GUEST POST: An Ilocana’s guide to 5-star living at half the cost

Reader DB responded to my request for tips on how to get 50.0 percent to 75.0 percent off 5-star hotels and resorts and she responded with this comment. Sharing with you here so that it’s easier to find:

I go by the following:

1. Research and compare — Farecast.com tracks fares on given periods. I also use Quikbook.com, Kayak.com, and other travel search engines. Check hotel or airline websites for deals and promotions. For hotels, call the local hotel, and compare with the online price and the price given via their 1-800 (central office) — yes, these rates may be different. For US business travels, I use Hotwire.com and Priceline.com (sometimes Hotels.com) — I get the best rates from them including car rentals.

2. Travel during off-peak season and book off-peak days (Tuesday to Thursday), it depends on the type of hotel. Some hotels geared for business travelers/conferences actually charge premium during midweek.

3. Reserve as early as you can.

4. Add-on services – factor in free breakfast and other freebies into the rates and always ask if there will be additional charges (e.g., parking, Internet access)

5. Avail of packages that may include trave/hotel/food — for Disney, check out Mousesavers.com

6. Ask for a discount and inquire about promos — discounts are given, just ask.

7. Friends/relatives — some people who own timeshares may be willing to let you use theirs at a discount. I have older friends who own three timeshares but have used them once in the last three years. A couple owns one luxury collection-type hotel and two RCIs that that their only son does not want to inherit because 1) he does not want to also inherit the monthly maintenance fees 2) it will be another 5 years before his kids are at the age when they can appreciate it and 3) he noted RCI hotels are more “dated” and he can get better ones 4) the additional expense attributed to staying at a luxury hotel cannot yet be covered by his pre-retirement income.

8. Affiliations/memberships — for every affiliation, always inquire about members perks (deals/promotions). The association handling my retirement fund invests in some luxury collection hotels although only a few members who check the annual reports are aware of it. As a perk, members who ask get rooms for $99-$125/night. Friends and relatives can also avail of the rates (two rooms at a time), but members must be there at check in to brandish IDs.

I ordered dessert in one of the hotels, and when it arrived, the presentation was worthy of a Pritzker, alas, the edible portion was also the size of a stamp. Because in my youth, I had been preconditioned to seeing mega-bigao of bibingka, my big mouth overrode my little brain, and blurted,”This is it?” much to my embarrassment.

Minutes later, the server arrived, saying, “Compliments of the chef,” and gently laid a large plate of their premium dessert arranged in Stonehenge fashion with subtle splashes of color. The experience is all about the impeccable service. You get what you pay for, but sometimes, if you do it right, you also get lucky and get more than you pay for.

For those whose version of 5-star hotel is staying with relatives abroad for a vacation, please make your presence light (i.e., look after your needs). There is nothing more exasperating for a host than to come home tired from work to cook for you, drive for you, and then look for your toddler’s missing shoes. It’s hard enough living without help so that hosts juggle their schedule, rooms, and budget to accommodate guests. Most Filipino hosts are trained to be hospitable, but guests must be sensitive to the host’s needs. Do not overstay.

Share This