4 Simple Steps to cheaper Hotels

So you have a few days off from work coming up and you know exactly where you want to spend it. You have visions of lying on the beach of a five star hotel on the North Coast while you sip from glasses with little umbrellas on the rim.

That particular fantasy is usually dashed when you realize the cost to stay at any of these hotels is enough to buy a modest car.

Yes that’s right the cost of relaxation has become so exorbitant that many Jamaicans opt to stay with family and friends.

Imagine paying up to $50,000 per night just to stay in a deluxe hotel room!

Of course these hotels, especially the high end ones really don’t care about attracting residents so much as tourists. Tourism is big business and the rates while slightly lower for residents are still unattainable for the average Jamaican.

So is there any hope to find affordable hotels?

There is always the old adage, “You get what you pay for.” While there are lower cost options consumers often have to sacrifice some amenities. The best option is to choose hotels that have the amenities you want at a price you can afford.

So here are four simple steps to get cheaper hotels

• Check out online deals. You would be surprised how many hotels offer special promotions online. Don’t forget to check social media sites such as Facebook for special deals.
• Plan in advance. Trying to call hotels for rates within a few days of your trip, is never a good idea. Advance booking can provide you with additional savings.
• Travel in groups. Why not plan your trip with family or friends? Some guest houses have one rate regardless of how many adults stay there and so the cost can be divided among the group.
• Join hotel V.I.P. clubs. It might seem to be just a formality but many hotels offer their members special discounts.

So where will you be staying during the holidays? Drop me a line!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley
Gleaner Online Writer

Tags: hotel, promotions