Rocky Mountain Bargain

Seniors can get a discount at a Colorado guest ranch surrounded by mountain peaks and alpine lakes near Rocky Mountain National Park. Lane Guest Ranch, at an altitude of 8,500 feet, is open June, July and August, and has lodging choices from small cabins for couples to large units for families of six. All units are carpeted and include TVs, VCRs and videotapes, patios or hammocks. Packages include all of the following activities: horseback riding, river rafting, trout fishing, heated swimming pool, guided hikes, boat trips, shuffleboard, volleyball, horseshoes, Ping-Pong and free use of tennis courts including rackets. There is an extra charge for golfing on two nearby courses.

Packages offer all meals, which include breakfasts cooked to order and full-course dinners with homemade desserts, beer or wine. Special activities are available for grandchildren, and pets are welcome. The regular price for a seven-night minimum visit is $175 per person, per day but is reduced to $160 per day for seniors over age 60. Children ages 7-11 are $148 per day, children 3-6, $60, and under 3, free. For lodging units with private hot tubs, add $90 per week. For information, write: Lane Guest Ranch, P.O. Box 1766 B-1, Estes Park, Colo. 80517; tel. (619) 481-0043.

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Travelers who are seeking modestly priced hotel accommodations may find good bargains through Quikbook, a company that arranges discounts of up to 70% off the rack rates of many hotels in 24 U.S. and Canadian cities. Quikbook cities include popular destinations such as Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Miami, Montreal and Washington. Because Quikbook is located in New York City, the company is especially effective in offering substantial discounts in many of that city’s hotels and motels. Reservations for Quikbook participating hotels are made direct to a toll-free number and a written confirmation is mailed within 24 hours. Payment for lodgings is made directly to the hotel, and there are no fees or commissions paid by the person booking the rooms. Quikbook will send a question-and-answer brochure, plus a Customer Kit at no charge. Call (800) 789-9887.