Tax Day deals make this week a great time to book

Americans typically classify April 15 as one of their least favorite days of the year. But Tax Day is a day used by retailers to promote special deals. Here are a few from the travel industry:

• Book a stay at a JW Marriott, Renaissance or Marriott property in Washington, D.C. by April 22 to land a 25 percent discount off of the best available weekend rates for stays between May 2 and September 9. Refer to promo code SPJ. www.marriott.com

• Book a four-night stay at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort & Casino's for a rate of $1,040, including all taxes and resort fees. This flat rate is valid on stays through April 30. The "1040 De-Stresser" also includes a half-day dolphin encounter for two and a guaranteed upgrade to an ocean-view room. Refer to promo code SN1040. www.sheratonnassau.com

• Sint Maarten's Sonesta Resorts' new, "Tax Back? You Bet!" promotion, offers a 46 percent savings on any all-inclusive vacation booked during April, valid for stays through 2013. The hotel is offering an additional 21 percent off (equal to the amount of tax and service) on the resorts' already low "advance purchase rate" - for a total of 46 percent savings off published rates. The promotion is based on a four-night minimum stay, double occupancy and must be fully pre-paid at the time of booking. Refer to promo code TAX13. www.sonesta.com/stmaarten

• Through Thursday (4/19), book a room at the vintage Blackstone Hotel in Chicago from just $96 per night on stays through the end of the year (regularly $200). The hotel is located across from Grant Park and in the Magnificent Mile shopping district. Refer to code L9Z. www.blackstonerenaissance.com

• Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers a Tax-Day Relief special of 20 percent off all-inclusive stays of 5 nights or more. The stay includes oceanview accommodations for two, all-you-can-eat and drink at two seaside restaurants. Guests also enjoy complimentary Discover Scuba Dive lesson and complimentary non-motorized water sports such as stand up paddle boards, kayaks, snorkel gear, Hobie Cats and more. Valid on stays through April 30, but reservations must be made today, April 15. Daily rates are $520 per couple, including tax and service charge. Use promo code Tax-Day. No passports are needed for U.S. citizens to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands. www.bolongobay.com