Glenn Counts doesn't worry about airfare when he travels -- after all, he's a Continental Express pilot and can often hitch a ride. Hotels are a different story, though, so Counts is among a growing number of travelers jumping on the latest trend in discount hotel stays: private sales. A handful of Web sites offer registered members (registration is typically free) bargain-priced lodging that's often luxurious.
Counts most recently vacationed in Prague after a deal from Jetsetter lured him, he says, to "a really great luxury hotel that was actually in my price range." SniqueAway customer Lisa Litwiller, who will soon visit Williamsburg, Va., figures she'll save $350 on a two-night stay for two, compared with rates the same hotel recently listed on its Web site.
Private sales offer hotels a way to unload excess inventory for a brief time to a limited audience -- without having to slash prices for the general public, or for an extended period. The deals may undercut traditional online travel bargains, especially for high-end accommodations. And private sales may appeal to your sense of serendipity -- presenting opportunities in places you never knew you wanted to visit. In addition to Jetsetter and SniqueAway, check out Tablet-Hotels.com, Bonvoyou.com and Where I've Been. Mega travel site Kayak.com plans to offer a private-sale search feature in early 2011.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
-
What Not to Do if an Employee or Loved One Is KidnappedBusinesses need to have a crisis plan in place so that everyone knows what to do and how to do it. Sometimes, calling the authorities isn’t recommended.
-
Why You Shouldn’t Let High Interest Rates Seduce YouWhile increased interest rates are improving the returns on high-yield savings accounts, that may not be an effective place to park your money for the long term.
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel Procrastinator? No matter. You can pull off a fun and memorable getaway on a moment's notice — without breaking the bank.
-
Best Places to Visit Where the Dollar Is StrongFrom the Americas and Europe to Africa and Asia, we list the 10 best places to travel to where the U.S. dollar is the strongest.
-
24 Best Travel Websites to Find Deals and Save You MoneyTravel Use Kiplinger's guide to the best travel websites and find discounts and deals so you can vacation without breaking the bank.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life-insurance needs.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day?Amazon Prime In 2023 Amazon had two Prime Day events — one in July and another, called Big Deal Days, in October. We expect 2024 to follow the same schedule.
