Ask Gadling: Getting the most (hotel) bang for your buck

by Melanie Nayer on

We’ve talked a lot about hotel promotions and packages, but how do you choose what’s best for you and your budget? That’s the topic of this week’s question, from Cindy in San Antonio, who wants to book a nice hotel without paying for unwanted amenities.

“I want to go on vacation this year, but I’d also like to get the most bang for my buck. I don’t want to seem greedy, but I want more than just a hotel room and I don’t want to spend money on things I’m not going to take advantage of, like free water sports or spa gift credits. How do I get the most bang for my buck at hotels, without having to compromise my vacation?”

Gadling: Your question isn’t out of the ordinary and certainly isn’t greedy. It’s completely natural for you want to the most for your hard-earned cash, especially when you travel. I’m here to tell you it’s possible to travel in style, without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips before you book:

1. Think outside the box. Just because you’re familiar with some hotel brands doesn’t mean you should exclude others. Many people fall into the “I can’t afford that” or “It’s too basic” frame of mind without even checking out the hotels first. Hotels like Hyatt, Marriott and Wyndham have ‘upscale’ brands that act like resorts and offer different amenities and packages from their flagship hotels. In the same way, luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons offer vacation packages that include everything from dinners to spa days to tours, and more. The cost for these add-ons is often less than what you would pay if you priced it out a la carte, and you get the service that luxe hotels are known for. Don’t shy away from boutique brands, either. Hotels like Kimpton’s and Affinia’s are smaller than big name hotels, but they offer the same amenities (sometimes more) and host special ‘theme’ packages depending on the time of year you travel and what you’re looking for, including family packages, girlfriend getaways and city tours.

View more Ask Gadling: Travel Advice from an Expert or send your question to ask [at] gadling [dot] com.

2. Use loyalty points. If you’re a member of a hotel’s loyalty program, look to them first before booking. Hotels will cater to their loyalty members, even if you don’t have enough points for a free night. Just having a membership goes a long way these days (and the memberships are free!). If you’re not a member of any hotel loyalty programs, check with your credit card company or airline rewards programs. Credit card companies offer great travel deals that allow you to gain points when you book through them, and they also have promotions that are specific to them so you might find something that suits your tastes and isn’t offered on the hotel’s websites. The same logic applies to airline miles programs – airlines and hotels have teamed up to offer packages that include airfare and hotel stays, so it’s likely you can save money and stay at some great properties.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. If you find a hotel and package price that’s perfect, but the package offerings aren’t quite right, call their customer service line and ask for some re-shuffling. Tell the agent exactly what you like and don’t like about a package, and ask if they can accommodate you with another package for the same price, or throw in a few of the things you’re seeking. Many times, the hotel will sell you the package with all the inclusions, and give you the extras you’re seeking for free. Valet service or free parking, free WiFi, additional beds (which often come with a charge) and credits in either the restaurant, bar or spa are common requests that hotel’s often accommodate. Remember, this is the hospitality business – their job is to cater to the customer, so ask for what you want and you’ll be surprised at what you get!

Enjoy your vacation, Cindy, and remember: you work hard for your money, so make it work for you!

Inside the $33 million makeover of the Four Seasons Los Angeles, Beverly Hills

by Melanie Nayer on


Los Angeles is no stranger to facelifts, nip-tucks and makeovers, but when a luxury hotel decides to go under the knife the finished product is worthy of a red carpet debut. The Four Seasons Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, finished its $33 million makeover this year and on a recent visit to Los Angeles, I got an inside look at the renovations, and learned why this hotel is so special to Hollywood’s elite.

The renovations spanned two and half years and in the end, all 285 guestrooms and suites, the ballroom, lounge, restaurants and pool and cabana areas were renovated. I met with General Manager Mehdi Eftekari to learn how the hotel managed the makeover while still operating at full capacity, and hosting celeb-studded parties, including some Academy Awards parties, with ease.

THE DECOR
Walking into the foyer of the Four Seasons Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, is like walking into a zen garden. Fresh floral bouquets greet guests and you’re suddenly overwhelmed by varying scents of freesia, lilies, roses and more as you make your way to the check-in desk. The lobby is draped in soothing yellow, golds and deep brown tones, and the same hues extend through the entire hotel, providing an inviting entrance no matter what floor you’re on.

THE ROOMS
The new design of the guest rooms pays homage to old Hollywood glamour. King-sized beds are positioned against white-gold headboards and each bedroom features a modern floral motif on the wall. New tan carpet infuses a splash of coral, plum or aqua into the mix and according to hotel staff, the carpets were custom designed to play off the owners’ love of flowers and gardens.


My favorite part of the rooms were the French doors that open to private balconies overlooking Beverly Hills, downtown Los Angeles or the Hollywood Hills, depending on which side you face. One-bedroom suites come complete with a living room area, pull-out sofa and desk space. Internet access comes at a fee, the only downside to staying at the hotel.

If you’re so inclined to stay in one of the hotel’s suites, you won’t be disappointed. Cashmere throws, grand pianos and Swarovski crystal are just a few of the perks that come with the suites. The rooms can be transformed from upbeat and inspiring to romantic and indulgent with the turn of a light switch. Walk-in closets in the suites are the size of some small apartments, so prepare to be envious (and start planning the renovations of your own closet back home).THE BATHROOMS

Each guest room’s bathroom has a stand-up shower and a bathtub, and comes furnished with all the proper amenities including robes and slippers, which I highly recommend you lounge around in. Truth be told, I spent a lot of time in the plush slippers and the best part is, you can take the slippers home for free (the robe will cost you $100). I’ll admit, the Four Seasons slippers are one of the best additions to my shoe closet.

THE RESTAURANT

Windows Lounge on the ground floor is the see-and-be-seen gathering spot for Los Angeles guests and Hollywood figures. At any given time you might see agents working deals, aspiring models looking for their next break, or you might catch a glimpse of your favorite celeb walking by. It’s important to point out the lounge isn’t a gawking spot for tourists. If you want to break out the camera, head down the street to Wilshire Boulevard and get your flashes ready. At Windows Lounge, order a glass of wine or relax with your favorite martini and you’ll feel like you’re part of the A-list crowd.

The lounge is a great spot to start before having dinner at the hotel’s new restaurant, Culina, Modern Italian. A blend of traditional Italian dishes with eclectic flavors make this restaurant worth the wait.

THE SPA, POOL & FITNESS CENTER

Ever wonder what it feels like to walk on a cloud? Step into the new pool and walk across the cushioned bottom, and you might get the sense of weightlessness you’ve been yearning for. Relax in one of the cabanas, which can be fitted with TVs, Internet access and food and beverages for the day for a fee. The restaurant on the third level offers poolside service amid gardens and orange trees, providing necessary shade for hot days.


The Four Seasons Spa features steam rooms, a sauna and a range treatments. For a truly relaxing experience, ask for your treatment from one of the poolside cabanas, where you can lounge in a chair and enjoy the fresh air while being pampered.

The hotel’s fitness center is the last piece of the puzzle to be renovated, but the current state of the center will get you pumped up to work out. Located poolside and set in an outside environment (with proper shades in the event of rain), the fitness center, while small in size, has treadmills, elliptical machines, stair-steppers, bicycles and a weight section. My perfect morning started off with a 5-mile run, followed by 20 minutes of elliptical training and ending with 20 minutes by the pool. Sometimes, a little ‘me time’ is necessary.

THE STAFF

When you stay at a luxury hotel, you expect luxury service, and the Four Seasons didn’t disappoint. I asked Eftekari how he managed to keep the hotel moving during the renovations, and he praised his staff who he said, “They believe in what they do.” It couldn’t be more apparent that the hotel staff love their jobs. From the check-in desk to the concierge to the maid service, everyone said “hello” with a smile and was eager to help with any request. The waitstaff knew when I needed more coffee, and even suggested a little protein in my diet when I had ordered only vegetables for lunch one day. When the last raspberry danish was given to another guest one morning, they made sure to save me one for the next day.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Imagine a place where Frank Sinatra might have played the piano late-night, or Lauren Bacall might have flipped her hair when Humphrey Bogart walked in the room, and you have the essence of the Four Seasons Los Angeles, Beverly Hills. If you listen closely you can the secrets of Hollywood’s elite whispering through the walls.

The bottom line: If you’re going to spend the money to stay in Los Angeles, you might as well be treated like a star and the Four Seasons Los Angeles Beverly Hills will gladly roll out the red carpet for you.

Daily Pampering: Executive Club Lounge at the Four Seasons Sydney

by Melanie Nayer on

There’s something spectacular on Level 32 at the Four Seasons Sydney, and it’s not just the view. Think: warm cookies, homemade desserts and a nightcap.

For a small fee, the Executive Club plays host to pre-evening activities and first-thing-in-the-morning necessities. Treat yourself to hot and cold buffets for breakfast including an omelet station and mounds of fresh fruit, or indulge at dusk with cocktails and canapés. In addition to the food and beverages offered, guests with Executive Club privileges can take advantage of club services including free Internet, car services, spa reservations, tour bookings and tickets to the theater or opera.

The lounge was the perfect place to start the night with a glass of Shiraz or bubbly from the self-service bar. After a night on the town, it’s a great comfort to know there’s a hot breakfast waiting on floor 32. Take it from one who knows – the mini-chocolate berry mouse is not to be missed!


Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Four Seasons hotels support earthquake relief efforts with wine sales

by Melanie Nayer on

What’s the one thing you can do to help a country heal after a natural disaster? Support that country’s local economy. With that in mind, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts have launched a “Cheers for Chile” campaign, allowing visitors and guests to contribute to the Chile earthquake relief efforts just by ordering a class of wine. Here’s the news, straight from the hotel’s Web site:

“Now through April 18, 2010, Four Seasons will donate a portion of the proceeds from sales of Chilean wines from Veramonte Winery at participating properties in North America to the Chilean Red Cross. Donations of $10.00 USD for each bottle and $2.50 USD for each glass sold will be made.”

Choose from the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, a 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva and 2008 Chardonnay Reserva. Ordered by the glass or the bottle, your sip will directly benefit the rebuilding efforts in Chile.

Click here for a list of participating hotels.

Luxury hotels still discounting in 2010

by Tom Johansmeyer on

If you didn’t book a luxury trip last year, don’t worry; you didn’t miss your big opportunity. Without a doubt, 2009 was hell on the luxury travel market. It was rough on just about every luxury business, frankly. And while the economy looks like its taking a step in the right direction this year, it’s not doing so fast enough for luxury travel providers. Look for another year of discounts, according to industry tracking firm Rubicon. Properties like the Four Seasons, St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental are going to have to bite the bullet again in 2010.

According to Rubicon, luxury hotels are booking more business at this point in the year than they did in the same period in 2009 – but only 4.6 percent more. Meanwhile, the average rate they’re fetching is off 13.2 percent. Clearly, the upscale properties are buying guests with discounts. Of course, luxury on sale still isn’t cheap. You’re looking at $325 a night instead of $389 a night a year ago, Rubicon reports, based on bookings made as of February 1.

“Hotel companies are not rushing to lift the rates and slow that tide of recovery,” Rubicon CEO Steve Swope told USA Today. “So the other good news is: there are some real bargains out there for consumers. Now’s a good time to get out and travel. In another 18 to 24 months, the rates seen today are not going to be there anymore.”