Lyla Dejesus
Planning a honeymoon can be a daunting task, especially if you're trying to find the best deals on accommodations. While it's a special occasion worth splurging on, there are ways to get good deals on a honeymoon suite without breaking the bank. From taking advantage of rewards programs and all-inclusive packages to travelling during the off-season, there are numerous strategies to consider. Additionally, being friendly and excited about your stay can increase your chances of receiving upgrades and special treatment. This guide will explore various methods to secure a fantastic honeymoon suite while being mindful of your budget.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines | Aer Lingus, Icelandair, Airberlin, Air New Zealand, KLM, Lufthansa, Etihad, Jet Blue |
| Airline cards | Chase Sapphire Preferred Card |
| Honeymoon destinations | The Caribbean, the Amalfi Coast, Chicago, Spain, the Dominican Republic |
| Honeymoon packages | Sandals Resorts, Mr & Mrs Smith |
| Hotel chains | Westin, Gaylord, Hilton, Holiday Inn, The Drake, Sandals Resorts |
| Hotel perks | Room upgrade, complimentary champagne, private candlelight dinner, couples massage, private transfers, personal butler service, resort credits |
| Tips | Ask politely, book through the concierge, mention it's your honeymoon, travel during the destination's shoulder or low season, use credit card points, build loyalty with an airline |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Ask politely for an upgrade
Asking politely for an upgrade to a honeymoon suite can be a great way to enhance your romantic getaway. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:
Be Upfront About Your Honeymoon:
It's essential to let the hotel staff know that you're celebrating your honeymoon. Hotels often want to make your stay extra special, but they can't do so unless they are aware of your occasion. When booking your reservation, mention that you're on your honeymoon, and consider adding it to the notes section if booking online. This way, the hotel staff will be informed and may offer upgrades or special perks to enhance your stay.
Ask in Advance:
Try to give the hotel advance notice of your honeymoon. Room upgrades may become available closer to your stay, and providing advance notice increases your chances of securing one. It also allows the hotel staff to prepare any special touches to make your honeymoon memorable. You can email or call the hotel directly and politely express your interest in a room upgrade.
Be Polite and Appreciative:
When inquiring about an upgrade, always remember to be polite, friendly, and appreciative. Avoid making demands or having high expectations. A simple, earnest request, such as "We're on our honeymoon, and we were wondering if there's any possibility of a room upgrade," can go a long way. Hotel staff are more inclined to accommodate polite guests, and your kindness may be rewarded.
Engage with the Concierge:
The hotel concierge is a valuable resource for enhancing your stay. Befriend the concierge and ask about special packages, activities, or recommendations. They often have insider knowledge about the area and can help you book hard-to-get reservations or suggest must-try experiences. By building a rapport with the concierge, you increase your chances of receiving special treatment, and they may be more inclined to offer you an upgrade.
Book Activities at the Hotel:
Hotels want to encourage guests to spend money on their premises, so the more you book and spend at the hotel, the more likely they are to offer you an upgrade. Book activities, dinners, and other services through the concierge, and don't be afraid to ask if they can include any special touches to commemorate your honeymoon.
Be Excited and Bubbly:
Share your excitement about your honeymoon with the hotel staff, especially customer service representatives. Your enthusiasm can be contagious, and they may be inspired to go the extra mile to make your stay memorable. Let them know how much you're looking forward to celebrating your honeymoon at their property, and your positive attitude may be rewarded.
Remember, while upgrades are not always guaranteed, being polite, enthusiastic, and appreciative can increase your chances of receiving special treatment during your honeymoon. Even if you don't receive a full suite upgrade, you may be offered complimentary extras, such as champagne, desserts, or priority services, which can still make your stay extra special.
Honeymoon Suite Dreams at the Westin
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use credit card points
Using credit card points is a great way to save money on your honeymoon. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your credit card points:
Choose the Right Credit Card
Select a credit card that offers rewards or points that can be redeemed for travel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which offers bonus points on travel and dining purchases, or a card from a specific airline if you plan to fly with them, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
Earn Points
Use your credit card for wedding-related purchases, such as the venue, catering, and travel arrangements. You can also use it for everyday expenses, such as groceries and dining out, to maximize your points. Make sure to pay off your credit card balance regularly to avoid accruing interest and stay within your financial means.
Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses
Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses when you spend a certain amount within the first few months. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. These bonuses can help you boost your points balance quickly.
Book with Points
When it comes to booking your honeymoon suite, look for hotels that allow you to book directly with points, such as Marriott, Hilton, or IHG properties. Keep an eye out for free night deals, as many hotels offer incentives for longer stays, such as "fifth night free" promotions.
Be Flexible
Sometimes, you may not find award availability for your desired dates or destinations. In these cases, consider being flexible with your travel plans. You can explore connecting flights through interesting cities or be open to alternative dates to increase your chances of finding award availability.
Transfer Points
If you have bank points or transferable currencies, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, you can transfer them to various airline or hotel loyalty programs. This gives you more options and flexibility when booking your honeymoon suite.
By following these strategies, you can use your credit card points to secure a fantastic deal on a honeymoon suite and create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
Honeymoon Guest List: Can You Bring Family?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Travel during the off-season
One of the best ways to get a good deal on your honeymoon suite is to travel during the off-season. This is when your destination is experiencing lower tourist numbers, and hotels and resorts are more likely to have vacancies.
For example, summer is the prime time to visit the Amalfi Coast, but it is also the busiest season with the highest room rates. Travelling during the shoulder or low season will increase your chances of scoring a room upgrade, dining freebies, and resort credits. The same logic applies to your flight. Aim for off-season and weekend flights, when there are fewer business travellers, and you may be able to purchase an upgrade at a discounted rate.
When it comes to booking your honeymoon suite, it's a good idea to call the hotel directly. This way, you can inquire about any available suites that may not be listed on their website. Some hotels offer honeymoon packages or include a honeymoon suite when you book a certain number of rooms for your wedding guests. It's also worth checking if the hotel has any loyalty programs or rewards that you can take advantage of.
If you're flexible with your travel dates and destination, you can take advantage of lower prices and better availability. You may even be able to afford a more luxurious suite or a longer stay by travelling during the off-season.
Remember, even if you don't get a room upgrade, simply mentioning that you're on your honeymoon may result in some special treatment, such as a complimentary bottle of wine or champagne.
Planning a Honeymoon: How Much Should You Budget?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Book through a travel agent
Booking your honeymoon through a travel agent can be a great way to get a good deal on a honeymoon suite. Travel agents have access to a wide range of resources and industry knowledge that can help you find the best deals on accommodation, flights, and more.
When booking through a travel agent, be sure to let them know that you are planning your honeymoon. This way, they can look out for special deals and offers that may be available to you. For example, some hotels offer complimentary upgrades to honeymooners, and your travel agent may be able to secure you a better room or suite at no extra cost. They may also be able to recommend romantic activities and experiences that you can enjoy during your stay, such as a private candlelight dinner or a couples massage.
In addition, travel agents often have access to exclusive deals and packages that may not be available to the general public. For example, they may be able to offer you a discounted rate on a honeymoon suite at a particular hotel, or they may have access to all-inclusive honeymoon packages that can save you money on your overall trip. They can also help you to navigate any complexities of travel, such as visa requirements, and help you to build a relationship with an airline, which can be beneficial for upgrades.
When choosing a travel agent to book your honeymoon, be sure to select one that specializes in honeymoons and romantic getaways. This way, you can be sure that they have the necessary knowledge and experience to plan your trip to perfection. It is also a good idea to read reviews and get recommendations from other couples who have used a travel agent for their honeymoon, to ensure that you are getting the best possible service.
Planning Your Honeymoon: A Guide to Booking Yours
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$21.99 $23.95
Look for all-inclusive packages
All-inclusive honeymoon packages are a great way to save money and ensure you don't have to worry about additional costs during your trip. These packages often include luxurious accommodations, meals, drinks, and even activities.
Sandals Resorts offer all-inclusive honeymoon packages in exotic locales around the world. Their resorts are renowned for their romantic settings and luxurious accommodations, such as beachfront suites and over-the-water bungalows. With Sandals, you can enjoy unlimited food and drinks, including complimentary cocktails and gourmet meals at their many restaurants.
In addition to Sandals, there are other companies that provide all-inclusive honeymoon packages. Unforgettable Honeymoons®, for example, offers packages in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Their packages include private plunge pools, jacuzzis, and even private villas with infinity pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
If you're looking for a more intimate and secluded experience, Couples Sans Souci in Jamaica offers an all-inclusive, private beach resort. Their packages include luxurious suites, a secluded beach, and a jungle spa.
For those seeking an all-inclusive experience in a remote location, the Maldives Private Island Overwater Pool Villa is an excellent choice. This package provides an economical yet luxurious overwater bungalow with a private pool in a breathtaking setting.
When considering all-inclusive packages, it's important to review what is included to ensure it aligns with your desires and budget. These packages can vary, so look for ones that offer accommodations, meals, drinks, and activities that suit your preferences. By choosing an all-inclusive option, you can focus on enjoying your honeymoon without the worry of unexpected expenses.
Honeymoon Perks: Do Hotels Offer Free Upgrades Automatically?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The best way to get a good deal on a honeymoon suite is to book an all-inclusive package. Sandals, for example, offers all-inclusive honeymoon packages in 17 resorts across 8 exotic locales in the Caribbean. These packages include unlimited complimentary cocktails, romantic dinners, and nightly entertainment.
If you have your heart set on a specific hotel, it is best to call them directly to enquire about their honeymoon suites and any deals they may be offering. Some hotels may offer a free room upgrade if you book a certain number of rooms for your guests.
While some sources suggest that it is becoming less common for hotels and airlines to offer honeymoon upgrades, it never hurts to ask politely. You can also try to book during the shoulder or low season, when hotels are more likely to have empty rooms available for complimentary upgrades.
Yes, certain credit cards offer rewards programs that can be redeemed for travel upgrades. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers two times the points on travel, and 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months.
