Flexible packages on LuxuryLink?

[cruisinred]

I am wondering if anyone but me has ever wished that LuxuryLInk offered some sort of flexible package option. For example, many properties are available as a 5 or 7 night package....or a la carte. A flexible package might allow one to choose the # of days (2, 3 5 or 7 for example). I love all the extras and inclusions that come with many LuxuryLInk packages versus booking a la carte, but often I cannot work the set # of days into my travel plans.



Another idea might be an option to choose a flexible regional package of LuxuryLInk properties...for example a flexible # of nights at properties in Paris & Rome or Bali & Thailand, or 2 different Carribean islands.



Just a few thoughts & ideas.



Cruisinred

[marolyn]

I might not understand all of your ideas but the Ala Carte travel seems to meet some of your needs. Also, by looking at the many offers, you might find two trips to meld together in a great way. The travel planner available through LL might also help you create the trip(s) of your dreams. Cheers...Marolyn

[jashermd]

Hi Cruisinred,

I've often wished that LL packages had more options, but I guess that's the trade off for the other great perks we get through LL. If they add the extension option (hint hint, LL!) it would pretty much solve this problem, since that way you could always add a day or two to make the dates work for you.

Cheers,
Julian

[mary-j]

Iagree with you fully. Lot'sof the packages are too short a duration as the ones with 3-4 nights is not really any good for me as most of the packages I am interested in are fairly long-haul so it would be pointless going all that way just for the few nights. If we were able to add on extra nights then that would be a real advantage for me. I realise they have the a la carte where you could chose longer stays but ofcourse these are much more expensive than the ones you bid for. Lhbrown had suggested buying two packages back to back, which is feasible I suppose, but I wouldn't be that happy bidding for two. I would rather have the option to add extra nights on to my original auction if I won it. Hope the moderators are considering adding something like this.

[jashermd]

Hello,

I think the shorter packages work better for city destinations in Europe where there tend to be a number of places you'd want to visit (and thus you could bid for packages to each of them) but that longer packages would make more sense for the more remote destinations. If you fly all the way to the Maldives or Mauritius, you'd going to want more than three or four days.

Cheers,
Julian

[lippincottfarm]

I have puchased and used two packages at the same hotel for one visit, and I have purchased two different packages at two differenthotelsand used them back to back. The purchase of two packages at different hotels in the same general area gives you a nice view of the area. For example, a couple of years ago, I used a package at the Hotel Posta in Reggio Emilia for four days and then moved down to the Marignolle Nolle Relais outside of Florencefor I think three days. You call ahead of time and make sure the dates are available. I see numerous packages that you could do this with. Even if you use the buy now offers, the prices are still cheaper than if you were paying full price, and you are assured of your dates. Don't forget that in Europe, transfer between areas is really easy because of their train systems. Even if you buy one package and then move to another area and purchase the rooms directly from the other hotel or buy a few days from the dame hotel, you still are saving money. I think the important thing to keep in mind is you are saving money by using LL, consider this as a plus and then go and do whatever you want.

[two2go]

Hi Lippincottfarm

I have noticed that you have stayed at Hotel Posta in Reggio Emilia. This is a hotel we were thinking of buying on auction for this summer. Can you please give us insight of your experience there. Did you enjoy the hotel? Were there any good restaurants you can suggest?What did you visit? Thanks, talk toyou soon,

two2go

[lippincottfarm]

Hi, We liked it so much that we are going back this July. The hotel is located in the townof Reggio Emilia. It is mid-sized and typical Italian. Reggio Emilia is an easy drive from Florence. This time are taking the train from Rome and then renting a car in Reggio Emilia. The hotel is in the middle of the town. OurJr. suite consisted of a large bedroom, a smaller sitting room and a nice sized bathroom with a small hallway. The rooms had leaded windows that opened to the street below. The beds were comfortable. Both the bedroom and sitting room had tvs. The sitting room had a love seat, coffee table and a mini-bar which we did not use. The hotel is very nicely appointed. There is a bar, lobby sitting area and a parking garage. You also can park in the street outside of the garage for free. The town has wonderful restaurants. There are a couple of churches and a market area. We didn't realize it the first time, but the town is very conveniently located between Modena and Parma. Bologna is about one hour away. We obtained the master suite package this time. The breakfasts were typical Italian with meats, cheeses, breads, juices and cereals, I am spending my 53th birthday there. We didn't do the tours the last time, but we will this time. All in all, it's one heck of a deal.

[two2go]

Hi Lippincottfarm
Thanks for the review. The fact that you a returning to this property for a second time is proof enough that you enjoyed your stay. We are thinking of visiting either the north of Italy this year or going completely the opposite direction and visiting Sardinia and the south of Italy. If we do the north we will definitely consider Hotel Posta. If you didn't get a chance to visit Bologna last year, try to take the time this year, it is really worth visiting.
two2go

[hunter1]

I agree that having packages with a flexible number of nights would be a great advantage--at least to me. Contrary to those who want longer stays in the Caribbean or Mexico, I'd actually like the option )at least) of shorter ones becuase going to different islands, for example, is more exciting than plunking down for a week or more at the same place.I'm in New York, and nmy business is freelance, so I can pretty much make adjustments as needed. I don't know if the packages are negotiated by LL, or various hotels/resorts simply offer what they choose withouty any advice from LL.

I'm not sure this is the place for this question, but I'm curious about the reporting of negative experiences, whether that is explicitly (or implicitly) discouraged. As someone who has travelled a great deal on business, and quite a bit for pleasure, I've always found the "dark side" of travel to be just as illuminating as positive reporting.Two such areas of concern to travelers are prevalence of insects, and street crime. There is little information available even to the sophisticated traveller. Might these areas loom as threads, or be treated in some other way?
Finally, I suggest we all use latin as a sighnature line. With some embarassment, the only thing I can remember is, "Arma virumque cano.." which is from Virgil, but doesn't make a lot of sense in this context.