole’ Holiday, after a hard week of work; kick back on Friday, December 16 with friends and a Jingle Bell Julep; and drink a Cookies for Santa on the 23rd before leaving cookies out for Santa the next night.

The complete list of cocktails can be found online.

However, you don’t have to wait to get into the holiday spirit; not when Square 1682 is also celebrating Festivus. Through December 10, enjoy a three-course, prix-fixe holiday-themed dinner for $30. Menu here.

The restaurant is also hosting wrapping parties every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. featuring $3 beer and cocktails as well as complimentary wrapping paper.

Holiday spirit via delicious spirits is what you can find at the Hotel Palomar’s Square 1682.

Square 1682
121 S. 17th Street
www.square1682.com