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What
influences the price of lodging?
The variations in accommodations are at
least matched by the variety in their prices. Let's look at what influences
the prices.
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Location of the Lodging.
Location within a particular city or area is the single most important
factor influencing the cost of a room. Similarly, resort hotels in a
scenic area on a beautiful beach can command top prices; an identical room
one block from the beach would cost much less.
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Special features and services.
Large freeform swimming pools, indoor and outdoor pools, kiddie pools,
tennis courts, beach clubs, saunas, game rooms, nightclubs, golf courses,
racquet clubs, health clubs - these are all special features that may be
reflected in the price of a room.
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Day and Season.
Sometimes the fluctuation depends on the weather at the destination,
sometimes on the weather that clients are trying to escape. For almost the
entire Caribbean and the beach destinations of Mexico, peak demand runs
from approximately December 15 to April 15. Prices during this time may be
double the rates during the rest of the year.
What influences the price of the room?
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Room size and furnishings. Older hotels tend to have rooms of may different sizes, and luxurious
hotels usually have suites that are much like small apartments. In these
hotels, the price reflects the size of the room. But new hotels are
planned so that almost all rooms are of equal size; for these rooms, types
of fixtures or decor rather than size affect the price.
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Location of the room.
Another factor affecting price is the location of a room within a hotel,
which may influence the guest's convenience, view, and exposure to noise.
Often, the most expensive rooms are those with the best views.
Save where saving’s due...
Here's
a few ideas to avoid unnecessary expense and stay in control of your
spending money most of the time so you can splurge on any romantic treats
you desire the rest of the time.
Food & Beverage
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Eat lightly half of the time. Split
the appetizers, and desserts once in a while.
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Check the price of those frozen
drinks... choose the most affordable specialty drinks.
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Stay away from the mini bar! It's so
convenient, so tempting, and so expensive.
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Buy your own spring water, soda and
snacks at the local grocery store.
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Order takeout... pizza, sandwiches,
Chinese...
Sporting Activities
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If sports are really high on your "gotta
do" list, than you might want to look at an ultra all-inclusive resort
like Sandals which charges nothing for scuba, snorkeling, and a other
non-motorized sports.
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When you price out any sporting
activity or excursion make sure they are quoting you all taxes and fees.
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Don't rent equipment you already have.
Bring along the clubs, racquets and snorkel gear.
Transportation
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Rent a compact car instead of a luxury
model.
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Before you leave, check with your auto
insurer to see if your existing policies cover you enough to avoid buying
extra collision and liability coverage with your rental. The rental
company's insurance can be quite pricey.
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See if your hotel offers free shuttle
service into town for shopping or to special events in the area.
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Reserve your rental car before your
trip. You get a better selection at a better price.
Extra cash
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When you go downtown, shop around for
prices. If you go just a block away from the main street you can usually
get a better deal.
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Don't panic if it's your last day and
you didn't get a souvenir for everyone, I've found some of my best buys at
the airport souvenir shops.
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Remember to watch for less expensive
souvenirs. Free shells off the beach and inexpensive magnets make great
little gifts.
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It's always frustrating to spend $6
for deodorant... double check you packing list and make sure you've taken
everything.
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Pack more film than you think you need
and check your camera battery.
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