The consumer is in the driver's seat in these days of empty hotel rooms and quarter-empty airplanes, and the latest deal from Classic Custom Vacations helps prove the point. They have just come out with the exceptional "Free Air, Free Car" offer for a seven-night Hawaii vacation. You can combine this special with one of the group's hotel deals to achieve a minimum savings of $499, they say, often hundreds of dollars more.
A good example is seven nights at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, a fine hotel right off Waikiki Beach, which is just across the street. You fly out from Los Angeles, the first passenger paying $319 round-trip, the second passenger traveling free. The hotel room (city view) costs $686 per passenger. The car is free, but the CCV Waiver, if you want it, is $59 per person. Total cost to the first passenger is $1,064, to the second passenger $745, bring this week in the Pacific sun to $904.50 each for the airfare, lodging, rental car, and daily breakfasts.
The company figures you will have saved $1000 per booking (not per passenger), in the following manner: You get one night free at the hotel (that's a $230 room), buffet breakfast for two daily (that's $252 for an $18 breakfast), $199 for the free rental car and $319 on airfares.
Note that these free airfares are good only from "any California gateway on select airlines to Oahu or Maui." If you depart from other cities or travel to other islands, a $300 air credit will be applied to the regular "Classic" contracted airfares. Also included in the package are the following: express car rental pickup service, free parking at select hotels in Waikiki, a "Dining With Classic Hawaii" guide with discounts or value-added offers, and a free Aloha shirt at Hilo Hattie with minimum purchase.
You can choose from more than 20 hotels and resorts, including the Sheraton Waikiki, the Waikiki Parc, the Sheraton Maui, and more.
This offer is available for travel between August 27 and December 14, 2002. The prices are based on double occupancy, subject to blackout dates, and other restrictions.
Classic vacations are sold only through travel agents, so for more information, see your local agent or go to www.classiccustomvacations.com.