The
"Average Room
Rates" statistic
is available for
comparison purposes only.
It is possible to compare
the average difference in
rates charged for hotel
rooms between properties.
It is not possible to
predict the exact rates
which will be charged at
any time for a specific
hotel or motel.
This is due principally to
the resort industries competitiveness.
For the traveler this can
be beneficial in that
rates change to reflect
market conditions. Thus,
booking rooms 'off-season'
usually results in bargain
rates.
The seasonality factor
also effects room pricing
and availability when a
location is 'in-season'.
For example, Panama City
Florida is in-season
during the spring break.
Some places, such as Miami
Beach, have a longer
season. Other destinations
such Anaheim, Houston and
San Antonio are basically
non-seasonal.
Las Vegas is a special
case in that it has
several seasons and also a
steady gambling clientele.
In order to be competitive
in each of these markets,
room rates are adjusted
constantly by the managers
of the large lodging
chains to changing demand
and perceived market
conditions.
We have noticed that the
further that you book in
advance, the 'steadier'
the hotel room rates are.
Room rates are more
sensitive to demand
influences closer to to
booking time.
In other words, depending
on the 'seasonality' of
the destination, the rates
would seem to be steady as
you check them in advance.
Getting closer to the
target date, the room
rates will vary
significantly - by as much
as 50% - based on current
market conditions.
This situation is
analogous to car rental
options and charges. Those
rates that you thought
were solid all those
months you kept checking
them are now different.
This applies to room
rates, airline tickets,
car rentals and probably
most things travel
related.
We have no control over
the base rates charged by
any of the properties that
we list. Or in the way
that the rates vary.
Through our affiliate
relationships with various
properties and hotel and
motel chains we can effect
the base rate. How that
rate varies is up to
immediate market
conditions.
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How
are the "Average Room
Rates" determined?
Each month we check rates
for different places:
1) for one month in
advance,
2) for 2 people for 1
night,
3) in the middle of the
week,
4) and in the middle of
the month.
This gives a very close
idea as to what the actual
rates will be that month.
It is also a consistent
way to compare
accommodations based on
room prices.
This is because places
that are 10% higher than
another place at one time
are usually 10% higher, no
matter what the rates are,
in-season or off-season.
What
Does "N/A" mean?
This means that the rates
were not available for the
entire next month
when we checked. This
means that the rooms were
all reserved already.
This occurs in places like
Las Vegas or Chicago
during conventions, New
York for holidays.
In Ft Worth Texas
there is a mild
seasonality in that late
summer and fall are
preferred times of year
with a steady demand
throughout most of the
rest of the year.
This means that in
Ft Worth the 'N/A' is very
consistent. In other words
the places that are
available now are usually
available and the places
that are not, usually
require booking well in
advance. six to eight
months is not unusual.
This should be taken into
account when planning a
vacation.
The rates are also very
consistent. The Comfort
Inns are very consistently
charging the same rates,
as are most of the other
chains.
What
does the number after the
N/A mean?
This refers to the number
of months that you are
likely to have to book in
advance in order to get a
room at a particular
establishment.
We began including this
statistic because we
became frustrated
researching the best rates
and we had to check months
in advance to actually get
a rate. This was
frustrating to us and it
seemed likely that it
would be frustrating to
our visitors.
The "N/A - 4"
means this property is not
available for about 4
months and should be
booked that far in
advance.
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What
do the 'Ratings:' means?
How are they determined?
The system is a 5 Star
System which is as
follows:
*
Accommodations that receive a one-star rating are typically older, smaller hotels and motels. It’s hit or miss whether the establishment will be exactly what you’re looking for as far as lodging, low rates will usually be the property’s best feature. Many of the one-star accommodations constitute highway hotels located near economical attractions and public transportation. Amenities are limited; furnishings are basic.
**
Many of the well-known national chains fall into the two-star category. For instance, Comfort Inn and Quality Inn are two examples of familiar chain hotels that receive a
two-star rating. Economy hotels are perfect for large families, business travelers on a budget, and just about anyone looking to save a dime. The hotel is usually close to a city’s major attractions, including the airport, and public transportation. Amenities generally include cable television, free parking and possibly a free continental breakfast. Two star properties will usually be clean but simple. Most two-star properties are a great value as far as price goes. For the most part, rates will average below $80 per night.
***
Hotels denoted by three stars typically include Hilton, Marriott and Doubletree. These accommodations are spacious, spotless and generally newer. Prices are usually higher than $100 per night and amenities are above average, usually including a fitness center, room service (varies) and a swimming pool. Many of these accommodations offer valet parking and bellhop service, as well as business friendly services like data ports for computers, business centers and fax services. These properties are considered moderate because as a customer you get what you pay for -- and sometimes more.
****
First-class hotels are just that – first class. These hotels are all about quality. From the moment you enter the typically lavish lobby to the minute you check out, you’ll receive impeccable service. Most landmark hotels receive a four-star rating. For instance, Miami’s Bentley Luxury Suite Hotel and the Hotel Monaco in Chicago. The Adam’s Mark in San Antonio is another example of a four-star hotel. These hotels (many are boutique hotels) offer room service, free continental breakfast, nightly cocktails, restaurant dining, of hotel is an easy way to “play it safe” and ensure your lodging experience will be enjoyable.
*****
Hotels that receive five
stars are flawless. These
hotels offer only the
highest level of service
and accommodations. Guests
are treated like royalty
– and they usually are
royalty. Rooms are
generally stocked with
top-of-the-line
furnishings and extras,
and often include VCRs,
elaborate tubs or
Jacuzzis, heated pools,
mini bars and CD stereos.
These hotels offer cuisine
from their numerous
on-site restaurants, and
room service is usually 24
hours. Valet parking and
bellhop and concierge
services are expected at
these establishments,
which are generally
located downtown and/or in
a city’s exclusive
neighborhoods. Five-star
candidates are comprised
of sprawling resorts and
small, elegant independent
properties. Examples
include Cozumel’s
Allegro Resort and The
Breakers Resort in Palm
Beach. Five star ratings
are rare.
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