PointsWizard posted yesterday about the 50% off Starwood Resorts special offer with free breakfast or dining discounts for Hawaii and French Polynesia good for stays through the end of 2010. Half off rack rates are usually not the best deal. My initial look at the offer indicated this might be a good sale. Then I found better rates with rate comparisons for the two hotels I checked for three to six night stays.

The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas on Maui had a lower priced 3^rd night free special offer that comes with free breakfast just like the 50% off rate, yet also includes a potential room upgrade. Westin Princeville Ocean Resorts Villas on Kauai had a better AAA rate with breakfast.

Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, Maui

October 10-16, 2010

Oceanview 1 bedroom villa, full kitchen, whirlpool, 1 King Bed + 1 Queen Sofa

• $425/night = SPG50F rate (50% off resort special offer includes breakfast for two each day)
• $448/night = AAA ($100 resort credit per stay)
• $560/night = AAA (daily breakfast)

The SPG50F 50% off resort special offer looked like a good deal here. Then I clicked on the Hotel Special Offers link and found the 3^rd night free rate that also includes daily breakfast and a complimentary room upgrade if available. Use Starwood drop-down rate menu and enter ZS3 in SET/Corporate Account # for 3^rd night free rates.

$360 per night (ZS3 = 3^rd night free rate) at ($540/night x 4 nights) + (2 nights free) = $2,160 for six nights.

$425/night (SPG50F rate = 50% off resort rate) x 6 nights = $2,550 for six nights.

Westin Princeville Ocean Resorts Villas, Kauai

October 10-16, 2010

Premium Island view 1 bedroom suite 799sf, full kitchen, whirlpool, 1 King Bed + 1 Queen Sofa

• $350/night = SPG50F rate (50% off resort special offer with 35% discount on dinner)
• $306/night = AAA breakfast rate (daily breakfast included)
• $299/night = AAA parking rate (free parking, no breakfast)
• $343/night = ZS3 3^rd night free rate + complimentary daily breakfast ($515 x 4 nights + 2 nights free).

The best rate for this hotel is the AAA with breakfast rate at $44 per night less than the 50% off resort rate. After tax the AAA rate will save about $50 per night on your hotel stay. Daily complimentary breakfast may be more value than a 35% discount on the hotel restaurant for dinner only using the SPG50F rate.

Favorite these Starwood Links

Anytime you are considering a multi-night Starwood Hotel stay you should check rates using these special offer links for two to six night discounts. Many times, but not always, these special rates will provide the lowest rate available for your stay.

Starwood Hotel Multiple Night Discount Offers: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/promo_landing.html?category=GENDRE_H

Starwood Resort Multiple Night Discount Offers:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/promo_landing.html?category=GENDRE_R

Give a Day, Get a Night Volunteers Discount

Volunteerism is good social action.  Public service is giving to society through your choice of occupation.

Sage Hospitality is a hotel development company with an offer to reward volunteers, active or retired military members, and school workers with the benefit of a half-price hotel night at any one of their 53 hotels in 23 states.  Volunteers may even qualify for one complimentary night upon request.

Luxury hotels like JW Marriott Cherry Creek, Denver or Starwood’s Luxury Collection hotel, The Nines, Portland, Oregon are examples of participating hotels in these Sage Hospitality discount offers.

This is an offer that transcends hotel chain loyalty. Sage Hospitality is a hotel management and development company with 53 US hotels in Hilton, InterContinental  Hotels Group, Marriott, and Starwood chains.

Give a Day, Get a Night Volunteerism Offer

http://www.sagehospitality.com/specials/giveadaygetanight.htm

1.      Give 8 hours of community service to a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization to receive 50% off the published room rate, or even a free night.

2.      A letter verifying with 8 hours of unpaid, volunteer service is needed for check-in.

3.      Reservation for complimentary room must be made 48 hours prior to arrival.

4.      No advance deposit is required and hotel’s standard cancellation rules apply.

5.      Volunteer hours must be completed between July 1, 2009 and December 18, 2009.

6.      Offer is valid for stays through December 20, 2009.

7.      Only one complimentary night per individual per hotel throughout duration of promotion.

To book 50% discount night: Contact participating hotel directly or use the promotion code for the hotel shown on this participating hotels webpage: http://www.sagehospitality.com/specials/giveadaygetanight_codes.htm

Complimentary night request: This page lists hotel contacts for volunteers wishing to request a complimentary night. Complimentary nights have limited availability.

http://www.sagehospitality.com/specials/giveadaygetanight_hotels.htm

 

Half Price for Heroes Military and First Responders 50% Hotel Night offer

http://www.sagehospitality.com/specials/halfpriceheroes.htm

Book your reservation by Labor Day to take advantage of this offer. Half Price for Heroes rate is 50% discount on published room rate. Valid ID is required at check-in.

Offer applies to active and retired members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and US Coast Guard, activated members of the National Guard and Reservists, divisions within the Department of Defense (FBI, CIA, Secret Service and NASA) as well as those in first responders jobs – firefighters, police and paramedics.

Contact any of the 53 Sage hotels ask for the Half Price for Heroes rate. Or book on-line at the individual hotel using the booking code “LPR” where the form asks for a promotional/ group code.

For all participating Sheraton Hotels, call 866-716-8147 and mention promo code “LPR” to make a reservation.

Best in Class Educators 50% Hotel Night offer

http://www.sagehospitality.com/specials/bestinclass.htm

Offer applies to active and retired teachers and school administrators at public and private schools across the country.

Offer ends December 30, 2009

For Reservations: Contact the hotel of your choice directly- ask about the Best In Class rate OR book online at the individual hotel website by utilizing the individual booking code given on the link below.

For 50% off Rate Reservations: click here

Sage Hospitality Hotels

HOTELS BY STATE

 

ARIZONA

• Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel Tempe – Tempe, AZ

• Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites – Tucson, AZ

 

CALIFORNIA

• Courtyard Los Angeles Pasadena/Monrovia – Monrovia, CA

• Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown – San Diego, CA

• Homewood Suites by Hilton SFO Airport North – Brisbane, CA

 

COLORADO

• The Curtis - Denver, CO

• Courtyard by Marriott Denver Downtown – Denver, CO

• Hilton Garden Inn Denver South/Meridian – Englewood, CO

• JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek - Denver, CO

• The Oxford Hotel – Denver, CO

• Pueblo Marriott at the Convention Center - Pueblo, CO

• Residence Inn by Marriott Denver City Center – Denver, CO

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Boulder Broomfield – Broomfield, CO

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Colorado Springs – Colorado Springs, CO

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver Downtown – Denver, CO

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver Southeast – Denver, CO

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Littleton Southwest – Littleton, CO

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver Tech Center – Englewood, CO

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver West Federal Center - Golden, CO

• The Westin Westminster- Westminster, CO

 

CONNECTICUT

• Holiday Inn Waterbury – Waterbury, CT

 

FLORIDA

• Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at SeaWorld International Center – Orlando, FL

 

GEORGIA

• Doubletree Hotel Northlake - Atlanta, GA

• Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Perimeter Center - Atlanta, GA

 

ILLINOIS

• The Blackstone, A Renaissance Hotel - Chicago, IL

• Chicago’s Essex Inn – Chicago, IL

• Clock Tower Resort – Rockford, IL

• Hilton Garden Inn Hoffman Estates – Hoffman Estates, IL

• Sheraton Chicago Northwest – Arlington Heights, IL

 

MASSACHUSETTS

• Courtyard Fitchburg by Marriott – Fitchburg, MA

• Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel – Danvers, MA

 

MICHIGAN

• Courtyard by Marriott – Brighton, MI

• Courtyard by Marriott – Lansing, MI

• Hotel Baronette – Novi, MI

 

MINNESOTA

• Fairfield Inn by Marriott – Duluth, MN

 

MISSOURI

• Sheraton Kansas City Sports Complex Hotel – Kansas City, MO

 

NEBRASKA

• Holiday Inn Omaha Convention Center – Omaha, NE

 

NEVADA

• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Las Vegas Airport – Las Vegas, NV

 

NEW JERSEY

• Mt. Laurel Marriott – Mt. Laurel, NJ

 

NORTH CAROLINA

• Charlotte Marriott Executive Park – Charlotte, NC

 

OHIO

• Cherry Valley Lodge – Newark, OH

• Sheraton Cincinnati North Hotel – Cincinnati, OH

• Fairfield Inn & Suites North/Sharonville - Cincinnati, OH

 

OREGON

• The Nines, The Luxury Collection, Starwood Hotel & Resorts – Portland, OR

• Courtyard by Marriott – Portland City Center - Portland, OR

 

PENNSYLVANIA

• Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel – Pittsburgh, PA

 

RHODE ISLAND

• Renaissance Providence Hotel - Providence, RI

 

TEXAS

• Hilton College Station and Conference Center – College Station, TX

 

UTAH

• Marriott Ogden Hotel - Ogden, UT

 

WASHINGTON

• Courtyard Seattle - Seattle, WA

• Holiday Inn Renton - Renton, WA

• Hawthorne Suites - Kent, WA

 

WISCONSIN

• Residence Inn by Marriott Milwaukee Downtown- Milwaukee, WI

 

[Loyalty Traveler note: I had difficulty locating any 50% off rates online. I’d suggest calling the hotel you desire and asking about the rate discount providing the applicable offer to save time searching.]

Thanks to Hobo13 who posted the volunteer offer on FlyerTalk July 7, 2009. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hotel-deals/972464-free-hotel-stays-community-service-1-night-per-8-volunteer-hours-501c3.html

I am a hotel guest who nickel and dimes the benefits of hotel loyalty programs. Years of public service employment makes frugal travel a necessity in our household. My wife spends a monthly portion of her take home pay to provide school children with the tools to succeed in the classroom. Sometimes this is simply pencils, crayons, and paper. Sometimes meeting a child’s learning needs involves buying shoes for a child in her first grade class. It is not uncommon for children to come to school wearing hand-me-down shoes from an older brother or sister that are too big and a safety hazard. Kelley always has to keep a food bank in the room to feed children who come to school chronically late and miss the free breakfast program or do not have enough food energy to work the hours between breakfast and lunch.

Volunteers, educators, military personnel, and first responders are the individuals on the front lines of our society. I applaud Sage Hospitality for recognizing the contributions these individuals make to assist others. A little recognition goes quite a way for these public service workers.

Book by 11:59pm EDT, July 20 for Starwood Hotels Summer Sale Rates for hotel stays from July 16 through October 12, 2009.

Promo code: “July LTO” Book online or call 1-866-924-8704 and mention promo code.

Link: http://www.starwoodpromos.com/hotel-deals

The “Biggest” Starwood Hotels sale is becoming a seasonal occurrence. This time around there seems to be more good deals, but Loyalty Traveler’s advice is buyer beware! These are prepaid, non-changeable, and non-refundable rates.

Making a nonrefundable hotel purchase has risks. The nonrefundable part is the known risk. The unknown is whether hotel rates will continue to drop over the next few months.

This offer includes hotels in North America, South America, and Asia/Pacific.

These are good rates for the San Francisco area hotels where rates fluctuate wildly during the month.

I follow San Francisco Bay Area rates closely, so I can give an assessment of how these room rates stack up against low rate observations at Starwood Hotels this summer.  Keep in mind that the San Francisco Bay Area reaches peak season in September and August when the weather tends to be warmest along the coast, although it was nearly 90 degrees in the City yesterday. Rates can skyrocket here. These are good rates historically for the Bay Area in August and September.

The best deals I see regionally are for Sonoma and Napa. This summer sale rate is the lowest rate I have seen for these two hotels in the past month.

San Francisco Area Starwood Hotels	Starwood Summer Sale	Loyalty Traveler Comments
Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf	$119	Good rate. This is near lowest rate of past couple months.
Palace Hotel	$149	Rates as low as $152 before sale. Rates have been as low as $119 in past two months.
Westin Market Street	$109-$159	Stayed here in July for $99. Rate frequently drops to $99.
Le Meridien San Francisco	$119	$119 common weekend rate since May. Beware – labor dispute may disrupt sleeping in.
Westin St. Francis	$139	Stayed for $107 (AAA) in May. Rates have been as low as $111 in past month. $139 is good rate most dates.
W San Francisco	$189	$159 has been recent low rate.
Sheraton Gateway SFO	$79	Matches lowest rate, but special offer past couple of months included parking for $79.
Four Points SFO	$99	This hotel frequently drops to $79 and is frequently a BRG opportunity.
Westin SFO	$99	Common weekend price.
Sheraton Sonoma County	$107	Good deal. Lowest rate has been $119 lately.
Westin Verasa Napa	$169	Good deal. The low rate has generally been $189. This offer is good any day of week. Weekends are generally much higher.

Starwood Hotels ran this promotion for a week during fall 2008. I did an analysis showing the nonrefundable sale rates I could have booked during the fall season sale would have cost about 20% more than what I ultimately paid for a trip I took to Vancouver, Canada. November 2008 was an unusual occurrence and I would not expect rates at many of the California hotels shown to drop much below the rates shown for this sale.

This special offer is a great way to secure some free room nights before the end of the Two Stays = One Free Weekend Night through the end of July.

 

 

 

 

 

Hyatt Hotels allows you to earn a free night after two stays on top of a 21% discount. 

Click here for the promotional link.

Booking Window: Friday, October 24 – Wednesday, November 5. 

Use or ask for special offer code LTGP06 for the discount rate.

Travel Window: Friday, October 31 – Sunday, February 1, 2009 

• Fully Pre-Paid and Nonrefundable Limited Time Offer Rate

This discount rate is eligible for Faster Free Nights. 

Hyatt even goes so far as mentioning Faster Free Nights promotion on the 21% discount reservations search webpage.  The terms and conditions state this special 21% discount rate “may not be combined with other promotional offers”, however, the Faster Free Nights is combinable with this rate according to Hyatt Customer Service. 

•  

Hyatt Gold Passport members were notified of the Hyatt Discount Rate by email on Friday, October 24.  My searches last Friday and over the weekend found little value for this rate as most of the hotels I checked were not offering the discount on dates I searched.  The hotels I checked offering the discount rate tended to be only a few dollars savings on the AAA rate.  All locations vary and others might have better luck for the locations you are staying. 

•  

The sale is available to everyone as of today and the website now appears to bring up the 21% discount rate without even needing to use the special promotional link or LTGP06 code.  Try your luck.

 

 

 Dandelion Flower is used in Hyatt Promotion

The Hyatt promotional advertisement photo on the Hyatt website is a dandelion blowing in the wind.  I was born a military brat, here on the Monterey Peninsula of California, and traveled around the country and Germany for 15 years until returning here to California in 1975.  Around 1998 I came across a military brats association on the internet, now known as militarybrats.com or military-brats.com or militarybrat.com  (so many sites). Dandelions were chosen as the organization symbol. Growing up as military brats, we were kids who could blow around the world and always take root and thrive in a new place.

Thank you for the imagery Hyatt.   

·          

 

Word of warning on nonrefundable rates. 

Here is another opportunity to express my reluctance to book pre-paid nonrefundable rates. 

I am currently researching hotel rates for the cities of Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia. 

In the two weeks since I started looking at hotel rates for these cities, the rates in Vancouver have dropped over 10% just due to currency exchange fluctuations. 

The W Seattle dropped its nightly rate by over $50 per night for the night I plan to be in the city. 

I learned after further research that two new Starwood hotels in Portland, Oregon can be reduced over $50 per night by booking a SPG 50% off rack rate rather than using the best available rate currently advertised. 

The aloft Cascadia, in Portland, Oregon can be reduced to $79.50 from $139. 

The new Luxury Collection hotel, Portland’s The Nines, is reduced $50 per night from the current opening rate of $249 by booking a 50% off rack rate for $199. 

One discount rack rate covers my SPG American Express card membership fee ($40 for the year) and provides an opportunity to use that annual 50% Starwood Hotels certificate that comes each year of card renewal. 

The other rack rate discount costs only 1,000 Starpoints as an SPG award option.  Getting a $50 value for 1,000 Starpoints is a good return on investment in SPG loyalty.  And 50% off rack rate Starwood awards qualify for elite qualification nights towards renewing SPG elite status. 

I am glad I did not try to lock in hotel rates with an internet-only nonrefundable discount rate two weeks ago.

Most websites do not allow you to check for 50% off rack rate deals. Priority Club Rewards website has a reservations page allowing the user to check for Entertainment Card rates online. This is a valued feature since most hotels do not offer an Entertainment Card rate and the user is able to browse quickly through the IHG hotels offering an Entertainment Card rate and quickly compare to the AAA rate.

In general, my experience has been that 50% off rack rate deals do not provide a lower cost room rate than available through hotel website group rates like AAA or special offer rates. The terms usually require a phone reservation and a discount on the rack rate (the highest room rate for that category room).

An exception is the Entertainment Card discount rates available through online reservations at the Priority Club website. These hotel rates may be a good strategy for bringing the cost of a hotel room during weeknight stays back down to a reasonable level. In all cases where an Entertainment Card rate was found, the rate matched or was lower than the AAA rate. In the case of the InterContinental Buckhead hotel in Atlanta, the Entertinment Card rate came in at a whopping $224 per night savings over the AAA rate for the date checked.

The cost of an Entertainment Card membership is only $15 and your membership makes you eligible for the IHG Entertainment Card discount at any participating location in the USA.
Here are some examples of savings:

Hotel Reservation Date Checked: Wednesday, April 30 for 1 night stay.

New York, New York area
Crowne Plaza Secaucus Meadowlands, Secaucus, NJ
$135 Entertainment Card rate
$160 AAA rate
Entertainment Card rate saves $35 on AAA rate

Boston, MA area
Holiday Inn, Boston Logan Airport
$134 Entertainment Card rate
$162 AAA rate
Entertainment Card rate saves $28 on AAA rate

Atlanta, GA
InterContinental Buckhead
$195 King Deluxe (Entertainment Card rate)
$419 King Deluxe (AAA rate)
$275 Club Level (Entertainment Card rate)
$469 Club Level (AAA)
Entertainment Card rate saves $224 on AAA rate

Minneapolis, MN
Crowne Plaza Minneapolis North
$89 (Entertainment Card rate)
$119 (AAA rate)
Entertainment Card rate saves $30 on AAA rate

Dallas, TX
Crowne Plaza Market Center
$98 (Entertainment Card rate) Entertainment Card rate saves $28 on AAA rate
$126 (AAA rate)
Entertainment Card rate saves $28 on AAA rate