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9/27 Update: We continue to have clients request last minute stays, and thus encounter disappointment. Learn from them and plan luxury travel stays far in advance, to maximize both availability for your preferred dates and the potential of a rate decrease.
Make Luxury Travel Plans Far in Advance, since high demand means smaller properties are sold out months in advance, and rates climb higher as demand increases. We've recently fielded a number of client inquiries, each related to a high demand property. Here are several examples:
Ashford Castle: Sold Out for One Date, Starts at EUR 3000 for Another Date
A client inquired about Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland, one of our favorite castle stays. One of the dates they inquired about was completely sold out (no rooms or suites at all) while for the other date, rates started at EUR 3000 per night, as only suites and higher categories were available.
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The Connaught, London: Sold Out for Dates Over a Month in Advance
The Connaught Hotel in London is a client favorite, particularly the Contemporary Studio rooms, The Mews private townhouse, and The Apartment suite, not to mention the hotel's excellent service, three Michelin-starred restaurant, and the Aman Spa . But a client inquiry just over a month in advance found the hotel completely sold out. While the clients were happy with the option we found them at Four Seasons London at Ten Trinity Square, it's better to have more choices to decide among.
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Regent Seven Seas Panama Canal Cruise: Sold Out Over 14 Months in Advance
If you think a year in advance is plenty of time to plan, think again, when it comes to in-demand cruises. One of our cruise clients was surprised to find that a Panama Canal and Caribbean cruise was sold out over 14 months in advance (only waitlist available), necessitating looking at a late 2024 cruise.
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Four Seasons Hualalai, Hawaii: Rate Increase 42% Overnight
On Wednesday a client spotted an advance purchase, non-refundable rate at Four Seasons Hualalai for $904 + tax per night for August 2022 dates. By Thursday, that same room type's advance purchase rate had risen to $1285 + tax per night, a 42% increase; flexible rates also increased by the same percentage. Dates ranges before after the prospective dates are even higher, from ~$1400-$1600 per night before taxes. This is why it's so important to be willing to lock in an attractive rate, since it can easily increase later. We do strongly recommend travel insurance, particularly when reserving a non-refundable rate.
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Capella Lodge, Australia: No 3-Night Stays Available from October 2022-January 2023
Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island is a favorite getaway for Australians and international visitors alike, but with just 9 lofts and suites, it's booked out for many dates into 2023; savvy travelers are now booking 2023-2024 dates.
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Triple Creek Ranch and Rock Creek Ranch, Montana
With just 25 and 30 rooms respectively, Triple Creek Ranch and Rock Creek Ranch quickly fill up during their busy summer season. Triple Creek Ranch is sold out May-October, and Rock Creek Ranch is booked solid June until late August 2022. For these luxury ranches, which attract many repeat guests, be sure to reserve well in advance.
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