All-Inclusive Properties: Price vs. Value

Did you know that “Childfree Travel” only promotes preferred resorts that are all-inclusive? Sometimes all-inclusive resorts can get a bad reputation for offering a low-quality, cookie-cutter product at a bargain-basement price. While those properties do exist, they are the complete opposite from the luxury, all-inclusive products in our portfolio. During the month of March we are going to explore all-inclusive travel and discover some of the amazing features our childfree resorts offer for our clients.

Though inclusions vary by resort chain, all-inclusive's generally are an excellent option for leisure travelers who want a worry-free, hassle-free vacation. Most vacationers appreciate the convenience of paying one price for a complete travel experience because they avoid the stress of a complicated checkout bill at the end of otherwise leisurely vacation. One of our main goals is to provide value to our clients and we feel this is best achieved by focusing on all-inclusive properties. How does price stack up against value? Let’s do a detailed analysis...

I recently priced out two vacations, one to Hawaii (a very popular destination from the West Coast) and one to Cancun (where we feature many all-inclusives). To make it easy, I chose properties from the same hotel group: the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa and the Hyatt Zilara Cancun (which also features a spa - Cancun's only ocean view one).

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Towers

Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Quick Comparison:

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa

-Dates: July 11 – July 18, 2015

-Double Occupancy / King Bed

-Roundtrip flights from Los Angeles on Delta, non-stop

-Oceanfront accommodations

Total Price: $3730.00

Hyatt Zilara Cancun

-Dates: July 11 – July 18, 2015

-Double Occupancy / King Bed

-Roundtrip flights from Los Angeles on Virgin America, non-stop

-Oceanfront accommodations

Total Price: $4570.00

At first glance it looks like the Hawaii vacation wins hands down, it’s $840.00 less expensive than the trip to Cancun! However, that’s only taking PRICE into account, let’s take a look at VALUE…

Accommodations:

Both properties offer oceanfront accommodations. However, while the Hyatt Regency Waikiki offers a Deluxe hotel room at 475 square feet; the Hyatt Zilara offers a Premium Junior Suite at 653 square feet, a benefit that is much appreciated, especially over a 7 night stay. 

See below for more details on how the rooms compare:

HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI

• Hyatt Grand Bed
• Ocean views from furnished lanai (balcony)
• Classic Hawaiian decor
• Cherry wood furnishings
• Bathroom with granite countertop and handheld shower
• Portico toiletries.
• Bathrobes
• Desk
• Wireless Internet access (surcharge)
• Complimentary laptop-compatible safe
• 32-inch flat-screen TV. Premium channels
• iHome clock radio with MP3 dock
• Multi-line phone
• Cordless phone
• Coffeemaker
• Refrigerator

HYATT ZILARA CANCUN

• Luxurious king size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets
• Furnished balcony or terrace with a hammock & unobstructed ocean views
• Handcrafted furniture
• Modern bathrooms featuring double sinks, rain showerheads and spray fixtures
• Designer toiletries
• His & Hers plush bathrobes and slippers
• Work desk with desktop lamp
• Basic WiFi Internet access
• Electronic, laptop-size safety deposit box
• Rotating 32” LCD satellite TV with DVD
• CD player and MP3 Player
• 2-line direct dial cordless telephone with bilingual voice mail and bathroom extension
• Coffee Maker
• Double whirlpool
• Individually controlled air conditioner and ceiling fan with bed-side controls
• Refreshment center stocked daily with water, beer and soft drinks
• Liquor cabinet with a selection of domestic and imported beverages
• Unique “magic box” for discreet in-suite service delivery
• Premium Suite Concierge
• Nightly turndown service with choice of three aromatherapy and bath scents

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Oceanfront Deluxe

Hyatt Zilara Cancun Premium Oceanfront Junior Suite

So with the Hyatt Waikiki guests receive standard hotel room amenities. However at the all-inclusive Zilara, guests receive upgraded amenities PLUS all of the items bolded (whirlpool, refreshment center, liquor cabinet, concierge, etc.) INCLUDED!

Now the flying distance from Los Angeles to Hawaii and/or Cancun is about the same, so the non-stop flights cancel each other out. These are both beach destinations (although the Hyatt Waikiki is across the street from the beach and the Hyatt Zilara is on the beach) so for the sake of argument, let’s say those balance out too. With that all factored in you may still be thinking the room at the Hyatt Zilara is better but it’s still an $840.00 price gap! 
Okay – so now let’s look at the actual all-inclusive plan that Hyatt Zilara offers. Keep in mind that all of the features listed below are included in that total price of $4570 ($2285 per person): 

• Entertainment featuring live music and performances
• Innovative service including beach butlers, romance concierge and 24 hour in-suite dining (room service)
• Fine dining options at à la carte and gourmet buffet restaurants:

1. Asiana Restaurant—Contemporary, gourmet Asian cuisine with a Teppanyaki cooking show in a romantic setting with sunset views.
2. Pelicanos—À la carte, International cuisine in an oceanfront setting by the infinity pool.
3. Maria Marie Restaurant—Gourmet Mexican cuisine in a fine-dining experience.
4. Chef’s Plate—International haute cuisine carefullyselected and artfully prepared by our Chef for a unique and memorable gourmet-dining event.
5. Tapas & Pintxos Restaurant—Tapas from Northern Spain and the Basque region in a relaxing atmosphere.
6. Spice Restaurant— Nouvelle cuisine in a casual atmosphere alongside ocean views served at a sumptuous buffet plus show-cooking stations.
7. Coffee House—Premium espresso drinks and a wide variety of pastries, desserts and ice cream in a European-style café.

• Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks at lounges, swim-up bars and in your suite:

1. Trade Winds Swim-up Bar—Refreshing non-alcoholic drinks or popular cocktails served at the pool
2. Pelicanos Beach Bar—Cocktails served poolside
3. Lobby Bar—Variety of beer, fine wine, premium spirits and cocktails with views of the Caribbean Sea and infinity pool, plus nightly music
4. Martini Corner Lobby Bar— Martinis and other popular drinks
5. Wine Corner Lobby Bar—Enjoy a glass of wine from our extensive wine collection. For the true connoisseur, a vintage wine list is available at an extra charge
6. Tequileria Corner Bar—Selection of world-renowned authentic Mexican tequilas and after-dinner drinks (some tequilas at surcharge)
7. Tequileria Beach Bar—Selection of authentic Mexican tequilas and delicious drinks with views of the Caribbean Sea
8. 24 Hr. Lounge—24/7 selection of premium and international liquor brands and fine wines plus snacks

• Unique daily and nightly activities:

1. Beach and Water Sports—Offering boogie boards, water basketball and beach volleyball
2. Bicycle Center—Complimentary bicycle service
3. Classes and Tastings —Offering a series of arts, crafts, culinary lessons and wine and spirit tasting
4. Fitness Center—State-of-the-art gym and Pilates facility with attentive pros and staff that are available to assist you with your workout
5. Tennis Court—Lighted rooftop tennis court with complimentary equipment. On-site tennis pro available
6. Scuba Diving School—Introductory scuba lessons offered in an on-site professional dive pool. Snorkeling equipment available

• All resort taxes and gratuities

This is what we mean by VALUE. Yes, the two package differ by $840.00 but upon further inspection that big number breaks down to just $60.00 more per person, per day. For that extra $60.00 at the Hyatt Zilara you're receiving a larger room with more amenities, a true beachfront location (okay, I couldn’t let it slide) and all of your meals, beverages, entertainment, taxes and gratuities!! 

Try going to Hawaii and spending only $120 per couple, per day on gourmet meals, liquor and entertainment, etc. – I promise you, it’s impossible. Add to the fact that since it’s all included, you don’t have to spend your vacation worried about how much everything costs. You can sit back and RELAX! 

After all, isn’t that why you’re on vacation to begin with?

When you're ready to book your next vacation, we're ready to get you there!

Check out our website at http://www.childfreetravel.net/ Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/travelchildfree Link to us on LinkedIn (Childfree Travel) Follow us on Twitter @childfreetravel Like Pinterest  under "ChildfreeTravel" E-mail us at info@childfreetravel.net Call us toll-free at 866-202-0404

Childfree Honeymoons: Part 2 (The Honeymoon Registry)

It’s February, the month of LOVE! “Engagement Season” has ended, which means many couples are starting to plan their weddings and honeymoons. This is our 2nd half of our mini-series on Honeymoon Travel - don't forget to read Part 1 if you missed it!

When people get married they usually register at Macy's, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrel, Target, Pottery Barn, etc. However, couples should not forget to also create a "Honeymoon Registry". Honeymoon registries allow a couple to create and customize a registry web page with photos and details of their upcoming honeymoon. Wedding guests are invited to visit the registry site so they may contribute a monetary gift to cover a portion of the honeymoon or a specific activity as detailed by the couple. 

For example, a couple may list dinner at an elegant restaurant, scuba diving lessons, or upgrades for hotel and airfare. These activities are displayed in an organized and user-friendly inventory format on their customized registry page. As wedding guests browse the registry page, they can make a gift, typically using a credit card, of any of the listed activities or give a general monetary gift of any amount towards the honeymoon. This is a perfect option for those who have already been living together and don't need towels, china or a waffle iron.

The Honeymoon Registry is a concept that is still catching on, even though on average, a couple who uses one will usually receive up to $2500.00 in gifts! I have had few clients who have been interested in taking advantage of this resource but were afraid that their guests would find them to be tacky. Actually, in a May 2008 Wall Street Journal review of popular honeymoon registry services, Peter Post, president of the Emily Post Institute states, "A honeymoon is a perfectly appropriate gift to request...there's no objection to it from an etiquette point of view." In reality, guests LOVE honeymoon registries as it's the easiest way to purchase a gift for the couple. In fact, most registries see the majority of activity in the last 48 hours prior to the wedding!

"Childfree Travel" offers a the option of a honeymoon registry for our clients and strongly believes that if done correctly, it can be a great tool for newlyweds and their guests. We partner with Honeyfund as our registry provider (our owner used them for her own honeymoon and hence recommends them from personal experience). Below we offer tips on how to do a Honeymoon Registry the right way...

1. Pay For Your Trip in Full:
Guests don't want to think they are being swindled to pay for your vacation. We suggest you pay for your basic trip, flights and hotel, in full. Then you can let guests know that they are not contributing to the "nuts and bolts" of your honeymoon but true experiences and activities that will give you memories to last a lifetime (such as a "couples massage", "private dinner on the beach", "exclusive wine tasting", etc.).

2. Stick with a Low Price Point:
I suggest couples have each activity priced in increments of $10, $15, $25, $40 and $50. This way a guest knows that a simple $10.00 contribution towards a gift will be appreciated, but another guest may still combine items and spend much more. Most guests want to make that choice for themselves and are put off by high ticket registry items (also true with a traditional registry). This is compounded if they already have to travel or otherwise spend for your wedding. Again, guests don't want to feel like they are being taken advantage of and you want them to know that you care more about them as a family member or friend, than as a pocketbook.

3. Do Not Promote Your Registry with Your Invitation:
Proper etiquette dictates that you should never invite someone and mention how they can get you a gift at the same time. "Childfree Travel" believes that the right place to alert guests of any registry is on a wedding website (sites such as www.weddingwire.com provide one free for couples). If you have guests who are not computer savvy, rely on the Matron Of Honor and/or Best Man to spread the word. We find that people who want to get you a gift, will figure out how to do so.

4. Create a Secondary Traditional Gift Registry:
There are still traditionalists who would rather buy tangible gifts from well known department stores. Don't leave them out in the cold by not giving them that option. It never hurts to create another traditional registry with a few gift options. This way you make everyone happy and put yourself in a position to receive a variety of presents.

5. Include a Wide Selection of Gift Options:
Don't have an entire registry that lists one thing, instead, mix it up with a many options! Your guests should be able to choose what they want to get you instead of being pigeon-holed by too few options. Remember even all-inclusive resorts have items that still cost extra, such as spa treatments or tours. Plus there are still things you can ask for related to the trip, such as private transfers, passes to the airport lounge, air or accommodation upgrades (this is an acceptable request since your basic room is already paid for), and even new luggage.

"Childfree Travel" works with couples who have honeymoon registries seamlessly. We book a honeymoon with the couple based on their current or projected budget and then add upgrades, tours, amenities, etc. as the money from the registry comes in. This way our newlywed clients are able to experience the a vacation of a lifetime!

**If you book your honeymoon with our agency, we'll create a registry for you for FREE!**



When you're ready to book your next vacation, we're ready to get you there!

Check out our website at http://www.childfreetravel.net/

Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/travelchildfree

Link to us on LinkedIn (Childfree Travel)

Follow us on Twitter @childfreetravel

Like Pinterest  under "ChildfreeTravel"

E-mail us at info@childfreetravel.net

Call us toll-free at 866-202-0404