back at my computer and sharing contest news

Back From Vacation

My friend and I spent part of the weekend pretending we were on vacation: we booked a hotel room downtown (a whopping ten minutes from where we live). This is the perfect escape if you are short on time (and money). We saved travel expenses by booking a room right in our own city. We had fun making comments like, ‘What a great flight’ and ‘I’m so glad our flight wasn’t delayed by the weather.’

We stayed at the Four Seasons hotel, a four star hotel conveniently attached to an underground shopping centre (Pacific Centre). We enjoyed the “Shopping For All Seasons” package - one night’s stay and a $100 gift card to Holt Renfrew, from $230 (depending on the room you select). This special offer could not be beat for convenience of location, price, and hotel quality (four star). The real challenge was finding anything in Holt Renfrew for $100 but luckily they have a lot of clearance racks out at the moment.

Tips for Luxury Vacations on a Budget

1. Use your travel points.

I mean seriously, what are you waiting for? If you have travel points you might as well use them up, right?

2. Look for special offers.

Many hotels are providing special offers right now because January is a slow season and times are a bit tough. Browse around the travel websites for deals, but don’t forget to visit the hotel’s actual website as well: sometimes they have special packages and rates on their site.

3. Avoid the expensive extras.

Bring in your own pop, snacks, and booze so you aren’t tempted by the mini bar. Watch the room service rates: sometimes they charge you an additional $4.00 for delivering it to your room, and meal prices can be very expensive.

4. Take advantage of the free stuff.

Many luxury hotels provide services for free. Others have a wine tasting at a special time each day. Our hotel offered free shoe shines so we took advantage of that service. They also provided us with an umbrella so we could wander around the city without getting soaked.

5. Use the amenities.

Look at the hotel information before you go and pack appropriately. Our hotel had an amazing indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub which was the perfect post shopping wind down before we headed back out for drinks…

6. Use your time wisely.

Arrive early - often the hotel will have a room ready for you. If not, you can leave your bags with the front desk and go shopping, sightseeing, or just go to the hotel bar and enjoy a fancy drink. Plan to say right up to your check out time (but don’t overstay your welcome). If you check out time is noon, you still have time to go for a swim or work out at the hotel gym before your vacation ends…

7. Don’t Be Shy

If your room isn’t up to expectation, let them know. Don’t let an ultra posh setting intimidate you - you are the customer. Whether you receive an upgrade to a nicer room, some cookies and a handwritten note, or nothing at all - it never hurts to give feedback: good companies appreciate it.

I am so glad that we went on our mini vacation: just what was needed after the craziness of the holidays. I think we might just have to make it an annual tradition… In the meantime, I’m trying to figure out when I can go back again - maybe with the husband for Valentine’s Day. Hmmmm, I wonder how many travel points HE has…

Here’s a way to win some cash for your own hometown vacation:

TopTenz Contest

One of my favorite websites, toptenz.com is sponsoring a writing contest: visit toptenz for more information and good luck!

First prize is $150. Woo hoo!

You can read my top ten lists at toptenz by going to the author’s page.