March 17, 2004 -- Hotels the world over keep coming up with different promotions, and they flood into our office daily. Occasionally, a trend or topic emerges that helps us shape our stories; other times you get a hodge podge of deals.
Business v. Leisure
In the past, business travelers were likely to pay much more than leisure travelers for the same amenities in hotels based on the theory they were trapped, had to travel, and in most cases, were on expense accounts so price was not an issue. Since 2001, however, businesses have cut back on travel costs and begun to watch their pennies more carefully, reversing the trend.
Today, even in such luxurious hotel chains as the Pan Pacific, the cost of their "leisure" and "business" packages are just about $20 to $30 per night different, the leisure travelers paying the lesser amount. Good through December 31, 2004, a typical promotion shows leisure packages in stressed-out Indonesia, Malaysia and even in China running in the range from $55 to $95 per night, while those in Japan and North America run much higher ($166 in Kyoto to $225 in San Francisco).
For "business" packages, the Southeast Asian fees are the same as for leisure, while those for San Francisco are a mere $20 higher. Both packages include a full American breakfast (although this could be a buffet for the leisure travelers), extended checkout until 3 PM, local newspapers, local phone calls, access to fitness club and mileage rewards. Leisure travelers get special children's rates for room and meals, while business travelers get one hour's use per stay of business center service/equipment and pressing of up to two pieces of clothing daily, as well as in-room Internet access (where available). For Pan Pacific hotels, contact check out www.panpacific.com or phone 800/327-8585.
Retreats & Experiences
Other promotions involve special themes, such as the first Women's Wellness Retreat at the Cliff House Resort & Spa in Ogunquit, Maine,, from May 2-4. Programs include Chi Gong, belly dancing, yoga, music therapy, NIA body movement and spa services, the latter including their blueberry body wrap. "The Art of Transformation" will feature a workshop with Dr. Bertice Berry of TV note, pilates instruction from Madonna's personal instuctor, chef Eric Delano, journal writing and more. The deal starts at $1,018, which includes lodging in an oceanfront room with balcony, a lobster dinner, daily breakfast, spa lunches, retreat programs, spa services certificate and unlimited use of the fitness center, which includes a 75-foot indoor pool and whirlpool. A fall wellness retreat is also scheduled this year for November 14-16. Contact them at www.cliffhousemaine.com or phone 207/361-1000.
You can "Experience Seattle" with The Inn at Harbor Steps, across the street from the Seattle Art Museum in the heart of downtown near Pike Place Market. The package costs $355 per couple for which you get a two-night stay at the inn, a $100 gift certificate towards dinner for two at the revolving restaurant atop the Space Needle, and passes to the needle's observation deck. Also included is a full "gourmet" breakfast each day and afternoon hors d'oeuvres. The package is available through June 15, 2004, except on holidays and during special events. This is one of the Four Sisters' Inns. Contact them at 888/728-8910 or through a travel agent. You can get more information on the inns at www.foursisters.com.
B&Bs
Down in St. Petersburg, a group of B&B properties has recently formed an Area Association of Bed &Breakfast Inns (SPAABBI) and teamed up with USA 3000 Airlines to promote their 12 member inns. This follows several years of the promoting of 75 "Superior Small Lodging" properties in the area, "one of the largest inventories of such properties anywhere in the country," so says the local visitors bureau. The lodgings are inspected by an independent expert, similar, they say, to those of the AAA and Mobil ratings systems.
Both groups have brochures, featuring many moderately priced or inexpensive rooms. Free copies of the 2004 Superior Small Lodging brochure can be had from the St. Pete CVB and on line at www.floridasbeach.com/ssl, and by phoning 877/FL-BEACH (same as 877/352-3224). The St Pete Area ABBI brochure of B&Bs can be located at www.spaabbi.com or by phoning 888/655-STAY (same as 888/655-7829).