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.

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.

RoomAtlas mashes Google maps with hotel prices and reviews

by Scott Carmichael on

I’m a sucker for a good mashup. RoomAtlas is such a service – it combines the power of Google maps with thousands of hotel locations. The map looks a bit like a Monopoly board, and shows the location of hotels, along with a color coded price, links to reviews, a thumbnail photo and a link to a booking site with even more details of the property.

Rates come from Hotels.com and Expedia, so you are almost always going to get the best available rates. I’ve been playing with the site for some time this morning, and absolutely love how easy it is to find a hotel where you want it, for the price you are willing to pay.

RoomAtlas current covers 53,000 hotels from all around the world. Prices can be displayed in US Dollars and UK Pounds.

Midnight Rates for last minute guests in NYC

by Annie Scott on

Here’s an interesting idea from the folks at The Affinia Manhattan: Cheaper rates late at night.

NYC commuters know that it’s sometimes hard to wrench yourself out of the city in time for that last train, and sometimes, well, you’re just too tired to make the trip; or maybe you’ve had a bit to drink and you’d rather not drive.

Head over to The Affinia, conveniently located right across from Madison Square Garden and close to both Penn Station and Times Square. They’re currently offering special rates for rooms booked after 10:00 PM from just $159.00. That’s $100 off the regular price — and what we like about it is that it’s fair. Why should you pay the same as a guest who checked in at 3 and took advantage of all the hotel’s amenities when you just need a place to crash?

Just show up late at The Affinia Manahttan (371 Seventh Avenue) and ask for the Midnight Rates deal — go in on it with whichever buddy kept you out so late for extra savings.

Get a free wedding in St. Maarten

by Katie Hammel on

Hosting a destination wedding is a great way to cut down on the expenses involved in getting married. Fewer guests equal less money spent on food, drinks and invitations, and fewer tables to seat those guests means your costs for flowers and rentals like linens and chairs will also be lower. Two Sonesta resorts in St. Maarten – Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino and the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort and Casino – are now making the idea of a destination wedding even more appealing. . .and affordable.

Guests who book a seven night stay for themselves and 20 guests (10 rooms with double occupancy) will receive a free wedding package. And we’re not talking a single bottle of champagne and a sheet cake. No, this package includes the reception dinner and open bar. With my friends and family, that savings alone would be significant.

The package also includes the services of a wedding coordinator, marriage licensing services, wedding cake, corsage and boutonniere for the bride and groom, room upgrade, and 10% off of spa services.

[via HotelChatter]