6 Travel Deals for April and May Starting At $90

Pool/Facebook.com/ArizonaInn

After a winter of record high and low temperatures, we’re looking forward to spring — especially with great deals on travel. Here’s where and how you can save in April and May.

From $90: Hotel Allegro (Chicago, IL)Fresh off a major makeover that channels 1920s glam, this Kimpton property in Chicago’s Theatre District is celebrating the 90th anniversary of Route 66 by offering $90 rates for Sunday night stays through the end of the year. Sunday night rates are usually from $188 — so the savings are at around 50 percent. (Blackout dates for the offer include April 3, May 22, June 5 and 12, September 11, October 16, and November 6 and 27.)

From $129: The Arizona Inn (Tucson, AZ)To celebrate its 85th anniversary, this Tucson mainstay — which has hosted celebrities like Frank Sinatra, the Kennedys and Katherine Hepburn on its 14-acre property — is rolling back rates to as low as $129 per night. While we could only find the $129 rate for standard rooms on May 30 and 31, the $179 rate for the nights of May 15-30 is still a steal when you consider rates in March are from $299.

From $232: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco (Cusco, Peru)If you can manage a spring trip to this luxe property — whose high season starts in June — rates are around $232 if you pay in full in advance. Those can be nabbed for the nights of May 1-3, while the price jumps to $254 May 4-6; later in the month, it spikes to $280-$314. With pre-Inca walls and historical items throughout the property, history buffs will be right at home here.

From $290: Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa (Tuscany, Italy)Here, the Tuscan Wine and Culinary Experience package includes goodies like daily breakfast, wine tasting, a trip to a local market and culinary experience with the resort’s chef, diplomas, and souvenir aprons. Rates are from $290 per night in a classic guestroom.

From $416: Hyatt Ziva Cancun (Cancun, Mexico)Until April 30, this new all-inclusive property is offering 50 percent off rates for stays through December 20. After taking a peek at dates in April and May, we found nightly rates from $416-$436. Even though the price sounds steep, keep in mind that there are 18 restaurants on property, and there’s the bonus of this being a months-old resort.

From $448: Santa Catalina Island Company (Catalina Island, CA)Just off the coast of Long Beach, life slows down on Catalina Island. The Santa Catalina Island Company’s Unlimited Fun package includes unlimited access to activities and tours on the island (such as a glass-bottom boat cruise and a ziplining tour), lodging at one of three hotels, $100 dining credit per person, and round-trip boat transportation. The offer is valid on two-night stays, and runs from $224 per person, per night — or $448 for two guests.

By Kristine Hansen
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7 Common Myths About All-Inclusive Resorts

Hacienda Encantada

Since the days of dude ranches (they’re still out there!), we’ve been attracted to the hassle-free aspect of all-inclusive vacations. Once we arrive, we can store the wallet and relax. But along the way, all-inclusive resorts have since gotten a lot of stigma — earning a reputation for being tacky, comprising dated rooms and subpar food. While this is sometimes true, in many cases it’s certainly not. Here, we bust seven common myths and provide a reality check that might surprise you.

Myth 1: All-inclusive resorts want to trap guests on property.
Reality: This is a particular concern for foodies. But in Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, Hacienda Encantada Resort offers a dine-out plan that covers meals at five partner restaurants in the Golden Zone of the nearby marina, just a 15-minute shuttle ride away. Yes, the hotel takes great pride in their six restaurants and bars onsite, but they recognize that travelers all want a taste of the local scene, whether they prefer lobster or pasta or sushi. How cool is that?

Myth 2: You’ll only enjoy the free food if you like bad buffets.Reality: Speaking of the culinary scene, all-inclusive resorts don’t simply stick visitors with mass-produced dishes and unhealthy meal options. In fact, travelers will find themselves with more choices than they can probably explore at many resorts. The Royalton Riviera Cancun, for just one example, offers a whopping nine restaurants and 13 bars. Your options include a Japanese teppanyaki and sushi bar, a steakhouse, an Italian trattoria, and of course a Mexican venue. So can you indulge in a prime rib every night, at no additional charge? Yes, if that’s what you want.

Like the general hotel industry, all-inclusives are making local sourcing a priority, too. At Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma, fresh herbs and produce are sourced from Karisma’s 76,000-square-foot greenhouse. And to take advantage of the natural surroundings, guests can opt to dine on the ocean pier for a private breakfast, lunch, or dinner, too.

Myth 3: Everything is already paid for.Reality: The devil is really in the details of what’s covered, and here’s why research is so important. All-inclusive rates really have varying degrees of inclusivity, and you want to ask the right questions to avoid rude surprises. Our friend David Bakke of Money Crashers gives us some examples: “Your free alcohol options might be limited, and certain resort activities might come with an added charge as well, such as a visit to a spa.” Sadly, WiFi isn’t always included either, he says.

Myth 4: All-inclusive resorts are all about lying on the beach.
Reality: Chances are, the programs that you’re thinking about are located on an amazing beach — but you’ll likely also find much more entertainment than water sports and tanning.  Take CHIC Punta Cana and all the entertainment that revolves around its stunning pool, for example. Here, a DJ might spin tunes all night long for an outdoor dance party, Las Vegas-style showgirls might strut the over-water catwalk, or a “mermaid” might show-off her diving (easily seen through the pool windows). Luxe Casa de Campo, in the Dominican Republic, boasts a shooting range and equestrian center. And even on the beach, special events may abound. In the case of Couples Resorts, campfires with s’mores and beach parties are just some of the programming to look forward to. 

Myth 5: All-inclusives are always the best value.Reality: Again, you should do your homework here — and spend some time thinking about exactly what it is that you want out of your vacation. “If on the list of things that are included on your bill are activities or other entertainment options that you’re not interested in, you might find yourself shelling out cash for stuff you won’t be taking advantage of,” Bakke points out.

Myth 6: Staying at an all-inclusive resort will feel cheap.Reality: This unfortunate misconception is likely fueled by other myths about food and lack of amenities that we’ve just corrected. The reality is that, just as there are all sorts of regular hotels, all-inclusive resorts come in all forms, too. Yes, there are budget-friendly options that are more basic, and family-friendly ones that keep costs low for the clan. But you’ll also find plenty of sophisticated adults-only properties as well as those that focus on luxury. If you’re looking to splurge, we love Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, which recently debuted as a five-star, all-suite property. They take the all-inclusive concept to the next level with their butler suites, which includes access to an exclusive wine cellar, and with their swim out suites (exactly what it sounds like). Of course, this is an extreme, and there are endless options at every price point in between. The key, again, is doing your homework.

Myth 7: You’ll be tempted to be unhealthy if you stay at an all-inclusive resort.Reality: Here’s another general trend that we love — brands are helping guests achieve and maintain good lifestyle choices more than ever. At many all-inclusive resorts, you’ll find a roster of opportunities to work off the indulging. Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, for one, has held wellness-related Zumba and Yoga theme weeks to encourage guests to truly focus on fitness, all while having fun. They offer juicing stations that with a range of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, many of which are hyper-local, too.

- See more at: http://blog.shermanstravel.com/2015/busted-7-common-myths-about-all-inclusive-resorts/#sthash.gZ62BhuY.dpuf