The movie "Ratatouille" has inspired New York's Roosevelt Hotel to offer a package of nearly the same name. The "Ratatouille — Anyone Can Cook Package" ushers families into the Roosevelt Grill kitchen for a cooking lesson with the chefs and then sits them down for dinner to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Priced at $1,443 for a family of four, the culinary caper also serves up two nights' accommodations, a DVD of the movie and, for the most discerning of rats, a gourmet-cheese turndown. Tax and tips are extra. "Ratatouille" reaches its sell-by date March 31. (888-833-3969; www.theroosevelthotel.com, click on Ratatouille Package)

A 'Ho Ho' horse for west coast getaway

Hotel Cheval in Paso Robles, Calif., calls on Chester, its Belgian draft horse, to provide the power for a carriage ride through the town's Victorian district.

The outing with Chester is part of Hotel Cheval's "Ho Ho Ho Weekend Package," which also includes Friday- and Saturday-night lodging, daily continental breakfast, port-and-chocolate pairing and champagne-and-cheese tasting.

Valid through December, the two-night yuletide package is priced at $875 plus tax and tips.

The new Hotel Cheval is located in downtown Paso Robles. (866-522-6999; www.hotelcheval.com, click on View our specials & packages)

Room with a future

Prompted by the "forever stamp" issued earlier this year, Willows Lodge east of Seattle has come up with a "Forever Willows" package that guarantees guests four one-night stays at almost any time in the future. "Forever Willows" is priced at $1,000.

Now for the fine print. Though "Forever Willows" can be redeemed forever, the package must be purchased by Dec. 30. The four-night credit may be used separately or on four successive nights.

Room tax is additional, and booking is based on availability.

Located in the Woodinville, Wash., "wine country," Willows Lodge is an 84-room rustic retreat with a full-service spa and two highly regarded restaurants. (425-424-2589; www.willowslodge.com, click on Accommodations, then on Wine Country Packages)

Prices generally are per person double, based on availability.

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Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.