How to Save Money at a Five Star Hotel

It takes some thought and creativity, but it’s possible to save money at a five star resort without crimping your travel lifestyle. Follow the frugal tips below to save money during a luxury vacation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Creativity
• Money saving mindset

1. Book the least expensive room. Like the real estate mantra of buying the least expensive house on the block, reserve the least expensive room at a five star resort. If you're staying at a beach front resort with gorgeous pools and grounds, a fantastic gym & spa, and endless activity options, you probably won't spend a lot of awake-time in your room. Use the money you save on a garden or partial ocean view room, rather than a deluxe ocean front room, to offset a spa treatment or pool side drinks.

2. Do your research for new promotions since you booked your trip. Check out travel sites to see whether your hotel has added any specials that you can take advantage of during your travel dates. Discounts may include room upgrades, promotional pricing, or a fourth-night free stay at a hotel. Every penny counts!

3. Investigate the difference between a regular hotel rate and breakfast included. If you have a large breakfast buffet, you may be satisfied with a sandwich at the beach hut rather than a full-blown sit-down lunch at a resort restaurant.

4. Inquire about children’s benefits, such as a complimentary (gratuities extra) kids club on certain cruises and all-inclusive resorts. In addition, some hotel chains provide children under 4 complimentary meals from their kid’s menu.

5. Locate a nearby grocery/convenience store and stock up on bottled water, soda and snacks. Particularly if you are traveling with children, bringing your own snacks can save you a small fortune in mini-bar charges.

6. Plan your own happy hour. At a grocery/convenience store, purchase a bottle of wine or your favorite beverage, and some fruit or cheese and crackers, and wind down on your patio with your self-purchased beverages. If traveling by ship, order a bottle of spirits to be delivered to your stateroom. Mixers are complimentary and will be provided by your cabin steward. This is an economical way to have an aperitif.

7. Take advantage of the in-room coffee maker and brew coffee or tea in your room. Better yet, if your hotel has brewed coffee in the lobby at a particular time, take advantage of it. With all the room services surcharges, coffee for 2 from room service is probably more than double your typical Starbucks run.

8. By following these tips, before you know it, you'll have enough saved for your NEXT five star vacation. Happy and safe travels!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't get upset if you or your spouse decide it is time to splurge!
• View these tips as a game to see how much money you can save -- and earmark the money toward your next vacation.
• Make sure watching your pennies doesn't get in the way of enjoying your vacation.

[art2cee2]

on 7/11/2009 good article and very useful suggestions, everyone wants to save a little on vacations ;-)