Faced with a sickly global economy and airline route cutbacks, Caribbean resorts have been stepping up promotions to entice travelers to their tropical shores. Case in point: The island of St. Maarten is running a “2009 Winter Sale” that offers a 15% discount on regular rates at nine resorts on the island. You need to book by January 31, 2009 and travel between December 20 and April 30, 2009. Stay seven nights or longer, and you’ll also get $100 in “spending credits” good at nearly 50 island restaurants, spas, nightspots, and spas.
Times have been tough for tourism in St. Maarten, and deals are plentiful. So we decided to see if the winter sale was really the best deal on the table right now. Here's what we found:
- Three of the hotels participating in the winter sale—La Vista Hotel, Mary's Boon Hotel, and Oyster Bay—are not running any additional deals, so the 15% discount is the best option.
- Two hotels that are part of the winter sale—Coral Beach Club and Turquoise Shell Inn—are offering other promotions that offer the equivalent of 15% savings. Note: We question the kid-friendliness of Turquoise Shell Inn, as it doesn't accept children under 5.
- At the Princess Heights Hotel, a "book early" special gives a 20% discount for stays booked by December 14 (less than two weeks away, so hurry). The deal also includes a free rental car.
- Sister resorts Sonesta Great Bay and Sonesta Maho Beach are both offering discounts of up to 35% for stays between December 20 and January 31, 2009. Savings are on a sliding scale depending on number of nights stayed; you save 25% when you stay two to four nights, and more when you visit for five to nine nights.
- Divi Little Bay Beach Resort is advertising two specials on its site. The "beat the clock" deal lets you save 30% if you stay before December 20. You can also save 30% by reserving before December 20 and traveling between March 15-December 23, 2009.
