gapper

Can anyone help with a good deal to Beaches? I was quoted almost $12,000 for Easter Break 2004. I hear people getting deals for $1,000 per person and that sounds better than $12,000 for 4 people! I know during holiday breaks they jack up the prices, but that's a bit ridiculous, especially that it's not the Ritz! Thanks for any help.

rwilliams

Not only is it not the Ritz, you can actually STAY at the Ritz for much less.

SandyFeet

There is no such thing - sorry

rwilliams

In fact, just for kicks I checked the Ritz Carlton Jamaica for the weekend of Easter 2004.
The all inclusive rate (all food and drinks for 2 people plus standard accommodation) is $545.00 per night.
For four people and 2 separate rooms that would be barely $1000 per night.
And that IS staying at the Ritz, literally!
How Beaches is going to offer something top that at a rate of $12,000 I have no idea.

mjmre2

I hesitate to start a Beaches discussion but here goes...We spent more than $7000 for a Beaches vacation in June, 2001. Our party was two adults, a 16 year old and an 18 year old in one room, older section. Never again will I allow myself to spend so much money so foolishly. Beaches is not a five star luxury resort. Honestly, it is a three star resort that charges 5 star prices to unsuspecting consumers. Here's my take on Beaches: if you think Absolute is top shelf booze, then Beaches is the place for you; if you prefer Grey Goose or Chopin- stay away unless you get a real bargain. It's tough to go on vacation only to find you are being ripped off. I wouldn't have minded Beaches if I had paid about $3,000 less for my off-season week there. $12,000 for a week at Beaches- NO WAY!

bigguy

That's almost unbelievable, what you paid.We paid $5600.00 (CDN) for 2 weeks at Beaches Varadero, in a concierge suite.We were very happy,with all aspects of the resort,we did not expect the Ritz, as we knew we were in Cuba,not Disney World.I felt ,for the price, including air, a beautiful suite, with a magnificent view, along with meals and drinks, was not a bad price.Is that $7,000.00 CDN or U.S. Dollars ? I would be really upset at your TA, like big time.....

SandyFeet

The TA has nothing to so with it...if that is the price quoted by Beaches a TA does not upcharge.

I also think that $5600.00 is a tremendous amount of money for 2 weeks at Beaches - so don't think you got a bargain! Considering Biras Creek (AI except for liquor, but the liquor at Beaches is not top shelf so what are you really paying for?) will cost $5700.00 for 2 weeks in a garden suite.

That is just one example....I know there are many more.
Check out the website biras.com vs. beaches.com - you figure it out.

A fool and his money...........
There's a sucker born everyday......

TonyHarris

Beaches can be a good bargain in some case. I priced out a few good places plus all the stuff we wanted to do. The Beaches AI came out ahead so we booked. If you really like to eat/drink/swim/snorkle/SCUBA/party/entertainment etc. I can be a good deal.

$12,000 is just wrong. I booked a Beaches trip for next year, prime time and paid $6400 including air for 4 people. (Low cat. room.)

jaclo

Try booking through New Horizons or Liberty Travel. They both have long standing relationships with Beaches and get first dibs at the best charters and best rates due to the volume that they book. Also if you have been to a Sandals or Beaches property in the past, you qualify for preferred rates and an automatic upgrade. You will need to first get a "signature Guest" number from Beaches which your travel agent will use to book with. Depending on the class of room, You should be able to book for significantly less.

Good Luck!!!

amadea

That's funny, I just got quoted the same $12,000 for the 4 of us in February too, and was running thru the same questions. I gasped when the agent (1800BEACHES and also on the website) told me the prices! My question - who has that kind of disposable cash these days anyway!

Carib_Ruby

we stayed at Breezes Curacao for $1750, 7 night two adults food/drinks/scuba/watersprts included........$12,000 is ridiculous!

TeresaBTree

I am assuming this is for the Beaches Resort Negril. I went the 1st week of June '03 and only paid something like $1600 for the whole trip (inc. air) the 7 day resort stay was aroung $900 (based on double occupancy), booked through Paradise Travel. I thought Beaches was a great place. The rooms were nice, staff was great, lots of activities, etc. The food was just ok (except the Tepanyaki restaurant was very good, and never ate at the Seville) and the alcohal did seem a little less potent than here in the U.S. But ovrall, I loved it and felt like I paid the perfect price for what I got and can't wait to go again.

davsaz

You are paying for prime vacation time. Something I would not do.

However, I was just at Beaches TCI last month and it was the most wonderful vacation I have ever had. I have traveled quite a bit on top shelf company incentive trips, and quite literlly, nothing beats this place for a family. We had a blast. We will try to go again next year, provided I can get a 35% discount and a good deal on air.