Doreen

My husband and I would like to go away next year over new years.I have spoken to a couple of travel agents, who both say its not possible to book a trip that far in advance .we want to go to jamaica, one agent said the prices will be 4 times as much,the other said the rates won"t be any more than double if that.Does anyone have any first hand information on what it may cost to go to a moderate hotel, all inclusive end of Dec.99 to Jan.3 2000

Suzette

If the cruise prices are any indication, I'll say we can expect much higher fares for the millennium period (maybe last two weeks of December 1998 through 1st two weeks of the new year). The airlines will more than likely blackout their excursion fares and sell straight economy and totally non refundable/ non changeable tickets. A 7day cruise through the month of December 1998 are on sale for as low as 500 excluding port charges and I was quoted 2950.00 for the millennium week on the same ship. Above are per person rates and does not include the port charges and gratuities. I would like to hear views from others on this. Good topic for discussion. <BR>

WWORK

Was planning trip to French Polynesia rates went from $400 night to $2000 dollars per night for two over this time period. Carribean somewhat less expensive but rates seem to have gone up anywhere from 50%-100% per night depending on place. Hope this helps out. <BR>

Nina

10 of us had booked a Carnival Cruise <BR>for that week, price was $4000 CDN per <BR>person for inside; $5500 CDN per person <BR>for outside - I might add that the rooms <BR>were bottom of the boat. Needless to say, we all cancelled. Instead we will be going away in Feb. when all the hype <BR>has pasted and the rates are more reasonable.

Brian

If hotel rates for the millenium have been confusing for the potential travellers, it has also been confusing for hotel owners/managers. Here in Antigua I have not heard of rates being raised by more than 50%. As owner/manager of a small beach-front hotel I have decided to raise my rates 20% for the period Dec 24 - Jan 7, as otherwise most of my regulars at that time of year would feel they were getting screwed! And I would much rather have them coming back ever year than never again. I am sure a lot of hotels in the Caribbean, particularly the smaller ones, will not be raising their rates a great deal. Take the time to enquire and I am sure you can find a good deal.

Suzette

If this time period were not the new mellennium would you have raised your rates at all? Why are you raising the rates, even 20%, for the millennium. Its guaranteed to keep at home where it is most economical. <BR>

Brian

Attn : Suzette <BR>Check out the details for Barrymore Beach Club at &lt;where2stay&gt; and you will see that we are the only hotel in Antigua on their site which gives a 20% discount year round. The 20% will apply to millenium bookings as well. On the other side of the coin we give significant discounts when we are not busy, and have many regulars who take advantage of these rates once or twice per year, year after year. As I write this half my hotel is occupied by regulars, all of whom have stayed at least 6 times or more for stays of 2 weeks or more each time!

Andrea

Doreen, <BR>I would suggest you E-mail some resorts directly. The smaller ones that is. <BR> <BR>An excellent place that comes to mind is Charela Inn in Negril. It is a small resort that a "garden of Eden" and right on the beach. They are resaonable and the property is stunning. The rooms are exquisite as well. I got married there in September and have since recommended that property to many. I had 1 couple thank me for recommending their stay there. <BR> <BR>Their E-Mail addres is: <BR>[email protected] <BR> <BR>Send your questions to Lorraine May who will respond to your requests promptly. <BR> <BR>PS, Fodors also highly recommends this property.