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Old Mar 5th, 2007, 05:31 PM
  #21  
 
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Hi, could you please tell me if there are any coupons for luaus in Maui in the 2007 book? I can't find any on their website, maybe I don't know how to search... Also, on their website they say the cheapest shipment takes up to 15 days - is it really that long? Thank you!
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Old Mar 5th, 2007, 05:34 PM
  #22  
 
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I have one more question, sorry We are going to rent a car for 5 days - are there any coupons in the book that would save us money? Or are they all for weekly rentals? Your answer will be very helpful, thank you!
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Old Mar 5th, 2007, 05:34 PM
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I have found discount books to be quite useless.
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Old Mar 5th, 2007, 07:44 PM
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I found discount books to be very helpful when I moved to Seattle in 1990. At that time there were two--the Entertainment Book and Passport. The books motivated me to explore restaurants and neighborhoods that I might not have otherwise.

However, I now prefer to spend my dining dollars at the places I really want to eat rather than at places to which I have been attracted by the promise of a discount.

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Old Mar 6th, 2007, 03:35 PM
  #25  
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Marichka,

There is a 25% off coupon to the Royal Lahaina Luau. There are also rental car coupons which can be used at any location, not just Hawaii. I've yet to rent a car for a better rate than what I can find in the Entertainment book.

The BOGO's for smoothies, ice cream, etc have been great for us when we are just out and about and want to have a snack. In addition, we have tried restaraunts that we've learned about on this board using coupons. I found my book to be an awesome deal.

I used a link on biddingfortravel I believe. It was something like $27 and I received a $25 coupon for a restaurant in my area and I have already used the book for my rental car and hotel to Hawaii. So for me, I've already recouped the $2 that I spent.
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Old Mar 6th, 2007, 04:05 PM
  #26  
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skater, I thought the same thing about rental cars. Every time in the past that I have needed to rent a car, the entertainment rate has been the best.

This time out, I have found the best prices at Costco. Check it out.
 
Old Mar 8th, 2007, 09:19 PM
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Can you please be more specific on how you find a car rental deal from Costco? Do you book in advance thru their website, call them or do it you actually get to a place on an island? Share your expertise, please!
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Old Mar 9th, 2007, 03:58 AM
  #28  
iceeu2
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needsun, go to costco.com
check their travel section and their rental cars.

Now, can you believe I have lost my entertainment card for Hawaii. I have had it because I registered it.....Grief, one place was for $17 and the other for $39. Guess, I will pay the big price now.
 
Old Mar 9th, 2007, 05:50 AM
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You don't actually rent through Costco. Costco provides you with a discount code for each particular rental company in the Costco program.

1. Go to costco.com and get the discount code for your preferred rental company.

2. Go to that company's website and input the code in the appropriate field.

I prefer using Avis vs. the likes of Alamo. The lines tend to be shorter, the service better, and they are ususally on airport. The Avis AWD (Avis worldwide discount) code for Costco is A108300.

If you rent from a major rental company, I would also suggest signing up for their preferred service. For Avis at least, it is free. If you provide your credit card # in your profile, you can bypass any lines at the airport and go directly to your waiting vehicle.

If you hapeen to be staying at a Starwood property, check out your rate. Many Starwood resorts are offering 35% off rack rates, plus 35% off car rentals at Avis (and maybe others). The 35% off is a better rate than the Costco rate. When you book, the Avis AWD will show up in your confirmation.
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Old Mar 9th, 2007, 06:04 AM
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You need to have a costco card to get the rate validated, don't you?? Where does that fit into the reservation? Do you have to show it when you pick up the card or do you have to enter the member number when you make reservation? And if you don't have a card, are the savings enough to make up the annual fee for costco? [we don't have one near us to use for shopping].
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Old Mar 9th, 2007, 07:41 AM
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I have never been asked to verify the Costco or Sheraton discount rates so, in theory, you could use the codes without being a member or staying at the hotel. I am an Avis Preferred member, so I just go to my car and get in. You don't need to enter you Costco membership # into the reservation.

I know BJs has a similar discount code. I assume Sam;s Club does as well. If you are a memebr of these clubs, you could use their rate codes without any angst.

If you want to be completely above board and get a membership, I would say that 1 rental would pay for the membership. The annual fee is $45. We are going to Maui, the Big Island, and kauai in the summer. We are saving $50-$70 per rental vs. the next best rates I could find, even using my company's business & leisure rates.
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Old Mar 9th, 2007, 10:40 AM
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Thank you, ukonn1990! The info you've provided is awesome. I am a Costco member and will definitely use your advice planning one of my future trips.
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Old Mar 9th, 2007, 11:07 AM
  #33  
 
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Iceeu2,
You said that you lost your entertainment card after you registered it. I can't quite get it. Does that mean that you need to have your book registered? What good does it do? Please, enlighten me!
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Old Mar 10th, 2007, 07:49 PM
  #34  
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needsun,

The Entertainment Book has a card with it the size of your typical credit card. Some activities (Royal Lahaina Luau) and some restaurants (Nick's Fishmarket) do not have coupons. You have to present your card for the discount.

Hope this answers your question.
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Old Mar 11th, 2007, 05:09 AM
  #35  
iceeu2
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I called and they will issue replacement cards for $15. If you find your other card, they are both good.

Yes, you do have to register. The restaurants I wanted for are Hau Tree Lanai on Oahu and Chez Paul's on Maui.

Did you get a chance to check out costco prices for car rentals. If you find a better deal, please let me know, ok?
 
Old Mar 11th, 2007, 03:59 PM
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In response to several posts regarding rental cars: I reserved a minivan for 7 days in Maui, unlimited mileage, at Budget for $292.00 through hotwire.com, which is at least $100-$250 off any of the other deals I found online. Of course, the smaller cars are much cheaper. Good luck!
Dee
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Old Mar 11th, 2007, 04:30 PM
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iceeu2- that is too bad about losing the card. Some places don't punch the card, so they can be reused. I think that might especially be true in HI as many of the cards are bought by tourists and I doubt many will eat at the same "fancy" place twice.

Chez Paul was really good, I'd spring for the $15 fee.
Debi
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Old Mar 11th, 2007, 04:31 PM
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iceeu2 - posted too soon. I was going to suggest you post on here to ask if anyone had their card and wasn't going to use it again this year. Also, not sure when you are going, but the price of the books drop as the year goes on; maybe just rebuy the book?
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Old Mar 11th, 2007, 06:16 PM
  #39  
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ic,

I did check Cotsco and Alamo was $2 cheaper or the same. So for Oahu, I did not change...stayed with Alamo. For Maui, I booked through discount cars (or something like that) for a convertible with Thrifty. Have found nothing cheaper. Not with clubs, coupons, or anything else as of yet. I have two months before I leave. I will continue to research.

Thanks.
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Old Mar 11th, 2007, 07:35 PM
  #40  
 
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Your own area Entertainment book should have the same car rental and hotel discounts (correct me if I'm wrong). When I go to Maui or Oahu again, I plan on getting one. The other islands, well it doesn't sound like there is enough discounts.
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