Considering a winter break but need to stay on a budget? You’re not alone. A recent independent survey of Canadian travellers commissioned by Marriott Bonvoy revealed that 68% of Canadians are planning a vacation by the end of the year, but more than 75% plan to do so on a budget.
Laura Pallotta, regional vice president of sales & distribution, Canada, Marriott International, has offered five simple tips on how to save this season.
1. Book direct – Shop around all you like, but often, booking directly with the property can net you major savings. You not only save on nightly rates, but can receive value added incentives like complimentary breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi at participating properties.
2. Consider urban centres and business districts – While financial and business districts are slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown centres, you’ll get the added benefit of quieter weekends, lower rates, and save on bigger suites than those in the downtown core.
A room at The DOUGLAS Hotel in Vancouver, a Marriott Autograph Collection property. JIM BYERS PHOTO
3. Take advantage of loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy – Not only will you be able to enjoy exclusive discounted rates, you’ll also be able to earn points in a variety of ways. Whether it’s through hotel stays, tours, or activities (concert tickets, anyone?), or booking rental cars, you’ll earn points as you go.
4. Consider mid-week travel – Who says vacations only happen on long weekends? Consider booking a Monday through Thursday in resort destinations to maximize savings, and to truly disconnect from work.
5. Stay longer – Although it might sound counterintuitive, many hotel properties offer incentives for longer stays. For instance, Marriott’s Fall for Fall offer allows travelers to save on 5 nights or more, with rates as low as $149 per night at select properties across Canada.
Speaking at a media reception for Marriott Bonvoy on Wednesday night at the gorgeous new W Hotel at Yonge and Bloor Streets in Toronto, Pallotta said Marriott offers phenomenal snow/winter hotel options across Canada, including Blue Mountain in Ontario, Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Whistler in B.C. and Kananaskis in Alberta. You also can stay at the Westin in Ottawa and take advantage of skating on the Rideau Canal.
Many hotels offer ski packages, but non-skiers also can take part in winter activities such as snow-shoeing or skating. Of course, there also are tons of great apres-ski places to enjoy.
The Living Room Bar at the W Hotel Toronto. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Marriott has 273 hotels in Canada, with 87 more in the planning pipeline. Among the new hotels opening soon are youthful Moxy brands in both Banff and Halifax.
One of the great Marriott properties that opened in the past few years is The Josie, an Autograph Collection hotel in Rossland, British Columbia. Rossland has been named best ski town in Canada for two years in a row, and the hotel is just 44 steps from the ski lift.
The Josie features cedar barrel saunas with panoramic views of the slopes. You can save up to 30% on stays of seven nights or longer.
This winter marks the first one in three years without travel restrictions for Canada, Pallotta noted, and that should mean good news for the hotel and tourism industry.
“There’s never been a better time to get back out and explore Canada,” she said.
The reception at the W Hotel featured a variety of great drinks and food, including smoked meat/grilled cheese sandwiches, charcuterie and a cinnamon/whiskey pot de creme.
Marriott Bonvoy has put a renewed emphasis on Food and Beverage options at hotels across the country, Pallott said. You can dine inside a dome at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver (terrific food and a lovely patio overlooking the harbour) and sample treats from the vodka bar at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka, a beautiful property a couple hours north of Toronto. The W Hotel Toronto even has a chocolatier on staff.
“We’ve really raised the bar at all our hotels. It’s very, very important.”
