With Recession Looming, High-End Lodgings Offer Luxe for Less
Hoteliers Lure Vistors with Deals in Hopes of Making a Profit as Stock Market Sinks
Rates definitely are dipping in winter vacation meccas. The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on Florida's Gulf Coast has rooms as low as $99 till March 5, down from $112 last year. Plus, breakfast and a round of golf are free.
Some top Caribbean properties are holding firm on rates. Still, look for deals as hoteliers assess bookings, Frank says. Already, prestigious Rosewood Little Dix Bay resort on Virgin Gorda has added all meals to an $850-a-day winter room rate. The upscale El San Juan Hotel & Casino in Puerto Rico has been enticing vacationers with a $149 rate.
And look for luxury travelers to rethink vacation patterns.
"The buzzwords were 'extravagant' and 'over the top,' " says Concierge.com's Frank. "Now the buzzwords are 'meaningful value.' It's not about spending money just to spend money or 'Let's jet off to Aspen.' "
Whether learning, connecting with loved ones or getting a good price, he says, "it's 'spend it well.' There has to be some value."
