Travel Deal of the Day (Dec. 18, 2006)

How about a trip to the Caribbean? Just as the weather gets poor in northern climates, there is a great opportunity to go to a warm weather destination – St. Maarten. The Westin St. Marten, which is making its grand opening over the next few weeks, is offering its rooms at a great discount to attract visitors to the new hotel.

The Deal:
Traveling to the new Westin St. Marteen can be a great deal if you can go during the next few weeks as the Westin tries to fill its rooms just after its grand opening.

How:
Two offers are available:
1) Rooms are only $199/night if you can travel from January 2 – January 21 – you can book this offer at: January Hotel Link

2) Rooms are 25% off for travel between January 2 and April 16 (excluding certain blackout days in February and April) – you can book this offer at: Spring Hotel Link

For a full listing of restrictions (including blackout days), go to:
Link of Restrictions

The Inside Scoop:
Even if you are not interested in going to the Westin St. Maarten, be aware that grand openings for hotels can be a great bargain. If you are looking for a deal, it can be helpful to look for hotel grand openings. Since brand new hotels have very little time to fill rooms just after the grand opening (often due to uncertainty about the exact opening date) and such hotels do not have return guests to fill rooms, brand new hotels usually offer great deals. You may have to endure some grand opening “hiccups” (such as amenities that are not entirely open or service issues that are not yet resolved), but the savings at such hotels can be incredible.