December 1, 2005

Rackin' Up Rack Rates

This week we've been working on a revision of the Jamaica chapter of Fodor's Caribbean guidebook. You may not know, but for the past seven (is it eight?) year's we've written the jumbo Jamaica section of that annual guide.

Through the year, we work on the research but, at the last minute, we check on the latest room rates, calling all the hotels to check on the next year's rates.

Today while working on the rates, we realized how discouraging it might be to some people to see those rates, which are called "rack rates," the stated per room (or, with all inclusives, per person) rate for each day.

The rack rate can be downright scary...the stuff of lifestyles of the rich and famous.

But here's the catch: hardly anyone ever pays rack rate. Hotels have a whole list of rates that vary by day of the week, week of the month, special discounts (AAA, senior, you name it.) Just like that "maximum room rate" you often see posted on the back of a hotel room door, you won't be paying that rate in most cases.

So don't be discouraged by rack rates you might see listed for hotels...high rates don't necessarily mean that a resort is out of your budget. Call around and be flexible with your dates, ask for packages and special rates, and be willing to do a little research and scouting around for the best rate.

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