Airlines Hotels Launch Fall Travel Deals

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A Passage to India in the Lap of Luxury

Unless you're prepared to backpack it, the only way to see India is in total style and luxury. And that’s exactly the strength of Taj Hotels, Resorts, and Palaces, the homegrown lodging arm of India's massive Tata Group. And Taj really does have palaces. The Incredible Royal Escapes package includes four nights in one of them: the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, the Lake Palace in Udaipur, or the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. There's also two nights in Mumbai or Delhi at Taj's five-star city properties. The six-night bundle also includes daily breakfast and dinner, which is superlative because Taj's properties are home to some of India's finest restaurants. The package price starts at just $2,220 a couple, and the offer runs through September 30; call 866-969-1825 for more details.

Down Under for Down-Low Prices

United Airlines is slowly upgrading its outdated international business-class cabins, but its older service remains the standard on most of its flights Down Under. United's old stuff can't compete with the lavish flat-bed accommodations offered by the incumbent leader, Qantas, or two newcomers on U.S.-Australia routes (V Australia and Delta Air Lines). So United is competing on price—and that's fine if you simply crave a big, comfortable seat with plenty of legroom on the long, long flights. United's business-class sale has knocked fares to Sydney or Melbourne down to as little as $2,195 one-way from Los Angeles; $2,454 from Chicago; and $2,447 from New York. Those are eye-popping prices considering that Qantas charges upwards of $7,500 one-way in its business class.

The Fine Print…

Beijing's minimalist new Opposite House, which we discussed last spring, has dazzled critics and guests from around the world. The 99-room property has huge accommodations, including the basic Studio 45 series, which are almost 500 square feet. They list for around $700 a night, but even Beijing is weathering hard times, so there is a startling offer: a third night free if you stay two consecutive nights for approximately $285 a night. That brings the effective rate to just $190 a night. The rate even includes free minibar and Internet access and free breakfast for two on weekends. The bundle is available until December 31.

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