Last minute travel deals?

[mukala]

Hi everyone... I just have a quick question. Do you know if the Universal Resorts have better deals on nightly rates if you book a just day or two in advance? We already have reservations offsite, but were wondering if they have good deals like that.

TIA!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Back in November we did a spur of the moment trip. We called and reserved 2 standard rooms at RPR for that night and our rate was $169. This was probably the AP rate. This was the best rate available at any of the hotels. They did upgrade me to a king suite when I arrived due to my Loews Platinum.

 

[goofy!]

We also did a spur of the minute trip last December. They came up with a last minute special deal for rooms at the RPR for $119.00 + free parking + some coupons (which we did not use so can't remember what they were) - good until Christmas Eve. We couldn't pass up $119 for RPR for Grinchmas

So, I think it depends on the season you are travelling and what their reservations look like. If they want to encourage people to come, they may offer a special deal. If they are already pretty well booked, probably not.

 

[mukala]

Thank you for your responses! It would be nice if I could get a deal like that! Although I doubt it in the middle of July...

Thanks again!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I was hoping for a better deal myself, but it was Thanksgiving week.

 

[horseshowmom]

This isn't exactly what you're asking, but I'll share it anyway. We just returned from at trip the middle of June. About a month ahead of time I checked the www.vrbo.com (Vacation Rentals By Owner).

I only looked at the ones who accepted credit cards (if there's a problem, your cc company will handle it) and had a calendar on their listing (you can easily see who has availability for your dates).

I emailed the ones who had my dates open asking for the cheapest price they would take (including tax, cleaning, etc.). Usually, if they don't have their house rented that close to the dates, they know that they probably aren't going to rent it and will make a better price.

We got a 4 BR 3 BA house with a screened pool and a separate LR and Den for a total price of $480 for the week. It was in a gated community and took 20-25 minutes to get to US/IOA (probably 10-15 to Disney).

We loved it and were glad I didn't book at US/IOA (which I had intended to do). Our Express Plus tickets cost $20 each (which still came out much cheaper than the hotel).

 

[mukala]

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind.

 

[CPM]

We just got back Wednesday. Stayed at RPR Sunday through Wed. I called the Friday before and the best I could get was $234.00. Very high.
Luckily we were upgraded to a suite because of being a platinum Loew's first member.

 

[mukala]

Yep...that's what I figured! LOL Oh well...one can dream : )

Thanks!

 

[mukala]

Goofy... who did you contact to see about last minute deals? I called Loews Hotels and they said they didn't offer any such thing... hmmmmmmm...

Thanks!

 

[goofy!]

Mukala - I replied to your PM, but will also include the info here.

Actually - I didn't get the details completely correct. The actual rate was $129.00 S-Th and $149 Friday and Saturday. However, if you stayed more than 3 days, you got the 4th night free. So, for our trip, after we added tax, it came out to about $119.00 per night for the entire trip. There was also free resort parking and 2 for 1 drink coupons.

The special was announced on the AP website and we just booked it online with the APH code. Here is a copy of the website back from November that detailed the special:

Tis the Season to stay on-site at Universal Orlando® Resort November 28 - December 24!

From gigantic Christmas trees to elaborate gingerbread houses, come see how the on-site hotels deck their halls for the holidays with these holiday rates.*

Royal Pacific Resort, a Loews Hotel:
Sail away to the tropics starting at $129 per night
BOOK NOW!

Hard Rock Hotel:
Vacation like a rock star starting at $149 per night
BOOK NOW!

Portofino Bay Hotel, a Loews Hotel:
Experience La Dolce Vita starting at $169 per night
BOOK NOW!

Plus get 4th Night FREE** when you stay 3 or more nights!


Also, enjoy these exclusive Annual Passholders values*** when you stay on-site:
Complimentary self parking
Buy one, get one FREE drink coupons

Call 1-800-BE-A-STAR and ask for the Annual Passholder rate OR to book online and use Promotional Code APH.

*Travel must be completed November 28 through December 24, 2004. Rates are $20 higher per night Friday & Saturday. Must present valid Annual Pass at check-in. Rates do not include tax. Rates are subject to availability and require advance reservations. Offer is not valid with any other promotional offers, group or negotiated rates. These promotional rates do not qualify for LoewsFirst benefits. Arrival/Departure restrictions may apply. Rates subject to change without advance notice. **3-night consecutive stay required for 4th night free. Suites and club level not included. Promotional blackout dates may be in effect during certain time periods. ***Complimentary self parking and drink coupons only valid for guests checking into the hotel. Complimentary self parking during dates of stay only. Drink coupons valid at Thirsty Fish at Portofino Bay Hotel, Velvet Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel and Jake's American Bar at Royal Pacific Resort. One (1) coupon per adult, maximum of two (2) coupons per room, valid during dates of stay only. Other restrictions not listed above may apply.

 

[mukala]

Thanks for everything, Goofy!

 

[Foladar]

Wow great deal, wish they would do stay 3, get one night free again with AP prices, they did have one recently with no APs from when I called, but figured I could wait.