COMINGANDGOING

A Swiss Miss

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ROOM KEYS

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A Swiss Miss

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When Leslie Aun of Reston turned to Orbitz.com for a hotel reservation in Switzerland, she specified the town of Davos. Up came a good deal for a week in the Hotel Arve, listed as being 7.9 miles from Davos, in Arosa. Aun figured that was close enough to the conference she was attending in Davos on behalf of the nonprofit Special Olympics International, and she prepaid $888.

Turns out the distance estimate must have been made by crows. To travel between the two towns in the Alps takes 2 1/2 to three hours by train, Aun discovered just before departure. Driving takes 1 1/2 hours. By the time she found that out, Aun couldn't find another room, so canceled her trip. Orbitz would not refund a dime.

CoGo has learned through experience that there is no recourse when consumers at any travel site simply disagree with a site's rating or don't take the time to read all available information. But a mistake of that magnitude persuaded CoGo to intercede on Aun's behalf, and she got a refund. Orbitz spokeswoman Jeanenne Diefendorf said the hotel was being removed from the site"pending verification of the property's exact location coordinates." It appears, she added, that the hotel " did not take into account actual driving distances" when reporting its location.

Mountain distances aside, this is a cautionary tale, and it applies not just to Orbitz but to travel sites generally: "The hotel properties displayed provide their own content, which includes the star rating, location and property description," Diefendorf wrote to Aun.

CoGo's advice: Independent review sites such as TripAdvisor.com can help when vetting a hotel. In Aun's case, however, a trip to TripAdvisor.com would have simply informed her that the hotel was wonderful. In cases where a hotel in one town is said to be near another town, check a map before plunking down cash.

THE GIFT OF TRAVEL

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Vamoose, Valentine

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You've got just three days before the present is due, but there's still time to give a romantic weekend redeemable in Valentine's month. Numerous hotels are offering special packages; we've chosen four close enough to Washington to save you travel expenses:

· The Hummingbird Inn (30 Wood Lane, Goshen, Va., 800-397-3214, http://www.hummingbirdinn.com/) is offering a complimentary Valentine's Surprise package (including spa accessories, wine or chocolate) to anyone who books a two-night stay in February. Nightly rates, including breakfast, start at $140 per couple.

· Sofitel Washington (806 15th St. NW, Washington, 202-730-8800, http://www.sofitel.com/) is offering a "Romantic Rouge" package, including a dozen roses, pink champagne, a surprise gift and, of course, a room. The rate, $295, is good until Feb. 28.

· The River Inn (924 25th St. NW, Washington, 888-874-0100, http://www.theriverinn.com/) is offering several arrangements. The "Single Rose" package includes a fresh-cut long-stemmed rose, Godiva chocolates, breakfast delivered to the room and valet parking for $169. Reservations, good until Feb. 18, must be made three days in advance.

· Harmony Hill Bed & Breakfast (929 Wilson Hill Rd., Arrington, Va., 877-263-7750, http://www.harmony-hill.com/) is featuring a package including a two-night stay, breakfast, a dozen roses, chocolates, pre-dinner wine and a $50 certificate for dinner for two in a local restaurant for $345. Available until the first weekend in March.

For other options both far and near: Many Historic Hotels of America (http://www.historichotels.org) properties have a high romance quotient, as do the B&Bs listed athttp://www.BNBFinder.com/RomanticGetaways.

TRAVEL TICKER

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Travelers to the 12 Caribbean nations hosting the Cricket World Cup (March 5-April 28) should be aware that crowds may strain the availability of taxis, emergency medical response and other public services, the U.S. Department of State says in a public advisory. The department's Web site, http://www.travel.state.gov/, also says that "any large scale events could be the focus of terrorist attacks or other forms of violence." Find the World Cup schedule at http://www.cricketworldcup.com/. . . Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi International Airport is plagued with problems, including cracked taxiways and leaks. Problems with the check-in and baggage-handling systems have meant lost luggage and long lines. Thailand's transport minister said last week that "some airlines have concerns about the airport's safety," according to the Associated Press. Government officials hope to relieve some problems immediately by reopening the old Don Muang Airport for domestic flights.

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK

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Day Trip to Dayton?

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AirTran's systemwide sale includes $39-to-$144 one-way fares from BWI and $74-to-$144 one-way fares from Washington Dulles or Reagan National. Purchase by Feb. 13, and travel by May 23. A 10-day advance purchase is required; blackout dates apply. Lowest sale fares available for travel Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For example, fly nonstop from BWI to Dayton, Ohio, for $99 round trip (including $21 taxes); nonstop fare on other airlines starts at $209. Buy at www.airtran.com, or pay $5 more by calling 800-247-8726.

Reporting: Cindy Loose, Gary Lee

Help feed CoGo. Send travel news, road reports and juicy tattles to: cogo@washpost.com. By fax: 202-912-3609. By mail: CoGo, Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.