Tag: hotel discounts

7 ways to save money when you travel

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

Affordable vacation packages, cheap flights, amazing hotel discounts, free activities – everybody wants to find as much value as possible on vacation, and to help you do that, here are 7 ways to save money when you travel:

Consider an “open jaw” flight itinerary

“Open Jaw” is a term given to a flight schedule which arrives in a particular city, but then departs from an airport in another location. For anyone traveling to Cancun for a one week each vacation this will not be as relevant, but for anyone planning to see Europe, South America, Asia etc and hoping to do some overland travel, flying back from an alternative city is a great option.

Not only is the airfare less expensive, but an open jaw ticket also saves you the extra cost of returning to your trip starting point, never mind the inconvenience it causes to get back there.

Avoid traveling during peak season

Spring break, Christmas and school holidays are always more expensive and in order to ensure the lowest possible cost of a vacation, it is always a good idea to avoid travel at peak season.

Many of the best vacation packages to the Caribbean, or anywhere for that matter, will have more availability outside of this time meaning the rates for hotels, flights and anything tourism related, will be much more affordable. When you consider some of the best hotel discounts which can be found during these times, it is quite often the case that a vacation at this time will provide much more value, with less crowds, cheap hotel rooms and low airfare.

Best Hotel discounts

Save money when you travel by turning off your cellphone data

Have you ever arrived home from vacation to an insanely big phone bill? It happens. Availing of international roaming, checking your emails and even sending a few text messages can prove to be a large unnecessary cost on your vacation.

With every resort and hotel being fully equipped with free Wi-Fi, there is really no reason to be wasting money on expensive tariffs while on vacation. Skype, Facebook, and email are all capable of calling and sending instant messages from the local Wi-Fi which is entirely free.

Avoid renting a car when staying in the city

Renting a car can be a wonderful idea which can make travel outside of a destination convenient and highly enjoyable. However, if you are visiting a destination with plans of exploring the city, there really is no need for the added expense of having a car at your disposal, .

Even a train or bus ride around the city can make a family trip seem like more of an adventure, not to mention the fact that not having to worry about a car parked out on the street can reduce stress. Leave the car at home, discover the city on foot, and live adventurously on your next vacation.

Be careful with tipping

It’s good to tip, it’s only right, and everybody appreciates it. However, North Americans are the only people’s around the world who are generally known to tip more than 10 – 15 %.

Tipping extravagant amounts every time on vacation can be an enormous cost in itself. For example, if you have 3 meals a day and tip 25% each time, you are not far off paying for a fourth, non existent meal on every day of the vacation.

By all means tip, but within reason, you need to have some money left when the vacation is over.

Use Hotel discounts

In this modern age of technology, there s no excuse for not knowing about the huge hotel discounts being offered by travel membership clubs. Recent laws may have prevented Expedia, Orbitz and other travel brands from providing discounted cruises, packages or hotel rooms, but where they have lost their value, Travel clubs have taken their place.

Stop wasting time, and money by getting signed up for a travel membership with Hotels Etc and start saving up to 60-80% on hotels rooms, packages and much more.

Research free things to do at your destination

Not everything costs money once on location, in fact many of the best activities are free. A quick search online for travel blogs, reviews or trip reports will often result in a number of fun and completely free activities to help you save money on vacation.

A secret beach, a nearby mountain hike, a free walking tour or visit to some local landmarks. Even a trip around a lesser known part of town can result in cheap eateries, hidden attractions, and the free excitement that comes with not knowing where you are going.

All of the above are simple ways to ensure your vacation provides enough value, without leaving you in debt on the return back home and a great way to get started with saving money for future travels, is by signing up for Hotels Etc here.

5 Slightly more affordable hotels in New York

by hotelsetc, posted in hotel discounts, travel

Everyone knows how New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world for accommodation but with a little bit of research and some hotel discounts from Hotels Etc, it is possible to find more affordable hotels in New York and turn the idea of visiting the Big Apple from being a once in a lifetime trip, into a bi-annual occasion. Hotels Etc are a travel club who have been negotiating incredible deals for their customers on anything from golf course membership and movie theater tickets, to cruise vacations and Hotel deals for New York.

While it will never be as low cost as a weekend vacation in Phoenix, the following hotels are some of the best located hotels in New York which are more affordable when using the hotel discounts mentioned above.

5 More affordable hotels in New york

Washington Jefferson Hotel

The Washington is hotel with an excellent location near Times Square which ensures that from the moment you arrive, the streets are right outside waiting to be explored. That being said, the hotel is located on a quieter side of the street and is a favorite for budget minded people who want to be slightly away from the hustle of the Square but then still close to Central Park, the Empire State Building and all the main shopping areas.

The interior is simple but quaint, and there is an excellent Japanese restaurant on location which offers fine sushi and teriyaki.

The rooms in the Washington Jefferson Hotel are small but they have a very respectable reputation for being clean and pleasant at the same time, with comfortable beds, cable television and free Wi-Fi.

Rooms in the Washington Jefferson Hotel start from $180.

 

The Jane Hotel

The Jane, 113 Jane Street, West Village

The Jane Hotel is quite unique in a sense that the rooms are designed, decorated and set out in a similar way to the cabins on an antique sailing ship. There are economy bunk bed cabins, along with the more luxurious “Captain’s” cabin with each room having the standard cable television, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

A rich history provides the backdrop for all the character this hotel has to offer and this, combined with the resident restaurant and café, make it a charming place to stay but once more, the location shines through as the major highlight for most guests.

Close to the Hudson River and in the center of the West Village in the Meatpacking district, The Jane Hotel is surrounded by shopping, restaurants and many nightlife options.

Rooms at The Jane Hotel start from $140 with private bathroom.

 

Yotel

570 10th Ave, New York

Not only is this a centrally located hotel in New York without the enormous price tag of many other hotels in the area, Yotel is specifically targeted toward a youthful clientele with inclinations toward places or attractions which are hipster orientated. There are also communal areas in the hotel for guests to hang out which make this a great place to meet people, for those who prefer to stay somewhere a little more luxurious than a youth hostel.

It is of Japanese design and the rooms appear to have more in common with an aircraft, than it does a hotel, but it works beautifully and all rooms have bright interiors with comfortable beds, flat screen televisions and free Wi-Fi.

Yotel has one of the most sought after locations in New York situated just a short walk from the Port Authority and less than a mile from Times Square.

Rooms at Yotel start from $180.

 

The Leo House

332 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10011

Few hotels can claim as central a location in Manhattan, with the price being offered by that of the Leo House. The Leo House will not be for everyone but for anyone hoping to save some serious cash on their next trip to New York, this hotel which is run by the extremely friendly Catholic Sisters of St Agnes and offers simple rooms for the budget traveler who wishes to be stay in a centrally located New York hotel.

The hotel has a basic restaurant, some peaceful gardens and all rooms include cable television and excellent Wi-Fi. As mentioned above, this budget hotel in New York is a great option for anyone who does not mind staying in a more modest setting, and with Broadway just a few minute walk from the front door, it’s unlikely you will be spending very much time in the hotel anyway.

Rooms in the Leo House start from $115 (without private bathroom)

Nu Hotel

85 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY

Nu hotel was the very first boutique hotel in the heart of Brooklyn, a place where many visitors choose to stay over the more touristy and packed central area around Times Square.

Staying in Brooklyn can be a much more rewarding experience for the traveler, given it is an authentic borough and living quarters for many of the average people whom work in the big city. The presence of arts and melting pot of culture also ensure a stay here provides a genuine New York experience.

Thankfully, the center of Manhattan is only a short ride away and so the variety  in terms of being able to “stay local” but then also be within easy reach of the city, can be very appealing for many tourists.

Nu Hotel has a beautifully decorated interior with spacious rooms, comfortable beds and all the other amenities you would expect in a large hotel, but rather than proximity to Manhattan being the benefit of staying here, it is the vibe and offerings of the local neighborhood which make it a great options for affordable hotels in New York.

Rooms at Nu Hotel start from $152 Queen.

As outlined above, traveling to New York does not have to be the overly expensive trip which most people decide to take, and with some research, planning and hotel discounts, there are many incredible hotel deals in new York to take advantage of when booking the adventure.

The best way to find these hotel discounts is by signing up for a travel membership with Hotels Etc, and start making huge savings today.

 

Free attractions and affordable things to do in New York

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

They call it the ““City that never sleeps”” and it truly does live up to this reputation with an endless number of activities, attractions and affordable things to do in New York. A trip to the Big apple is possibly a once in a lifetime trip for some people, but most certainly it’s a trip that everyone should take at some point in their lives, and despite what you might have heard, it is actually possible to visit New York on a budget, provided you avail of hotel discounts and spend some time planning an itinerary.

Truthfully, the best way to keep costs down on a trip to New York is to check out the free attractions in the city and the more affordable things to do, from a visit to the Freedom Tower at Ground Zero, to the dazzling lights of Times Square, the iconic Statue of Liberty and an afternoon in sunny Central Park – there are so many ways to spend your time without spending a great deal, and the following is a list to help you plan an affordable trip to New York.

Central Park & Times Square

When most people arrive in New York, they wish to be staying in a centrally located accommodation which is within easy walking distance of the main parts of the city. This is usually more expensive but if you use some of the best hotel discounts on Hotels Etc, you could easily find yourself in the middle of downtown for  a very minimal cost.

Central Park is a beautiful place to spend the day, especially in the Summer, and it can feel like a million miles from the city with all the green open spaces, cycle paths and lush surroundings. Visiting Central Park is obviously a free activity and likewise just a short walk from here, standing beneath the blinding lights of Times Square is a fascinating place to be and an unforgettable sight.

Tip: A visit to the zoo in Central park is relatively cheap at $16.20 for adults, and $11.70 for children.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is so big that you spend weeks inside the building and still not make your way around the entire 2 million pieces of art that are on display. It is also here, where you can witness the spectacular Temple of Dendur which is an ancient temple which was once on the banks of the River Nile in Egypt, before being transported to the US as a gift from the Egyptian government.

The best way to see the museum is by taking a guided tour with a curator, as often there are many parts and secrets of the museum which would otherwise go unnoticed.

Tickets for the Metropolitan Museum of Art are $25 for adults and $12 for students, while children under the age of 12 go free.

Concerts in Prospect Park

Every weekend there are big concerts at Prospect Park over the bridge in Brooklyn and amazingly, these are entirely free of charge. Despite there being no charge, it is not unusual for even the most popular acts to show up in the park with the Barenaked Ladies being a regular on stage.

These concerts are ideal for families and as with Central Park, there is so much space in Prospect that it makes for the perfect escape from the busy city without having to travel too far.

Grand Central Station

Just short of one million people hurry through the hallways of Grand Central Terminal in New York every day, and despite it sounding like a strange thing to do, visiting the station is a fascinating activity. There are free walking tours which take in a trip to the station but if you visit during the mid afternoon, it should be quiet enough to take a self guided tour and not get lost along the way.

The interior is beautiful with enormous stain glass windows reaching for the tall ceilings and mosaic tunnels leading their way between the different terminals which offer surprising delights on every turn.

There are some cheap eateries spread out around the station, and if you don’t want to miss out on any of the history, there is a self guided tour app you can download for just $5.

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

Many people travel to Ellis island to see the iconic statue without being aware of the great significant importance of the island itself. It is here, where you will find the enormous halls which were responsible for separating, detaining and processing the millions of immigrants who had traveled to the US many years ago in search of a new life. This brings a truly fascinating element to the journey and you are free to walk around the inside of the buildings.

However, that is not to take away from the awesome sight of the great Statue of Liberty which dominates the New York skyline and makes for the most awe inspiring sight to marvel upon, and capture through photography. Although you can take a trip to the top of the statue, it is just as nice to stay below and maybe have a picnic, while all the madness and chaos of Manhattan begins to disappear.

The cost of the Staten island ferry is $18 for adults and $9 for children.

The American Museum of Natural History

If the Metropolitan Museum of Art was big, then the Natural History Museum is completely off the charts. There are more than 30 million varieties of fossils, animals, plants, rocks and artifacts in the building which is spread out over 45 different exhibition halls.

When you think “there is something for everyone”, there has never been a place more true to those words. It is one of the most popular attractions in New York and widely known for having an incredible array of dinosaur replications. The hall of African animals is also a favorite while the Rose Center houses a very educational attraction in the Earth and Space exhibition.

Once more, this is another of the affordable attractions in New York which provides outstanding value given you will easily spend the entire day, engrossed on the inside of these walls.

Tickets for the American Museum of Natural History are $22 for adults and $12.50 for children.

There is no end in terms of things to do in New York and affordable attractions are everywhere so long as you spend time searching them out. The cost of your accommodation in New York is always going to be the biggest part of a budget for such a trip but as mentioned at the beginning of the article, Hotels Etc have the best hotel discounts which can provide anywhere between 50 – 80% off the regular price. Regardless of which free attractions you choose or the affordable things to in New York, on thing is for sure, the city provides great value for money.

13 Things you need to know before you go to Punta Cana

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

Traveling to a new destination is always new, and there is a lot to be said about the element for surprise. However, have you ever visited somewhere but then found out afterward about something really amazing you missed out on? How about some important travel advice that your agent neglected to pass on? Some tips that would have made your trip easier? Or maybe some insider information on the best hotel discounts which would have made your vacation less expensive?

Luckily, if you are taking a vacation to Dominican Republic this year, or planning on doing so sometime in the future, the following list should help inform you about all the advice and tips for visiting Punta Cana 2016:

1. How safe is Punta Cana?

The tourist police do an excellent job at keeping crime to a minimum in Punta Cana. It is perfectly safe during the day, but it is strongly advised not to walk along the beach in the evening and to use common sense in the busier parts of town.

2. Where is the best place to stay in Punta Cana?

There are many all inclusive resorts in Punta Cana which are of the highest quality in the Caribbean, but some of the most popular hotels are the Excellence Punta Cana, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro and of course, the Hardrock.

3. Where can I find the best deal for a vacation to Punta Cana?

You can find prices anywhere online today, but if you want to find genuine discounts (sometimes up to 60 – 80%!), it’s highly recommended to sign up for a membership at Hotels Etc who have the biggest hotel discounts in the travel industry.

4. Bring US dollars

It’s not a good idea to take a wallet full of one hundred dollar bills, but ignore the advice given to you before you left: you do not need to convert your US dollars to peso for your vacation. Everywhere in the Dominican accepts the dollar and as long as you take notes of small denominations with you, there will be no issues.

5. Be prepared

The airport in Punta Cana can seem hectic when you arrive, people searching for baggage, locals searching for family, and taxi drivers competing for your custom. This can be overwhelming, so the best advice is if you do not have any pre booked transfer to the accommodation, make sure you know how much it will cost to the hotel, and agree the price before leaving. (Return approximately $60)

6. Are there secluded beaches?

You can certainly request that the hotel organize a private tour to a secluded beach but unfortunately, there are none within walking distance. The beaches in Punta Cana are stunning, but it is difficult to find a stretch without tourists, locals, hotels, bars or restaurants.

7. Can you drink the tap water?

In general, it is not advised to drink the tap water in Punta Cana, although it is fine for taking a wash or brushing your teeth. That being said, make sure you take bottled water everywhere you go, the main reason tourists fall ill on vacation in the Dominican is not food poisoning or any sort of disease, it’s dehydration.

8. Meal reservations

Keep in mind that many of the hotels require a reservation to be made for evening meals. Don’t take a chance on this, as it could mean a very long and unhappy wait until you find somewhere with availability. Try to book your meals a day or two in advance when you get there, and remove the risk of disappointment altogether.

9. Excursions

Of course the number one thing to do in Punta Cana is relax by the pool or take a dip in the ocean, but when you grow tired of lazing about all day, there are many excursions in the area.

The most popular adventure tours are zip lining, kayaking and snorkeling all of which can be booked in your hotel upon arrival.

10. Is there a tipping culture in Punta Cana?

While nobody is there to tell you what to do, it’s important to remember the Dominican Republic has an extremely low minimum wage and they work very hard to keep their jobs. It is recommended to always tip, and anywhere between 15% and 25% is suitable.

11. On that note, is it safe to swim?

Yes, it is safe to swim on most beaches in Punta Cana but always check the weather before going out and ensure there is a lifeguard on duty.

12. Is it possible to visit Santo Domingo from Punta Cana ?

Yes, but it is not advised. If you really must go to see the Capital for a specific reason, then fine, but please know that the Capital city of the Dominican Republic is almost 3 hours drive from Punta Cana.

13. Are there secluded beaches?

You can certainly request that the hotel organize a private tour to a secluded beach but unfortunately, there are none within walking distance. The beaches in Punta Cana are stunning, but it is difficult to find a stretch without tourists, locals, hotels, bars or restaurants.

Sign up to Hotels Etc today and start saving on your vacation to Punta Cana

Where To Party: Spring Break For Students 2016

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, travel discounts, vacation

Taking a Spring break vacation is almost part of going to college. Every year thousands of students leave home in search of sun, sand and an endless amount of fun times but it’s not always easy to know where to go for the best Spring break party resorts or where the most happening hotels in the Caribbean are located.

Here are four of the most popular resorts for partying and best places to be for students in Spring break 2016:

Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

Not everyone enjoys spending every day sleeping off the hangover or resting by the pool. In Puerta Vallarta you can expect a busy day and lots of activities to while away the afternoon. If it’s the tiring heat that concerns you, don’t worry, most of these activities are water based with windsurfing, parasailing, snorkeling and scuba diving on offer.

There are also many day trips which can be taken in the local area so there really is no reason to feel bored at any point. That being said, the all inclusive resorts provide every opportunity to recharge the batteries and if lying by the pool really is what you like to do best, then the resorts are well equipped to cater for these needs too.

After dark the party begins and the town in Puerta Vallarta has long being known as a party lover’s late night paradise. There are many salsa clubs, noisy bars and beer vending places at which to dance the night away.

All the late night action in Puerta Vallarta is downtown but the only options for all inclusive hotels in this area are the Buenaventura and Villa Premiere but fear not, these are both nice places to stay. The Villa Premiere is the most suitable option for anyone looking to be close to the party and it’s also a nice place to escape when you want some peace and quiet.
Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is one of the most popular resorts in Cancun with more than 3 million visitors arriving for some sun and relaxation every year. However, not everyone goes there to relax and when it comes to Spring Break, there are few places as notorious as Cancun for having a party.

Most of the resorts offer the great value of all inclusive and there are just as many whom offer 5 star amenities on site but the best part of visiting Cancun for Spring break is undoubtedly the huge numbers of party’s which happen around the resorts and the countless bars, nightclubs and entertainment on the nearby strips.

Most students have heard of Oasis Cancun and this tends to be the first resort to sell out over Spring break but there are many more hotels who know how to party when the carnival hits town. The Hard Rock Hotel and Krystal Cancun are both as wild as each other when it comes to partying while the Hotel Riu Cancun also attracts a fun lively crowd, albeit in a slightly more chilled setting.

Regardless as to where exactly you end up sleeping, the question in this part of the world is rarely about where to stay in Cancun for Spring break but rather about where to party, and luckily the resorts are close enough together that you will never have an issue finding somewhere to go wild.

Punta Cana, Dominican Replublic

The popularity of vacations to the Dominican Republic seems to be growing by the minute. While there are quieter part to the Dominican such as Bavaro or the Samana Province and while there are also many quieter hotels in the Punta Cana, the latter is still a great choice for Spring break, especially for those who have already visited Mexico and feel like something different.

The weather is sensational in Punta Cana at Spring break, the food is particularly good and again, there is no end to the large all inclusive resorts similar to those found in Cancun. However, as mentioned there are many quieter resorts on the peninsula and so you need to be careful when choosing where to party.

The ClubHotel Riu Bambu is one of the better known places to party in Punta Cana and the onsite entertainment only adds to the atmosphere. The crowd is young, the bartenders are impressive, the hotel may not be the highest quality in all of the Dominicnan but you can expect a good time and plenty of late nights during Spring break.

Overall this is a great chance to travel somewhere different for Spring break which really does have a great party scene if you look in the right place.

Las Vegas

For those looking to stay a little closer to home and take partying to the extreme levels of excess, there was never going to be another award winner in this respect other than Vegas. Whatever you want, whenever you want it: the party never stops in Las Vegas, literally.

Not only is it one of the best places to party but it is also one of the easiest places to find the best hotel deals for Spring break and with hotel discounts from Hotels Etc, you could end up paying next to nothing for your spring break vacation package.

The Hardrock Hotel complete with Vanity nightclub is the epicenter for parties and even for those not staying in the hotel, it’s not unusual to end up there night after night. They often have well known bands come to play, the interior is of the highest quality and the pool parties are notorious even by Las Vegas standards.

Another resort famed for their wild pool parties is The Palms and this is so much the case that just as often you can find yourself mixing by the pool with famous celebrities. Other honorable mentions to party are Hooters Hotel and Caesar Palace Resort but really, you could stay almost anywhere on the strip at this time of year and find a party without a problem.

As mentioned above it doesn’t stop and if you grow restless of partying for the whole week, in Vegas, everyone knows the city has so much more to offer to keep you entertained on a “night off”. Live shows, roulette tables, rollercoaster’s and fine dining – the choice is yours.

Aside from the above places, some other great places to party in Spring Break 2016 are Miami, South Padre Island, San Diego and Montego Bay in Jamaica. You can find hotel discounts for all of the above and even more of the best Spring break vacation offers for this year on Hotels etc.