Sept. off season hotels

[casey]

Just getting to ready to book our 4th Negril trip in 15 months for Sept. as we were there last Sept. and it was kind of like Ghost town..cool Ghost town though. Anyway we booked Catcha for a couple of nights and we were thinkin we just might wing the other 5 nights..as in just show up and randomly book rooms when we are there..never done that! Good or Bad idea? Are we going to get better rates or is it a crap shoot. That's why I love this fourm..cause I know there is great info out there.

thanx

Casey

[Mr. X]

Greetings Mr. Casey

4th trip in 15 months - lucky you.
Good or Bad idea going in September without reservations?
Great idea would be my answer.
I have been the past 3 Septembers.
Same beach.
Same cliffs.
All the Jamaicans are there.
Only thing missing is lots of tourists.
That is a big plus for me.

2010 and 2011 we went with zero hotel reservations.
Most of the hotels show on their websites which rooms are available.
So it is easy to tell most or all are at very low occupancy in September.
Catcha is probably only place that books up and sounds like you got that covered.


Lots of specials on Negril.com leading up to and in September.
A few examples from last year
Coco la palm, Treehouse and others $100 for 1 Bedroom Suites.
$70 for any room at La Mirage for month of September.
Lots of pay for 3 nights get 4th night free type offers.
Others when you walked in or called they told you and about specials.
Always get best price in person.

In 2011, I never went beyond Seastar and Catcha.
Both are bargains in my book.

I managed to look at hotels almost every day.

2010 Xtabi offered a great deal when I stopped in.
2011 when i stopped in it was full price.
Both times the room i wanted was taken anyway.
But the rest of the hotel was nearly empty both years.

Negril Escape (2011)
The guy was nice as he could be.
Looked 100% empty
Very slight discount.

Le Mirage was offering any of their rooms for $70 a night in the month of September 2011 including breakfast.
We stopped in and did a tour.
If i was not all ready staying at Catcha i would stay there in a heartbeat.
Looked brand new.
Rooms were luxurious
Pool was pristine.
Lady was nice and professional.
It was empty.


So yes it will be a piece of cake to find a room in September.
If I were you I would figure out a couple places where you want to stay and then talk to those people in person.
My guess is if you have 3 places in mind somewhere between 1 and 3 of those places are going to give you a great deal.
You will be happy.
I hope to see you in September.

Regards,


Mr. X

[poolguywindsor]

You can stay just about any where you want at that time, at a deal price.

[Ohio_Buckeye_1]

Agree with both the above - no problem and best deals found that way rather than internet or calling.
I've even done it at Christmas time and had choice of many places. Only time I would NOT recommend trying is ATI.

Having first two nights booked is good idea.
First day you don't want to spend doing that, especially dragging bags with you - you appear kinda desperate that way and they have upper hand in haggling.
Have some fun, sleep in, then hit the places that interest you on the second day - at your leisure and not having to drag bags with you.
Don't forget that you don't have to move. Tell your first hotel your plans and they may cut you a deal to stay.
Wake up after second night, check out at noon at first place - and do your move.

Even if you don't move, you'll have toured a few other properties and have contact info for future trips.

One last tip - ask to speak to the manager or owner when walking in and touring hotel.
Sometimes the desk person won't have power to lower rates but you can bet the owner will.