In Reply to: Re: Package deals posted by merrilau on Wednesday, 7. February 2007 at 01:27 Bali Time:
And I've still found that it's cheaper for me to book a package deal than to do it myself separately. But then I guess that also comes back to which hotels you wish to stay at as well.
I've done the research, visited all the websites etc. I have booked odd rooms here and there for breaks away from my normal hotel, but it's never been to my advantage to book the entire stay.
As for the 'single suppliment' to the quoted cost in advertised specials, prices are always based on room cost and twin share divides the cost of the room between the two and adds on an airfare - that's just common sense. The single suppliment is generally the second portion of the room cost that's not being paid by the non-existent twin share partner. Often the bonus I've found through package deals is the "stay/pay" bonuses, such as "Stay 5 nights and pay for 4". I've only ever seen this through agents and it can reduce the cost of your accomodation portion significantly over a longer stay (I like to stay for around 3 weeks or so).
Overall, I've found there's little difference, and by the time you consider the cheaper package deal airfare component, the single suppliment is absorbed. The cost you'll get on a lot of hotels online is rarely much better than the deal you'll get through an agent - if you have an agent who will track down the best price for you. If the one you use one do that, just find another who will.
I've been doing my sums for my next trip. To book online myself at the hotel I want is going to cost me in the order of $1800 for a 21 night stay, no matter which sites I look at - they're all about the same for costs. Rough calculations done on package deal figures, with adjustments for single suppliment for the same stay should bring me closer to $1450.