May 5: South Florida's Bargain Room Rates Fit the Bill

There has been a lot of talk lately about the traveling public trying to find luxury for less money. The idea being promoted is that it’s still possible to have a good time even while watching your spending.

Last month, I caught a television segment called “Hot Hotels for Under $250.” The feature offered ways to travel “even if you’re watching your dollars” and suggested that the consumers find ways to do it for less by using strategy. They advised people to go to Portugal, e.g., or to stay within the United States. The five places mentioned in the U.S. included Palm Springs, Vegas, Jackson Hole Wyoming, Dallas, and Chicago.

Then I read about Conde Nast Travelers latest “Hot List.” This list has the “most promising” hotels that have just opened within the last year. Included in this list is a subsection of 36 hotels “under $250 a night.” Within these 36 hotels, only three of them are in the United States –The Colony Palms Hotel (Palm Springs), Hotel Sax (Chicago), and The Palazzo (Vegas).

Figures for Greater Fort Lauderdale’s March average daily room rates were just released by the local CVB. Our area’s rate was $159.18. Keeping in mind that this rate was for March 2008 (one of our “high season” months) and that our rates in off-season are lower, we really provide good value. If the media (and travel gurus) feel that a hotel is “special” if it’s decent and is under $250 a night, then WE (our South Florida hotels) should be appearing on all these lists.

Face it, South Florida; we need to be promoting our great deals here.
How does your room rate compare? Make sure you’re letting everyone know about our value added options offered (it’s not just the rate alone) – including your local CVB and Visit Florida so they can promote our bargains on your behalf.