Crisis in Dubai creating fantastic bargains for travelers

by Scott Carmichael on

After years of building new hotels at a record speed, Dubai is starting to pay the price for overcapacity. Hotel prices in this desert state have already dropped more than 25%.

The average price for a room used to be $305, and in just one month, it dropped to $230. This means that tourists coming to Dubai for a week can save over $500.

Of course, this all has to to do with more than a bit of hotel overcapacity. The recent news about the financial situation of Dubai is helping people consider the destination for their next vacation.

A similar thing happened when Iceland stood on the edge of total financial meltdown. Bad news for one country, means great bargains for others. Unless of course that country is the United States, in which case the government comes up with new and improved ways to scare tourists away.

The Dubai numbers come from the UK division of Hotels.com where they noticed a massive increase in search requests for Dubai hotels. Since Dubai released their doom and gloom financial news, searches for Dubai hotels increased by 570%.

Dubai always wanted to make its money from tourism (it doesn’t have much oil), so perhaps by turning into a budget destination, they’ll finally have their wish granted.

Three great hotel deals in NYC this winter

by Katie Hammel on

It’s getting cold in New York City and as the temps drop so do prices for the city’s hotels. Across Manhattan, you’ll find deep discounts and deals, plus added perks and freebies. Here are three fantastic hotel finds for winter.

The Upper West Side’s Moroccan-themed Marrakech Hotel is offering rates starting at $99 per night, which is 20% off the normal rate. Guests will also receive two complimentary tickets to the Top of the Rock. The deal is valid January 4 to February 28 with a two-night stay. To book online, use the Deal1.

Three GEM Hotels locations (SoHo, Chelsea and Midtown West) are offering a rate of $129 per night in January and February. Blackout dates are January 22 to 25, January 30 to February 5 and February 13 to 14.

Rates at The Portland Square Hotel, in Times Square, are just $129 per night for a queen guestroom. That’s a savings of 20% off the regular rate. Guests will also receive two tickets to the Discovery Channel’s Titanic Exhibition. As with the Marrakech Hotel deal, the rate at The Portland Square Hotel is valid January 4 to February 28 with a two-night stay and the promo code Deal1.

Le Domaine de Lonvilliers opens in St. Martin

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Iconic chef Christophe Leroy is back in action. His newest hotel, Le Domaine de Lonvilliers opened last week in St. Martin. Already, there are some excellent deals available for late December getaways. Christmas and New Year’s Eve rates start at only $300 a night — a savings of $215 from the regular rate.Thruogh March 31, 2010, you can pick up a room at an introductory rate of $250 a night, down from $350.

This new property is tucked away in the sheltered Anse Marcel bay, surrounded by a white sand beach. Stay in one of 145 rooms that blends European high-touch luxury with laid-back Caribbean charm. The resort consists of five Creole-style buildings on 150 acres and has been rated a four-star luxury hotel by the French government.

Verdanza Hotel opens in Puerto Rico

by Tom Johansmeyer on

There’s a new hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On Friday, the Verdanza Hotel opened its doors, offering an upscale urban-inspired experience … but only a few steps from the beach. It’s not far from the Isla Verde tourism district, so you’ll have plenty of access. And, the 222-room hotel (with 20 suites) boasts three restaurants and a pastry shop. Look for some personalized touches at the Verdanza Hotel, such as made-to-order picnic beach lunches, luxurious eco-friendly bath products, guestrooms that allow pets and a personal bike taxi ride to the beach.

Art lovers will be particularly thrilled with the Verdanza. The opening includes the kickoff of “Art and Friends,” which consists of local and experimental art from newcomers. Look for daily events that include live concerts, video art performances and other exhibits. The two-week show ends on December 13, 2009, with a Fair Trade Bazaar.

Ricky Newman, general manager of the hotel, says, “The new Verdanza Hotel is all about personalized service, attention to the small details and an overall experience that allows our guests to feel one with the true vibe of San Juan.” The Verdanza is the first independent full-service to hotel to open in the San Juan metropolitan area.

Cyber Monday: not just for retailers any more

by Tom Johansmeyer on

After four days off, the world will slide behind its desks again on Monday morning. They’ll try to get back into the swing of work life, but it won’t be immediate. So, as they ease back into productivity, many will push into the shopping world they dodged three days earlier on Black Friday. The hotels will be waiting for them, with more than 60 of them pushing deals to try to get in on the holiday shopping action.

Around 69 million people are expected to jump into the Cyber Monday fray, with workers aged 18 to 24 seen as the most likely to shop at work. Overall, 54 percent of people with internet access at work will start to take care of their holiday season obligations on Monday.

According to a Shop.org survey, 87 percent of the retailers surveyed plan to get deals out in front of online consumers this holiday season, up a tad from last year’s 83 percent. So, it’ll be tough for the hotels to stand out, but this won’t keep them from trying.

Fifty of Starwood‘s resorts will be offering deals during a three-day sale that starts on Monday, with discounts of up to 45 percent. But, you’ll need to travel between the beginning of January and the end of April. Seven Affinia Hotels properties are offering 15% off a 2010 stay at properties in New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. The James Hotel in Chicago is offering a 100% bonus on gift cards purchased.