Four years ago, I was working in New York and spent a weekend in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. I wanted to be away from the hubbub in the city of Lancaster so I stayed in the far western part of Lancaster County in Columbia at the Columbian Inn. It is a bed and breakfast that is in a historic 1897 mansion near the Susquehanna River. I was quite pleased with the accommodations and the hospitality. Their Bucher Suite has two beds and is $125 per night. The Moore Room also has two beds and is $100 per night.

You can read more about the Columbian Inn at http://www.columbianinn.com/

As for New York area accommodations, your friends might consider Westchester County. I spent many, many nights in the Residence Inn in White Plains. Weekend rates are $139/night. You get a nice suite with plenty of space. A hot or cold breakfast. Parking is free. Friendly service. But best of all, it is 3 blocks from the Metro North train station. I could go from the hotel to Grand Central Station in Manhattan in 45 minutes. This is the web site for the Residence Inn - http://marriott.com/property/propertyPage.mi?marshaCode=NYCWP

Mark Los Angeles