damor

Howdy,

I have heard this site recommended a few times on this forum, and as one who'd like to get the most out of a honeymoon trip to Maui, it looks like a good deal.

Before I got too far into it, though, I wanted to see if anyone else had much experience, good or otherwise, with the service. Despite thinking of myself as a forward-thinking techno-genius, I must admit I have never bought anything on an online auction or from a service like Priceline (mostly because I am too po to go around spending money on cool stuff I see on the internet).

So does anyone have any experience with Luxurylink that they'd be willing to share, or any advice in general on using services such as these on travel that you really want to avoid screwing up (ie the aforementioned honeymoon)?

Thanks to all.

mclaurie

Have never used it personally, darmor. I found out about it here, though & often suggest people check it out. I once read the detailed info on the site. The MOST IMPORTANT piece of info I can give is...BEFORE buying/bidding on a package, check directly with the hotel/resort and make sure they have availability on YOUR dates & that they're not blacked out dates for any reason. You buy a non-refundable package & then have to book it yourself with the facility. If they're sold out on your dates, you're out of luck.

Also, I'd suggest pricing out the pkg. yourself to see what you're actually saving.

Good luck!

Patty

I've used luxurylink.com 3 times for Caribbean resorts and have been very happy with their service. Just won a bid last week and finalized reservations for our anniversary next year. I don't know if you've looked on the Caribbean forum but there are many comments about luxurylink.com as well as advice posted.

Once you've won your auction, you contact the resort directly in most cases to make your reservations. I always call the resort before bidding to check availability for my dates. I tell them I'm bidding on a luxurylink package, the room category, number of nights, etc. Your dates are not 100% guaranteed this way as there's always the remote chance that the room category will sell out between your call and your winning bid, but I've never had a problem nor have I ever heard of anyone who had this happen. But just letting you know it's a possibility.

Other than that be sure to read everything carefully. They have different types of auctions (regular auctions and best shot auctions) with different rules. Understand how the type of auction you're bidding on works. Price the same package with the resort directly and set a maximum amount you're willing to bid before getting started.

Hope this helps.

travleis

The two most important things about LL are 1) make sure the dates you want are available at the resort (and specify that you're checking as a prospective LuxuryLink customer, and 2) the AUCTIONS can be good values, but the prepriced best buy options are rarely a good deal compared with prices you can get on your own.
It's the auctions that you want to get in on, but know in advance where the "good deal threshold" lies, and don't go over that (a little internet pricing will give you a good idea of the range).

damor

Cool. Thanks for the input.

So, once you win and you make your reservations, are you viewed as any different from any other customer? I.e., are you any less likely to receive a complimentary upgrade on arrival, or can you still "upgrade" your package with additional services or features by paying extra? If you belong to a hotel's travel program (i.e., we are looking at the Kapalua Bay Hotel on Maui, which belongs to the Starwood group), can you still accumulate points or get extra goodies? Why is it important to let them know you are looking at a LL package when checking availablity -- do they reserve only a limited number of rooms for these auctions?

Sorry for the barrage of questions -- I just don't want to screw this up!

Thanks.

Patty

I've never felt that I was treated differently than any other guest once I arrived at the resort. Not sure about upgrades as I've never inquired about paying for one and I've never received an automatic upgrade (the resorts I've bid on have very few rooms). I wouldn't bid on a package unless the room type was a category that I'd be willing to accept. As far as additional services, I'm sure you could pay to add those. I've added private car transfers in lieu of included shuttle transfers, etc., by paying the difference.

I'd check with Starwood on point accumulation and elite benefits as they're making changes to their program for 2004. I definitely know that you won't get any points on your prepaid accomodations. Officially Starwood is saying that you won't even be eligible to earn points on incidental spending or receive any elite benefits when using these types of booking channels starting next year, but I'll be waiting to see if they actually implement this.

I always tell them I'm bidding on a luxurylink package just to make it easier so they know what room type, package inclusions, etc. I don't believe that they limit the number of rooms available for luxurylink packages, but I could be wrong. I think it's one of those cases where if a room is available in the same category as your package, then they will take your reservation. I vaguely remember asking them this same question prior to the first auction I bid on.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

sap115

I've used Luxury Link a few times and have always had great luck. Do set a limit for how much you are willing to pay and for how much the package is actually worth. I've bid on packages before and the winning bidder has actually paid way more than the package was worth. Sometimes people get carried away with winning.

It depends on the hotel and how full it is, but we've had luck with requesting upgrades with our packages a couple of times. Be sure to mention your Honeymoon when you make the official reservation through the hotel.

DawnCt

I have looked at luxurylink and it appears that the packages are based on two guests only. If we wanted to take our son, how would that work?