You prefer originality over grandeur, high-concept design over ho-hum layouts and hip personality over the blasé. In short, you won't settle for just a place to hang your hat. It's all about the little things, and in today's assortment of boutique-style hotels, no details are spared--which means you get everything from high thread-count bed linens and plush towels to hi-tech gadgets and rainfall showerheads.

For the last decade, chic new hotels have been sprouting up in cities across North America--hotels that make you feel like a VIP while still keeping you on budget. Think casual luxury blended with intimate, individualized service. You won't find a closet-sized gym with an ancient treadmill; instead it's spas and yoga kits. Onsite restaurants and lounges are more than fast food; they're destinations in themselves. In many cases, pets are welcome and special programs are offered for kids, too.

Not sure where to go? Travelocity editors recommend these chic and affordable hotels for fall getaways and beyond:

New York City
Located steps from Times Square in midtown Manhattan's historic Leavitt Building, The Muse plays off an artistic, theater-and-performing-arts theme. The lobby features 15-foot ceilings covered with a commissioned mural of the nine muses and overstuffed sofas with black velvet lounge chairs. Two-hundred rooms (spacious by New York standards), including 19 suites, spotlight commissioned art from creators Sid Avery, William Claxton, Jerry Schatzberg and others. Wake up to a complimentary New York Times, or get your blood pumping with in-room exercise programs for yoga, Pilates and core strengthening. The hotel staff will even bring stationary exercise bikes to your room upon request. Or stay in bed and lounge amidst feather beds and duvets. The hotel is pet-friendly, so bring Fido along, too.

Washington, D.C.
Providing a funky juxtaposition to the otherwise stately D.C. vibe, the Hotel Helix provides stylish accommodations close to Logan and DuPont circles. Situated steps from fashionable bars and hip hotspots in neighboring locales like Adams Morgan and U Street, the hotel provides for an unconventional stay. Colors abound--from the mural outside and the one-of-a-kind artwork to the carpeting in the lobby and the fluorescent colors in the bathrooms. With 178 rooms, 18 suites and 12 specialty rooms with names like Zone, Eats and Bunk, every traveler from singles and couples to families and business travelers can find a room to fit here. The Helix Lounge Restaurant has a seasonal outdoor patio, and the living room houses a nightly manager's complimentary Bubbly Hour. Travelers who want to relax in their rooms can take advantage of luxurious in-room spa services, Aveda toiletries and an honor bar with Pop Rocks, Starbursts and $100,000 Bars--not your usual nuts and crackers.

Portland, Ore.
In LoBu, the up-and-coming Lower Burnside neighborhood across the river from the downtown, Jupiter Hotel provides an offbeat, contemporary alternative to mainstream Portland hotels. In this 80-room motel you can get your hair cut at the Wack Salon, enjoy a facial or massage at Mana Massage (you can opt for in-room treatments, too), and rock out to your favorite indie band at the Doug Fir Restaurant and Lounge. If you choose to hole up in your Ikea-esque room, you'll notice floor-to-ceiling murals of forest and cityscapes. Take advantage of complimentary yoga mats, doors with blackboard slates to scribble on and comfy platform beds. Night-owls will benefit from special rates by checking in after midnight.

San Francisco
Bringing a bit of Vegas to the Bay, Hotel Serrano offers you the option to challenge the front desk to a game of blackjack at check-in. Win, and you could get a free upgrade, appetizers at the onsite Asian restaurant Ponzu and more. Lose, and the hotel requests a $5 donation to a local pet charity, the San Francisco SPCA. If that sparks an interest in more game playing, the hotel boasts an extensive collection of games and puzzles. The 17-story Spanish revival building houses 236 Spanish and Moroccan-inspired rooms, including the A.C.T. Suite, which resembles the nearby Geary Theater with a stage-like bedroom. In honor of the close proximity to the theater district, dramatic influences abound--from bold draperies to whimsical details. Gather in the lobby in the morning for coffee and tea and in the evening for a complimentary wine reception. Families with babies, toddlers or furry pets are welcome and can take advantage of various conveniences from playpens to chew toys.

Los Angeles
In the heart of Brentwood, where Sunset Boulevard hits the I-405, Hotel Angeleno's landmark high-rise tower on the West Side houses 209 stylized guestrooms and suites. Panoramic views of L.A., including the Getty Center, are in sight from the 17th-floor penthouse steakhouse restaurant. Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or lounge by the fireplace. If you retire to your room, you'll enjoy views from a private balcony or the latest movies and shows on plasma TVs from the comfort of a pillow-top mattress, Italian cotton linens and fluffy duvet. Tech-gadgets include iPod Nanos with personalized podcasts and music or GPS navigational devices for use in your car. Car-less guests can make the most of the free shuttle service to local destinations within a three-mile radius.

Las Vegas
For an alternative to the mega-sized casino-hotels along the Strip, the Desert Rose is an oasis. Leave the hustle and bustle of the Strip but stay within steps of the action at this three-story hotel featuring 281 rooms and two-bedroom suites. Unwind in the lounge that resembles a western mountain lodge and take advantage of the complimentary hot buffet breakfast and weeknight social hours with beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks. Minimalist accents include dark woods, slate floor tiles, a fireplace and plush-but-sleek couches and chairs. Outside there's a landscaped pool area that has a spa and courts for basketball and paddle tennis.

Chicago
With a riverside location near Michigan Avenue, Hotel 71's 39 floors boast a panorama of postcard-perfect views of the Chicago River and the city's skyline. This posh hotel's décor features custom furnishings, signature artwork, and video-installation pieces by local artists. Leopard-print accents adorn the modern reception area; and because the guestrooms are extra-spacious, they feature a seating area of a leopard print chaise or oversized chairs for relaxing in style. Every guest has 24-hour access to the gym and will enjoy the H2O+ bath products and oversized towels post-workout. If you suffer a late-night snack-attack, the mini-bars are stocked with Dean & DeLuca goodies and the hotel offers an in-room dining service. When snacks don't cut it, a new restaurant and lounge will be available.

Miami
Centrally located in the heart of Miami's South Beach Art Deco district, Hotel Nash is a block from the beach and a quick jaunt to boutiques, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Each of the 55 guestrooms is decorated in an organic jade-green and ivory motif with marble-tiled bathrooms and rainfall showerheads. The unique Duplex Suite is a two-story room with a queen pullout sofa on one floor and a king-sized platform bed on the top level, while the Penthouse Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and magnificent views. The public areas are scented with aromatherapy, and the terrace is home to three pools filled with fresh, salt and mineral water. Mark's South Beach, the in-house restaurant, is a local favorite serving Mediterranean food that highlights area ingredients.

Vancouver, B.C.
Channeling a South Florida vibe in the heart of Vancouver's shopping district, the Pacific Palisades hotel emphasizes a breezy, hip atmosphere. Opt for an EarthCare Rate to save 10% and proceeds from your stay will go towards a local environmental charity--plus you’ll enjoy organic chocolates at turndown. Not only that, but also if you drive a hybrid vehicle to the hotel, you'll get a 50% discount on parking. Nightly wine receptions bring guests together in the modern, chic lobby; and the Zin Restaurant means you don't have to stumble far for local, gourmet cuisine. For some peace and quiet, splurge for in-room spa services or maintain your yoga practice with a complimentary yoga kit which includes a mat, block and strap. The MBODY Fitness and Wellness Spa features a 55-foot indoor swimming pool, poolside cabana, steam room and more. Pets are warmly welcomed with V.I.Pets amenities including: dog biscuits and cat treats, a Pacific Palisades orange Frisbee, a bowl, pick-up bags and more.

Montreal, QC
Nestled into the tree-lined Sherbrooke Street at the foot of Mount Royal and in the heart of Montreal's Golden Square Mile, the Chateau Versailles exudes historic significance, artful surroundings and a personal touch. Every one of the 65 guestrooms and suites in this renovated, Old-World Edwardian building is unique, comprising distinct combinations of texture and color schemes. Several suites even have cozy gas fireplaces. The historic property maintains its refined heritage while being cosmopolitan and chic at the same time by contrasting vibrant colors with original crown moldings. Plus, pieces from local artists add an artsy flair. For the athletically inclined, the hotel lends out complimentary yoga and jogging kits. Guests who desire special packages have many at their fingertips, ranging from romance and shopping to spa and gay travel.

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I often use this column to talk about how to stay safe when traveling. My aim is not to be an alarmist, but rather to inform travelers of ways to protect themselves. With numerous stories stating that credit fraud and identity theft is rapidly on the rise, I began to think about how this relates to travelers. Then I returned from my vacation abroad and was alerted by my credit card company that my account had likely been breached while I was away. I was fortunate that my credit card company had advised me to cancel the account proactively, before any damage was done. But what if they hadn't? Imagine checking into a hotel, only to find that your account had been frozen. Safeguarding your identity on the road definitely adds another concern to the list of things to monitor when taking a trip--but it's imperative. If you don't, it can cost you dearly.

Every 79 seconds, a thief steals someone's identity, opens accounts in the victim's name and goes on a buying spree, according to CBSnews.com. And yet, vacation is when we let our guard down most. We’re prone to being carefree on the beach, not guarding our wallet from identity scammers, but identity thieves try to make a carbon-copy of you. Their goal is to pass for you on paper and steal their way into your bank account, which can strike at any time. So if you're taking a trip, even if it's just to visit Grandma, there are steps you can take to minimize, and hopefully prevent, any damage.

It goes without saying that you should always keep your belongings with you. That said, don't take more than you need. Leave your social security card in a very safe place. (As a general rule, don't give out your Social Security number, unless it's absolutely required.) You'll also want to have a copy of every card in your wallet, both front and back, in a safe place at home. Should anything go missing, you'll need all that information for fast action.

If you're traveling internationally, it's a good idea to call your credit card company and make them aware of your plans, so you're sure to be issue-free when you're on the road. Don’t forget, you’ll be spending in ways and places that may otherwise seem out of place to your creditor. It can be advisable to pay in cash when traveling abroad, to limit anyone from stealing your credit card information. ONLY use your debit card for withdrawing cash from the ATM, because it draws directly from your bank account. You may also want to see about instituting a daily withdrawal limit from your checking account to safe-guard against too much damage.

When checking in, Internet cafes and business lounges are very handy--but make sure you don't conduct any private accounting business or access your personal information while doing so. Those places tend to be havens for crafty thieves.

A few numbers to have handy in case your cards are stolen are: Visa 410-581-9994; MasterCard 636-722-7111; and American Express 336-393-1111. The three credit companies that you'll need to alert in case of identity theft are: Equifax 800-685-1111; Trans Union 800-888-4213; and Experian 888-397-3742.

Remember to protect your identity no matter where you are. Rip up every credit card receipt and any carbon copies and check your credit status regularly. Make sure to purge unnecessary items from your wallet at least twice a year. Get in the mindset of protection. Take advantage of a free credit report annually by visiting: www.annualcreditreport.com.

Being one step ahead of the thieves and remaining on the lookout for signs of account foul play can help you thwart someone stealing from you—which means you'll be sure to keep your vacation for relaxing.

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Today’s theme park goers have more than 600 amusement parks and traditional attractions to choose from in the U.S. alone, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, leaving adrenaline-seekers a myriad of options for their next vacation. With spring break approaching and vacationers making their getaway plans, Travelocity editors dug deep to compile coasters, thrillers and soakers from across the country that top the list of amusement park favorites.

From the more nostalgic rides of earlier generations to the contemporary thrill rides of today, here are 10 attractions worth standing in line for when visiting theme parks this season:

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger who made his debut in the Disney presentation of Pixar’s Toy Story, also stars in a cosmic mission that unfolds in the Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World® Resort. This ultramodern, high-tech adventure gives riders the illusion they’re traveling through another galaxy. It allows both kids and adults to become junior Space Rangers, piloting a Star Cruiser equipped with laser cannons through imaginative celestial worlds on a mission to save the toy universe. This interactive ride evokes friendly competition among the entire family, allowing riders to score points as they navigate through outer space. (A version of this attraction also can be found at Disneyland® Park.)

Curse of Darkastle
Travel through an ice-bound world in a golden sleigh, experiencing eye-popping visuals and heart-stopping excitement while traversing a castle frozen in time. The impeccable visuals on the Curse of Darkastle blends perfectly with the aesthetic scenery for which Busch Gardens Williamsburg is known. The ride utilizes intense 3-D imagery to thrust riders into the fictional life of young King Ludwig who took over the throne and turned his castle into a terrifying, impenetrable fortress. Beware as the coaster-like sleigh makes its way through the castle, encountering wind, fire, shattering ice and a larger-than-life wolf looming throughout the palace.

Cyclone
Rough around the edges and evocative of the days “back when…,” Coney Island’s Cyclone embodies an attitude only found in Brooklyn, New York. With decades of history under its brakes, the coaster tells stories of merry summers and troubled times. Starting with its opening in 1927, the Cyclone began making a name for itself, achieving legendary status and possibly earning the title of America’s most famous coaster. While the 86-foot hill and various turns may seem tame next to the mega-coasters of today, this undeniably nostalgic experience overlooking Surf Avenue is certainly worth a trip to Coney Island.

Dueling Dragons
Two separate coasters that intertwine with one another to create a combat-like impression, Dueling Dragons is the world’s first dueling, inverted roller coaster. Located at Orlando’s Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, ride the Fire Dragon or the Ice Dragon as they narrowly pass within inches of one another on the intertwining tracks. Soar 125 feet in the air, reaching speeds of 55 mph on two exceptional rides that seemingly collide midair. The ride itself is not only thrilling, but theme park junkies agree that Dueling Dragons boast perhaps “one of the best queues ever,” winding through an intricate castle which serves to build the suspense.

Insanity
An amusement park in itself, Las Vegas has a number of thrill rides to ponder, but none capture a view of the strip like Insanity, which extends 64 feet over the north edge of the Stratosphere tower. Spin up to three Gs as you’re pulled out in "escape-proof" seats at an angle of 70 degrees. Go on the ride to fully understand why it’s called Insanity. While you’re buckled in, try to muster the courage to open your eyes for a view of the Las Vegas Strip, which lies a terrifying 900 feet below.

Journey to Atlantis
Part thrill ride, part water ride and part roller coaster, Sea World’s Journey to Atlantis combines elements of classic theme park rides with remarkable special effects to create one of the top adventure rides of its kind. Not your usual lift hill, the journey starts in a boat on an atypical elevator ride to the top of the coasters crest. Plummet down the ride’s 60-foot flume drop to get utterly soaked before facing the powers that be, where riders learn that the people of Atlantis lost their connection to the sea and are trying to regain it. This ride’s drops and screams promise thrills of their own, but the real entertainment comes with each and every t-shirt soaking splash. (Found in Sea World San Diego and Orlando.)

Pirates of the Caribbean
So captivating and adventurous that it inspired a hit Hollywood film, Pirates of the Caribbean is perhaps one of the most well-known theme park attractions ever built. A classic indeed, Walt Disney himself had a hand in designing the ride, which first opened at Disneyland® Park in 1967. This lively attraction takes its crew on a hunt for pirate booty. Traverse the dark, spooky waters of the Caribbean, where an explosion of cannonballs, a village of sinister pirates and a town blazing with fire await. Currently closed to add inspirations from the movie (including Captain Jack Sparrow), climb aboard when it re-opens this summer. (This ride is also featured at the Magic Kingdom® Park in Orlando.)

Raptor
Known for its world class collection of roller coasters, Ohio’s Cedar Point was one of the first amusement parks to introduce an inverted coaster to its inventory. As these inverted thrillers go, the Raptor is one of the best. Let your feet hang free as you reach heights of more than 130 feet on this outside looping coaster. Encounter a barrel roll, a high-speed helix and cobra roll, which flips passengers over and spirals them upside down into a 180-degree roll. Watch out – this twisting move also repeats in reverse order.

Timber Mountain Log Ride
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif. is known for firsts, including being America’s first theme park and introducing the first-ever log flume ride. Experience the darkness of Timber Mountain Log Ride as this traditional mine-themed attraction twists along a 2,100-foot waterway at speeds ranging from eight to 12 feet per second. Plummet down the flume propelled by 24,000 gallons of water, and expect to be splashed. Go during Halloween when the ride is haunted by ghosts and goblins for extra excitement.

Titan
If the 255-foot drop doesn’t send chills up your spine, then the Titan’s climactic 85 mph plunge certainly will. This roller coaster, a Six Flags Over Texas favorite, boasts a track more than a mile long constructed with half a million pounds of steel. Experience three-and-a-half minutes of larger-than-life thrills, encountering spirals, plunges, helixes and a 120-foot tunnel masked in total darkness. Tip: Consider riding this thriller before lunch and don’t forget to hold on tight!

Amusement Park Tips

• Use the buddy system and agree on a meeting place should anyone get lost.
  
• Always wear sunscreen, comfy walking shoes and clothing with zipper pockets.
  
• Arrive early and stay late to take advantage of less crowding.
  

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