I know there are a few people who know how to work the system and find killer deals on great resorts and hotels. So we live in the heart of high-end resorts and have decided for our 10 -year anniversary to just do a local one night away from kids (trust me a week away from kids will come, but it will have to wait until baby is bigger). So we decided to just do something local, but high end for one night.
I'm looking at just one night at the famous Montage in Laguna beach and its $800 a night for a single room! Ouch. We don't have to go ultra high end. But we want to make it special. We have money to do something nice, but don't really want to through money away being over the top either. So deal finders, where should I begin?
I don't know when you're going but both the St Regis and the Ritz down by you often run mid week specials. They are both very very nice and could be romantic!!! We have loved both.
Go directly to the websites for the hotels you prefer. If you contact hem directly, you can sometimes get a good deal.
We deal mostly with the Hilton and JW Marriott hotels.
Just tell them what you're looking for and why. You'd be surprised at what you get if you just ask!!!
I only deal directly with a hotel. If you go through discounter, you can sometimes get a steal, BUT... If a guest with high level credentials such as a Diamond Hilton member like we are because we travel a lot....show up then you will be bumped to another hotel because they will honor the reward members over a discounter. It's just a fact because we spend a lot if money with that chain due to business and pleasure.
Ask the resort. You'll be amazed at what they can do for you!!
We get the best deals at resorts in their off-season. Sometimes as much as 80% off their busy-season prices. That will only work for you if you are open to celebrating your anniversary at another time, if your anniversary is not off-season.
Avoid dates when there is any major event or convention happening.
Stay midweek, in the Monday-Thursday range, not on Friday-Sunday.
Make reservations at least 6 weeks ahead of time. In general, the closer a date is the higher the price can creep if the hotel is filling rooms quickly. (This doesn't happen if most of the rooms are vacant.)
If there is an email list you can join, they sometimes send last-minute 30-40-50% off deals that are offered up with very little notice. You have to take the dates offered, which may not mesh with what you wanted.
Some places offer a 10-20% discount if you pay upfront when you make the reservation. That comes with the risk of no-refunds if you have to cancel, depending on the hotel's terms. Some will let you cancel if you give notice within a certain time frame before your booked date.
I use groupon. We've done it for the past three anniversaries.
