Would you forgo housekeeping in a hotel to save money?

I recently came across this article from The New York Times, and it got me to thinking. How far am I willing to go to save money on a hotel stay? Part of me says that if I am constantly thinking about how I can save money on a hotel stay, then perhaps I shouldn’t be staying in a hotel at all. But another part of me, the “I love a good deal” part, is willing to do a lot of things to save money on a hotel stay. Maybe even make my own bed (gasp!) Interestingly, this “make your own bed” deal is not advertised on the Marmara’s website (from what I can tell, at least), so perhaps it is no longer available. Or perhaps this is something that they advertise only in the rooms like most hotels do about saving water with towels. In my opinion, this is the sort of thing that should not be kept a secret – advertising this option would snag more customers, including myself.

Read More »

When a hotelier names their Manhattan boutique hotel after a graceful African animal, you expect to find a whimsical, yet graceful place to stay. That’s exactly what the Hotel Giraffe in New York City lays out for its guests. Conveniently situated in the Flat-Iron District of Manhattan, just one block from Madison Square Park, the unique affordable hotel is a favorite among its repeat and first-time guests.

Well-Appointed Clean Rooms at Hotel Giraffe, New York

Most New York City hotels lack gratis upgrades like continental breakfasts or complimentary WiFi, but the Hotel Giraffe picks up where other hotels have left off. The list of included amenities is so long, it’s better for me to just quote them here for you: Read More »

The internet is in no short supply of travel websites (see: Uptake!), and new site ideas are popping up nearly every day. Being that I am a travel blog writer, I’ve seen many sites advertising many deals and discounts and have seen many trends come and go. I was just introduced to Trip Alertz, a new travel site that allows you to purchase hotel packages at a major discount. As more people purchase the hotel deal, the lower your final cost for the package. Think of it as a reverse auction: instead of the price going up for demand, the hotel package price goes down on Trip Alertz.

Embassy Suites, Lake Buena Vista Resort, Orlando

The best deal I’ve found on the site so far is for the Embassy Suites Hotel Lake Buena Vista. This Embassy Suites Hotel is adjacent to Disney World and is listed as a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel. The listed hotel package deal is currently listed at $163 for a two-night stay in a two-bedroom suite with extra perks included. Enjoy a Manager’s Reception with snacks and beverages each evening, daily complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, and free shuttle transportation to/from all Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks. Once purchased, the package is valid for stays Nov. 28 – Dec. 02, 2010 or Dec. 12 – Dec. 23, 2010.

The Embassy Suites Hotel invites guests with a heated indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball courts. As with every Embassy Suites Hotel, rooms open onto a large atrium that houses the registration desk and bar/restaurant.

*Instructions for how to purchase the deal and use the package, see the Trip Alertz website.

Photo courtesy: Embassy Suites, Lake Buena Vista

The time around Thanksgiving brings the best weather to Central Florida. Cool evenings and clear, mild days make for tremendously enjoyable days at the theme parks. If you’re in the Orlando area whether it’s to visit Disney World, SeaWorld, or just enjoy our Fall weather, Thanksgiving holiday hotel and vacation deals are abound.

Package deals and discounted hotel room rates are available at many Orlando-area hotels and resorts during the holidays.

Bohemian Hotel Celebration, Orlando, FL

Read More »