April 26, 2004 -- Last year, we recommended the Tennis Resorts Online (www.tennisresortsonline.com) as the "best online tennis vacation site" to you, backed up by accolades from Newsweek ("most reliable online resource") and Forbes ASAP (tops in sports travel). Checking the site out again, we repeat our assertion and hope you will agree when you look at the vastly increased opportunities and discounts -- even some prizes for reader participation.
It's run by Roger Cox, who has more than 18 years of expert experience in the sport and the resorts. Back then he said, "You can search anytime of the year for resorts and camps by specifying how much you're willing to pay for lodging. If, for example, you search for rates under $100 per night, you'll get a list of more than 40 properties." True, that.
You can also search by name or location, and there's a listing of the "Top 100 Resorts and Camps." Other sections deal with junior camps, tour companies, upcoming events and more. To help rate the camps, Roger solicits reader input, asking 13 questions about instructors, facilities, kids program, and the like, then inputs the data into an algorithm to determine the top 100. The listing will be updated on May 1, 2004, so expect new results at that time. Many of the more than 20,000 viewers per month will input their opinions. If you rate some spot, you'll automatically be entered in a drawing for at least two vacation prizes, one of which is a two-night stay at The Broadmoor (with private lesson from Dennis Ralston), the other a two-day sojourn at New England Tennis Holidays, ranked as No. 1 camp in 2002 and 2003.
Plus, There Are Deals
The site is chock full o' deals, discounts and special savings. A random sampling included the following items.
At New England Tennis Holidays, you'll get ten per cent off midweek packages through June 24, 2004. To get it, phone 800/869-0949 and ask for the Tennis Resorts Online 10% Discount.
Down in Texas, the famous John Newcombe Tennis Ranch at New Braunfels is offering a $100 discount on any Sunday-Friday adult package, from now through the end of August. Get it by phoning 800/444-6204 or visiting www.newktennis.com. You must mention TRO (Tennis Resorts Online) to get the discount.
In Vermont, there's a free room upgrade at the Killington Tennis complex at Cortina Killington. Either book directly from the Tennis Resorts Online site or phone 800/451-6108 and ask for the Tennis Resorts Online upgrade.
Have you used this site to plan your trip? Do you have a favorite tennis resort? Tell us about it on our Message Boards today.