luxury travel in the news

[michael_choe_ll]

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotel...for-less_N.htm

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/travel/26holiday.html

[Mountie]

Thanks for posting the links. You know, Michael, with the current economic conditions in the US and most of the remainder of the world, I just bet the deals are going to continue to get better and better offered by LL.

[thepiranha]

Michael, thanks for the informative posting. I'm concerned for the people who work in the travel industry. As seats on airplanes go unfilled, rooms in hotels go unused, and tables in restaurants go empty, more and more people are going to lose their jobs. We're just seeing the tip of the iceberg and it's only going to get worse for quite awhile. I hate to be a pessimist, but I think that's the reality of the situation. On the brighter side, travelers looking for deals are going to find them.

[phiota]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/28/bu...=1&oref=slogin

[michael_choe_ll]

the title of the latest ny times article is Dim Days for Luxury Hotels

[michael_choe_ll]

Hi Mountie,

it's difficult to say.

a lot of hotels are slashing their rates and/or throwing in free upgrades, inclusions, etc.
omega stated in another post that now is a great time to ask (politely) for discounts, upgrades, etc.

in the current environment, it's possible to find a comparable (or better) deal from the hotels directly. if that's the case, the deals on LL don't look as great. if you do decide to book direct, just remember to mention LL referred you. ;-)

Michael

[omegaet]

michael, I'm not so sure upscale resort properties are as open to individualnegotiations on rates and "added perks" as hotels primarily located in business centers. I guess it doesn't hurt to ask if a resort can offer a better deal (maybe an upgrade in the room or suite.....which generally happens with an LL package....at least that has been the case in the last couple of LL trips we have taken). In the strategy I mentioned in another thread, I have found hotels in business cities I visit,to be more willing to upgrade and/or add incentives just to fill the rooms.



There is a lot of competition for business travelers today and on-sitemanagement has latitude to make adjustments in order to fill a room (probably performance bonus dollar involved as well).



Just my experience.



As far as mentioning LL when checking into a property secured through an auction on this site....I think there is a "high intensity suck up value" in disclosing the fact we would never have probably considered staying at the property, had it not been for exposure on LuxuryLink!



You can call this approachanything you like..."pandering" or "pimping" or.....or....give your own title.....bottom line, if it results inimproving your position in the negotiation, then you win.



Just my opinion.

[michael_choe_ll]

from business week: 'discount luxury for sale as recession looms'

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine...6055117536.htm

[michael_choe_ll]

this story is about spas in scottsdale, arizona

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10445...FREE&cm_ite=NA

[bonniejoy03]

PS- Love the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass spa. My family members are getting gift certificates to their spa for the holidays!!