October 13, 2003 -- We've got a hefty lineup of Florida's affordable lodgings -- including a Frommers.com-only discount on condo rentals, hotel rooms for under $30 (!) and a budget-priced golf package.
Can-do Condos!
It's a fun job finding bargains for our readers, and even more so when we can wrangle an extra discount for them. We recently told you about AAA Dreamhomes and its special discounts for our readers.Now, we'd like to introduce JC Resort Condominiums, Inc., which is offering an additional 10% discount on all seven-night stays from now through January 31, 2003. All you have to do is say "Frommers.com" to them when booking.
As with most offers of this kind, the deal is based on availability and isn't valid with any other discounts you might drum up. But you can find a lot of condos with one, two or three bedrooms, all located along the Gulf of Mexico ranging in size from 1,000 to 1,500 sq. ft. and with fully equipped kitchens, including dishwashers and microwave ovens.
All have private balconies, where you can watch the sun set on those nights when you tire of watching from the white, sugary beach. All properties have heated pools, and some also boast whirlpools, tennis courts, fishing piers and BBQ grills.
You can see sample condos on the JC Resort website, www.jcresorts.us. To give you an example of pricing, a Gulf-front one bedroom-one bath, from now through December 19, 2003 is $100 per night or $600 per week. From December 19 through January 30, the price goes up to $130 per night, $780 a week. When I called, I got an offer, after the discount, of $695.97, for a one-bedroom condo, everything (taxes, too) included, for seven nights in mid-January. Their phone is 800/535-7776.
What Am I Bid for this Resort?
Another site for vacation deals is https://auctions.vacationinfl.com, operated by Resort Quest Vacation Rentals. This site features rentals of private homes, condos and resort hotels, on or near the beach in several southwestern Florida towns at 30% to 50% off regular summer rates, the sponsors say. Prices listed include all fees except tax. All auction participants must register to receive a username and password to be able to place a bid.
When you have bid and won a package, the sponsor calls to book the dates you choose (subject to availability). Some users prefer to check availability prior to bidding in order to secure a specific date from the beginning. Their phone number is 800/237-9505, ext. 2207; ask for Angie Schlabach.
Orlan-Dough Specials
The Rosen Hotels & Resorts, long famous for undercutting anybody else's prices, are returning to their Orlan-Dough (get it?) Mega Value Rates, which they say will be available from now through January 31, 2004. The prices start as low as $29.95 per room, per night, for a "semi-suite" (a standard two doubled-bedded room with suite amenities such as refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker). You can sleep four in such a room. There's also a Kids Eat Free Program, free transport to many of the area's attractions, and vouchers offering twofers at some of these attractions: Universal's City Walk, Wet 'n Wild, Pirate's Dinner Theater, Gatorland, Ripley's Believe It or Not, Wonder Works, Pirate Cove miniature golf, and more. The offer is good at four Rosen hotels. Rate does not include taxes. Phone 877/224-LESS or visit www.orlandohotels4less.com. Callers should ask for the Orlan-Dough Mega Value Rate.
You can also go to www.discounthotels.cc for another selection of discounted rooms available statewide, some samples of which follow: $25 or $55 for a one-bedroom luxury condo, $65 for a two-bedroom ditto. Some of the lowest rates are for promotional programs, and you might be asked to listen to a sales pitch. But without such bother, you can get a room at an Econolodge, say, for as little as $29 plus tax in early December. You could also phone them at 800/479-1406.
A Deal for Duffers
Finally, the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City is charging from $95 per person per night (based on double occupancy) for stays through December 30. That price includes your room, a full round of golf, complimentary shoe and club cleaning, a bucket of balls for the driving range, a golf cart and breakfasts.For more information, go online to www.edgewaterbeachresort.com or call 800/874-8686.
Have you stayed at any of these properties or used any of these rental agencies? Your feedback is important to us. Tell us your opinion on our Lodgings Message Boards.