TomTravel2

Summer Resort Getaways in Arizona, a Case Study:

Long before a clever journalist coined the phrase “staycation” Valley of the Sun (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Carefree, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, etc.) residents were doing in town resort getaways every summer. My home town is blessed with a wonderful array of luxurious resorts. As a true seasonal destination our luxe resorts that are priced to the stratosphere during the fall winter and spring high season always come to earth during our long hot summer. This summer the rates have fallen into a well. The local tourism economy has taken a severe beating, and resorts have priced to sell. No popular American destination has been effected more except Las Vegas. If you live in Arizona this is the summer of deals and steals on the best resorts! If you are crazy enough to come and take the heat it might even be tempting to out of state visitors at these prices.

Last week I called all seven of the Virtuoso properties to get the best rate or package for June 26th 2009. I also searched for the best deals available on seven major travel web sites. The client I was helping mentioned “an amazing deal” she had seen advertised by one of the big “online travel agencies".” I am not posting the rates that I found for the client for a stay on June 26th because rates are subject to change. I will show a comparison to what was available with a Virtuoso advisor and what was available for booking on the internet.

Internet travel sites and online travel agencies have spent a ton of money trying to convince the traveling public that they always have lower prices. This is one of the few things they have excelled at: creating the perception that the internet is cheaper. I often speak to clients who think they have found bargains on the internet, only to find that it is the exact same price I can get for them. In the case of luxury travel vendors my “price match” comes with added perks that gives my clients a huge advantage. Take a look at the amenities that come with a Virtuoso rate at these fine hotels then read on for the rate comparisons.

The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, a Waldforf Astoria Collection: The venerable and classy Arizona Biltmore is the resort that set the stage for the Valley of the Sun as a vacation destination. Unique architecture inspired by sometime Arizona resident Frank Lloyd Wright is complimented by lush garden setting and green lawns. The convenient location gives easy access to downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale’s shopping. The resort is nestled at the base of popular hiking trails at Piestewa Peak and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

· Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests,in the restaurant

· 4pm late check-out, subject to availability

· A complimentary lunch for two, once during stay (excluding alcoholic beverages)

The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa: This resort has one of the best settings of all of the Phoenix area properties. True to it’s name The Boulders resides in and among large red boulders at the foot of Black Mountain just to the south of the town of Carefree. Well known as a spa and golf destination for celebrities, The location offers a peaceful retreat that still offers access to the amenities of the booming Valley of the Sun.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

· Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests, in restaurant or via room service

· A US$100 recreational credit once per stay to be used for golf or tennis

· VIP Status

· Welcome amenity given in the name of the booking Virtuoso agent or agency

· 4:00pm late check out based on availability

Fairmont Scottsdale: Location, location, location. What golfer doesn’t want to stay overlooking the TPC? This is the site of the rowdy “biggest party on grass” or FBR Open (formerly the Phoenix Open) often the most attended stop on the PGA tour. Low-key southwestern architecture and well known Fairmont hospitality are found at the former Princess Scottsdale now Fairmont Scottsdale Resort. I had lunch there on Father’s Day which was excellent. There are some renovations being done on what was the large water feature off the main lobby. We were told that this would be done by summers’ end.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· A one-category upgrade at the time of booking, subject to availability

· Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests, served in LV Bistro, The Grill or via In-Room Dining

· 12 Noon early check-in, subject to availability

· 4 PM late check-out, subject to availability

· A US $100 Food & Beverage credit per room, once during stay (no cash value if not redeemed)

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North: This newest entry among The Valley’s Virtuoso gems is considered by many to be it’s crown jewel. Set at the foot of iconic Pinnacle Peak, the Four Seasons Scottsdale overlooks the greater Paradise Valley and Scottsdale areas with views of the distant Phoenix Mountains and beyond. Fine dining, luxe decor, and pampering service are provided in a way only Four Seasons can deliver. Some of Arizona’s best golf is right outside the door in one of the most exclusive addresses in Arizona.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

· Daily breakfast for up to two in-room guests, in Crescent Moon or in Casita dining

· Welcome amenity of a snack trio & bottled water

· 50% Discount off valet parking for duration of stay

The Phoenician: This modern resort sets the bar high for glitz and style. This 250 acre resort property features 10 restaurants, 9 pools and has a $25 million art collection for guests to admire. Sitting at the foot of Camelback Mountain the Phoenician is close to Scottsdale’s shopping and downtown Phoenix sports and culture venues. I like the having tea at the Phoenician while I take in the wonderful view of Scottsdale and the distant Superstition Mountains. Golf, pool and spa here are top notch.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Room view upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

· Daily full breakfast for up to two in-room guests, (up to $50.00 credit per day) in restaurant or via room service per guest room

· Welcome amenity of fresh seasonal fruit

· $50.00 Food & Beverage Credit, once during stay

Royal Palms Resort and Spa: A lush private oasis of luxury just south of iconic Camelback Mountain the Royal Palms is one of a kind. Winding paths lead throughout the garden setting and Camelback rises majestic above it all. This Mediterranean villa styled property makes guests feel they are far from the madding crowd, yet it is very convenient to Old Town Scottsdale, Fashion Square, and the Camelback Corridor. Get Pampered at Alvadora Spa or dine at widely acclaimed T. Cook’s all in Old World ambience.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

· Daily Continental breakfast for two in T. Cook’s Restaurant

· An $100.00 Resort credit, once per stay

· VIP status

· 4 PM late check-out, subject to availability

Sanctuary On Camelback Mountain, Resort and Spa: This one of a kind resort has a feng shue vibe and a celebrity pedigree. Long a favorite of Hollywood types and VIPs, it is truly a Sanctuary. Sitting high on the slopes of fabled Camelback Mountain, guests at this gem are treated to one of the Valley of the Suns best views. The “Praying Monk” rock formation seems to be blessing it’s nearby neighbor and the Phoenix Mountains and Mummy Mountain rise across the valley known as “Paradise” between. Dining at Elements while the lights come sparkling to life at dusk is treat for the taste buds and the eyes.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking on Mountain Rooms; upgrade on arrival, subject to availability, on Spa Rooms

· Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests, in restaurant or via room service

· A complimentary 30-minute massage OR 50% off spa treatment of choice (gratuities not included)

· VIP status

Online Travel Agencies: For comparison only. I searched for all seven properties for the same date on five of the popular online travel agencies and two multi-site comparison sites. For four of the resorts the best rate available on any web site was the same as the Virtuoso rate, but the online rates included none of the above amenities for the same price. For one resort all of the internet sites showed a rate that was over $100 higher than the Virtuoso rate with no amenities. For one resort one site had a rate $10 less than the Virtuoso rate (all other sites offered the same rate as the Virtuoso rate or higher) with no amenities. One resort had a special rate that was available to me and on all but one of the internet booking sites (the Virtuoso rate was applicable only to upgraded rooms and was higher than the special). For this one I could only match the web booking sites

Conclusion: The best rate is not always the best value. When the best rate is equal to or more than the Virtuoso rate this is especially the case. When is paying the same for less a good deal? Never. Prices for self booking even on the internet are in the vast majority of cases the same as rates available through any travel agent. Sometimes one web site or booking directly with a hotel can offer a slightly better rate. Sometimes a travel agent can offer the best rate. Frequently when booking luxury hotels the Virtuoso amenities included are by far the best value.

Do us both a favor and contact a Virtuoso advisor the next time you are looking for a high end vacation. Chances are you will save yourself money and gain added value. If you select a Virtuoso advisor who makes and nurtures contacts with the resort management you will also be afforded special treatment beyond your expectations. Do you still want to book a luxury resort stay on the internet? Don’t you want the free breakfast, upgrade and etc.?

Visit the Alliance Travel Partners web site if you would like to talk to me or my partners about these or other great values in travel!