Better pricing for solo travellers? Please?

[jashermd]

Hello,

I've noticed that the LL boards have a special board for solo travel, which is great -- a lot of forums ignore the fact that solo travellers even exist!

But how about this, LL Moderators -- could LL think about offering some better pricing for solo travellers? Right now everything is on a per-room basis, which means that as a solo traveller I pay twice as much per person as a couple does. This means that some packages really aren't good value for me or other solo travellers, because even with the LL discount it's way more than we would pay if we were to book a single room at rack rate. This is especially true in Europe and Africa where rooms are normally priced per-person not per-room as they are in the US and Canada.

Cheers,
Julian

[bonniejoy03]

Not a bad suggestion. I referred two friends, both single, they were hoping to have more solo travel options. I have even looked for my father now that he is a solo traveler. Maybe there could be a section for solo travellers. Some of the all-inclusives do have discounted rates (and possibly smaller rooms) for the solo. This might set LL apart from other companies. Just a suggestion but it makes sense.

[jashermd]

Hello,

I think a lot more people travel solo than many companies realise - either by necessity or by choice. With luck the travel industry will pick up on this sooner rather than later, as single supplments are a real turn-off. I hope that LL takes notice of this thread!

Cheers,
Julian

[marolyn]

I would especially like to see US travel sites and big cities with solo traveller fees since I sometimes go on business and would enjoy an elegant place to stay at the single price from LL. Any plans for such an option? Cheers...Marolyn

[jashermd]

Hello,

Another option that might create better value for solo travellers would be some sort of adjustment in the price if the package includes things like 'dinner for two', 'massages for two' etc etc. Since you're only eating enough for one and having one massage, the property is saving money and the savings could be passed on.

Alternatively, maybe singles could have two dinners for one (instead of one dinner for two) and two massages, etc.

Either option would increase value for solo travellers, and make them more likely to bid.

Cheers,
Julian

[marolyn]

Your idea sounds great to me but I'm not sure how flexible arrangements can be between LL and the sites. LL Moderators, please let us know if any flexibility can be negotiated for single travellers along the lines mentioned above. When travelling on business, usually solo, I would really enjoy more dinners or massages (especially more massages), and if no accommodation could be made, I would be unlikely to bid on the trip at all. Insights for those of us who sometimes find ourselves alone? Thanks...Cheers...Marolyn

[jashermd]

Hi Marolyn,

I agree that these sorts of adjustments would make me more likely to bid when I'm travelling on my own. From the standpoint of the properties, it would seem to be of minimal impact. After all, two meals for one is the same number of meals as one meal for two, and two massages for one is the same number of massages as one massage for two. It's not as if the hotel would need to contribute more than they would do for a couple, and it would give much better value for solo travellers.

Cheers,
Julian

[marolyn]

I like your approach for the single traveller. One way to confirm this possibility for the single traveller is to call the hotel prior to bidding and just ask if the amenities could be doubled for one person in one room. Since the answerr might vary from hotel to hotel, the solution for this issue might not rest with LL. Good suggestion! Cheers...Marolyn

[two2go]

Hi Jashermd

What a great idea for those single travellers! I really thinkthat something like that could work.There was a package that we bought from LL that had 2 massages included, and Iremember my husband using both of them, with no problem & no questions asked.

two2go

[jashermd]

Hello,

I'm definitely trying this on my next LL package. But in addition to the traveller working direct with the properties, I think it would be great if LL could build something like this into their negotiations with the properties to make the process smoother and simpler. LL also has a lot more influence with the properties than an individual traveller, so they might be able to get some sort of accommodation where an individual wouldn't.

Cheers,
Julian