By Tom Van Riper
updated 4/12/2011 9:33:51 AM ET
If you vacationed in New York or Honolulu in 2010, chances are you got a pretty good deal on a hotel room. Room rates in North America's priciest cities declined for a second straight year in 2010. The bad news for tourists (or good news for the industry): Price declines slowed markedly last year from the freefall of 2009, and they're swinging back up in many spots this year.
Forbes.com slideshow: The most expensive U.S. cities to visit
Hotel prices in most of North America's most expensive cities — New York, Honolulu, Boston, and Chicago, among others — declined by an average of 2 percent in 2010, according to the latest Hotel Price Index from hotels.com. A soft year, but a big improvement from 2009, when prices in most of the same cities fell 10 percent or more from 2008. New York, which had to absorb the added capacity of about 4,000 new rooms in 2009 while dealing with the recession, saw its average room rate drop more than 20 percent, to $199. Big Apple prices dipped again in 2010 to $194 a night, making it the most expensive city to spend a night in the U.S.
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Yahoo! BuzzPrices ended 2010 at roughly 2004 levels, says Hotels.com Vice President Victor Owens, the net result of a two-year slump cancelling out the four years of growth that preceded it. "There is still value (for consumers) in the marketplace, but we seem to be slowly climbing out of the ditch," says Owens. Prices outside the major markets rose a bit, he notes, especially in high-income niche areas. California tells the tale: Two pricey spots, Monterey and Santa Barbara, replaced San Diego and San Francisco in the top 10. "The first wave of leisure travelers that comes back is the affluent one," says Owens.
Others making the top 10 for 2010: Washington, D.C., ($140 a night, down a few dollars from 2009) and Miami ($139.58, virtually unchanged). Both are perennial placeholders on the list — Washington thanks to its trove of landmarks and drivable distance from many population centers, Miami thanks to its status as an international hub that attracts travelers from south of the border.
A peek at 2011 shows an early surge in demand and prices. According to Expedia.com, average prices during January, February and early March were up from last year, as much as 20 percent or so in Honolulu, Boston, Miami and Washington, D.C.
And what might be the story of the year in the hotel business: the recovery of New Orleans some five years after Hurricane Katrina. Hotel prices in the Big Easy rose to an average of $132.27 in 2010, from $118 in 2009, according to Hotels.com data. And Expedia's numbers show they've shot up even further in early 2011, to about $150 a night.
Both leisure travelers and conventions are making their way back to New Orleans. The Saints' Super Bowl win last year didn't hurt. What better advertisement for your city than thousands partying in the French Quarter in front of millions on national television? City officials took that ball and parlayed it into a strong promotional message, according to Owens. "It's a good growth story; they're just doing a very good job of getting out there and promoting themselves," he says.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Carnival Fantasy
On a recent trip to Charleston, I had the opportunity to tour and have lunch on board the Carnival Fantasy while she was docked there between cruises. I have done several of these type tours and lunches in the past, both with Carnival and other cruise lines and have had mixed reactions to the product being offered.
I have always loved the idea that I could board a cruise in Charleston, just 3 hours from home, and avoid the hassles that air travel involves these days but I always felt that Charleston was being fed the “leftovers” of the various cruise lines: the ships that no one really wanted to sail on because they were old and tired and dated.
Not so with the Fantasy. She just had a “makeover” in December (and previously in 2008) and, though some small bits of neon from the era of her birth in 1990 remain, overall she is a delight. The ship feels very warm and comfortable and I felt at home as soon as I walked on board. While there are no rock-climbing walls or ice skating rinks, there is the new Carnival Water Works area with its 300-foot-long water slide; an 82-foot-long dual racing slide; fountains and splash pools; a resort-style pool area; an adults-only Serenity sunning and relaxation area with whirlpools; a gift shop where everything in it is $10 and cruise rates that often allow the entire family to cruise for what one person’s fare might be on a mega ship.
As far as onboard activities, the schedule is overflowing with such fun things as laser tag, three-minute makeovers, karaoke – including a live band backup for qualified singers, dance lessons, casino game tournaments, top-notch entertainment and Carnival’s famous singing and dancing dining room waiters, and, of course, the 12000-square-foot Spa Carnival including a spacious workout center. Spa Carnival has 10 treatment massage rooms, 2 saunas, 2 steam rooms and a Hair Salon for men and women. European-style treatments and services are offered. Generally, hours are 8:00am -8:00pm but may vary depending upon area of service
In talking with past passengers, food had been an issue on the Fantasy. Not so today. There are two formal dining rooms, the Jubilee and the Celebration, and there is no skimping on either the quality or variety of offerings from them. The entrees of lobster, prime rib, chateaubriand and the like are very popular, as is the lobster bisque. We were treated to Carnival’s signature dessert, molten chocolate cake with a choice of ice creams.
The Windows on the Sea buffet provides a more casual setting without giving up the quality of the food. We were told that the rotisserie chicken there is to die for! There is a pizzeria area where you can get pizza 24 hours a day. Your teen will love you for this, let alone the multiple self-serve ice cream machines. Oh, did I mention the 24-hour free room service yet??
Outside on the pool deck you will also find a Mongolian Grill where you can “build your own entrée” with a choice from dozens of ingredients then have the Mongolian Chef prepare it for you. There is also a station serving hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, fries and the like.
The ship features 3 basic types of cabins: inside, ocean view and suites. It was built before the Balcony era so only the 28 Grand Suites and 26 Ocean Suites have balconies. For larger families, a Grand Suite with an adjoining ocean view cabin can comfortably house up to 8 (four in the suite and four in the ocean view room). The ocean view rooms have a good sized window, not just a porthole. The interior rooms are just as spacious as the ocean view, they just have no window.
One of the upgrades done in late 2010 was to the cabin interiors. The linens and bedding have all been upgraded. There is plenty of storage space and a nice vanity area. Other upgrades include new carpeting and upholstered furniture.
The bathrooms are among the largest I’ve seen on a cruise ship. No need to worry about injuring yourself if you drop the soap in the shower and bend over to pick it up.
All of the crew that we encountered were friendly and courteous and seemed really glad to be working on the Fantasy. The bar service was good without being pushy and was available even in the more secluded areas, such as the Serenity area and the decks above the main pool.
Bar areas include the Cleopatra Bar, the Cats Lounge, the 21st Century Bar, the Majestic Bar where smoking is permitted, and the Forum Bar. And then there is The Promenade, a wonderful open area for meeting friends or just relaxing. The Bistro on the Boulevard there is a specialty shop where cakes, cookies, pastries, milkshakes and specialty coffees are served at nominal cost. The huge slices of carrot or deep chocolate cake go for around $2.25.
If you are traveling with kids, they will love Camp Carnival, and so will you. There are programs designed for varying age groups. Kids 2-5 will have a blast with toys and arts and crafts. Those aged 6-8 make spin art and play games. And ages 9-11 can chill at pool parties and go on scavenger hunts. Camp is in session from 9am-12pm, 2pm – 5pm and 7pm-10pm on sea days and from 2pm – 5pm and 7pm- 10pm on days in port.
There are special programs for teens, as well. Circle “C” is a place where young teens hang out together for late-night movies, nighttime swims, sports, the latest video games and dance parties. Club O₂ is where teens 15-17 gather in their own lounge area to play the latest video games, relax in comfy seats, dance on the state-of-the-art dance floor and hang at the non-alcoholic drink bar. All activities are supervised by Carnival’s Youth Staff who have college degrees in related fields or professional childcare experience.
The Carnival Fantasy sails out of Charleston year round on 5, 6 or 7 day cruises to the Bahamas, Key West and Bermuda.
I have always loved the idea that I could board a cruise in Charleston, just 3 hours from home, and avoid the hassles that air travel involves these days but I always felt that Charleston was being fed the “leftovers” of the various cruise lines: the ships that no one really wanted to sail on because they were old and tired and dated.
Not so with the Fantasy. She just had a “makeover” in December (and previously in 2008) and, though some small bits of neon from the era of her birth in 1990 remain, overall she is a delight. The ship feels very warm and comfortable and I felt at home as soon as I walked on board. While there are no rock-climbing walls or ice skating rinks, there is the new Carnival Water Works area with its 300-foot-long water slide; an 82-foot-long dual racing slide; fountains and splash pools; a resort-style pool area; an adults-only Serenity sunning and relaxation area with whirlpools; a gift shop where everything in it is $10 and cruise rates that often allow the entire family to cruise for what one person’s fare might be on a mega ship.
As far as onboard activities, the schedule is overflowing with such fun things as laser tag, three-minute makeovers, karaoke – including a live band backup for qualified singers, dance lessons, casino game tournaments, top-notch entertainment and Carnival’s famous singing and dancing dining room waiters, and, of course, the 12000-square-foot Spa Carnival including a spacious workout center. Spa Carnival has 10 treatment massage rooms, 2 saunas, 2 steam rooms and a Hair Salon for men and women. European-style treatments and services are offered. Generally, hours are 8:00am -8:00pm but may vary depending upon area of service
In talking with past passengers, food had been an issue on the Fantasy. Not so today. There are two formal dining rooms, the Jubilee and the Celebration, and there is no skimping on either the quality or variety of offerings from them. The entrees of lobster, prime rib, chateaubriand and the like are very popular, as is the lobster bisque. We were treated to Carnival’s signature dessert, molten chocolate cake with a choice of ice creams.
The Windows on the Sea buffet provides a more casual setting without giving up the quality of the food. We were told that the rotisserie chicken there is to die for! There is a pizzeria area where you can get pizza 24 hours a day. Your teen will love you for this, let alone the multiple self-serve ice cream machines. Oh, did I mention the 24-hour free room service yet??
Outside on the pool deck you will also find a Mongolian Grill where you can “build your own entrée” with a choice from dozens of ingredients then have the Mongolian Chef prepare it for you. There is also a station serving hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, fries and the like.
The ship features 3 basic types of cabins: inside, ocean view and suites. It was built before the Balcony era so only the 28 Grand Suites and 26 Ocean Suites have balconies. For larger families, a Grand Suite with an adjoining ocean view cabin can comfortably house up to 8 (four in the suite and four in the ocean view room). The ocean view rooms have a good sized window, not just a porthole. The interior rooms are just as spacious as the ocean view, they just have no window.
One of the upgrades done in late 2010 was to the cabin interiors. The linens and bedding have all been upgraded. There is plenty of storage space and a nice vanity area. Other upgrades include new carpeting and upholstered furniture.
The bathrooms are among the largest I’ve seen on a cruise ship. No need to worry about injuring yourself if you drop the soap in the shower and bend over to pick it up.
All of the crew that we encountered were friendly and courteous and seemed really glad to be working on the Fantasy. The bar service was good without being pushy and was available even in the more secluded areas, such as the Serenity area and the decks above the main pool.
Bar areas include the Cleopatra Bar, the Cats Lounge, the 21st Century Bar, the Majestic Bar where smoking is permitted, and the Forum Bar. And then there is The Promenade, a wonderful open area for meeting friends or just relaxing. The Bistro on the Boulevard there is a specialty shop where cakes, cookies, pastries, milkshakes and specialty coffees are served at nominal cost. The huge slices of carrot or deep chocolate cake go for around $2.25.
If you are traveling with kids, they will love Camp Carnival, and so will you. There are programs designed for varying age groups. Kids 2-5 will have a blast with toys and arts and crafts. Those aged 6-8 make spin art and play games. And ages 9-11 can chill at pool parties and go on scavenger hunts. Camp is in session from 9am-12pm, 2pm – 5pm and 7pm-10pm on sea days and from 2pm – 5pm and 7pm- 10pm on days in port.
There are special programs for teens, as well. Circle “C” is a place where young teens hang out together for late-night movies, nighttime swims, sports, the latest video games and dance parties. Club O₂ is where teens 15-17 gather in their own lounge area to play the latest video games, relax in comfy seats, dance on the state-of-the-art dance floor and hang at the non-alcoholic drink bar. All activities are supervised by Carnival’s Youth Staff who have college degrees in related fields or professional childcare experience.
The Carnival Fantasy sails out of Charleston year round on 5, 6 or 7 day cruises to the Bahamas, Key West and Bermuda.
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