Would you book a hotel that hasn't opened yet?

[chicago]

H and I were going to go away with the baby next year, but now we are thinking that we will probably just go alone so we can reconnect a bit. 

We know we want an adults only AI in Mexico.  I was looking at Secrets Maroma, but it's something like $2900pp for six nights.  However, Secrets is opening a location in Playa Mujeres.  It's set to open in November, we'd be traveling in March.  Since it's not open yet the price is much lower - 6 nights, same nonstop flights, $1800pp. 

Secrets is a well established brand and a lot can be fixed in four months, but I am iffy about not knowing any of the details about the place beforehand.  I like the savings though. 

Wwyd?

[sunnysally]

What will they do for you if the hotel doesn't open in time? I've read several stories of people booking a new hotel and being placed somewhere equivalent if it doesn't open, but I've also read of people not having a hotel or being placed in a dive. I would do it if I was guaranteed equivalent lodging (that I could vet beforehand) otherwise I wouldn't risk it.

[daisypaloma]

For 1/3 off the cost, I would. And Secrets is a good brand.  Playa Mujeres sounds like a good place since Excellence is already on there. 

[chicago]

sunnysally, my guess is that they would put us up in another Secrets since there are a few in that area (Capri, Silversands, Maroma, and the Vine). I'm not worried about that, I don't think, since there's a 4.5 month buffer between opening and when we'd go.

daisypaloma, that's kind of what I'm thinking. Our last AI was Excellence Playa Mujeres. The beach there isn't great which is why I was excited to try Maroma, but I can't believe the prices right now. We've always paid around $1700pp for 5-7 nights with nonstops. EPM was $2300 over New Years 2012-2013. I was pretty surprised to see $2900pp.

[freshhell]

When do you have to make full payment? Can you book both and cancel one as it gets closer? Or is that an asshole move?

[chicago]

freshhell, nope, can't cancel.

[mcfelix]

In that situation, with an established brand and not immediately after opening, I would absolutely do it!

[Deleted]

With a 4 month window I would definitely do it. If it were 4 weeks definitely not. Been there done that, never again.

[voslauer]

Jul 18, 2014 16:15:55 GMT -5 sunnysally said:

What will they do for you if the hotel doesn't open in time? I've read several stories of people booking a new hotel and being placed somewhere equivalent if it doesn't open, but I've also read of people not having a hotel or being placed in a dive. I would do it if I was guaranteed equivalent lodging (that I could vet beforehand) otherwise I wouldn't risk it.

I've heard such stories too. I know that there are usually some deals for the openings, but if it's in a bigger city like Chicago or New York, why risk? I'm pretty sure you can book just a fine place without needing to risk scrambling your travel plans.

[mgm]

Sidebar question - what agency or site do you use to book - i am looking into a 6 or 7 night stay in mexico in october but the dont see any awesome deals - closer to 1800 for 6 nights, which is meh, to me. (And not at secrets/dreams level places either) We are flexible w timing so will wait for a good deal!

If I were you, I would book it, with plenty of buffer time - sounds like a great deal!!

[chicago]

mgm, I used to find the best price on Expedia. Now that Expedia owns Travelocity I'm finding that there's a lot less competition and their prices are really high.

I found the $1800 on cheapcaribbean. I also looked at Apple, Bookit, the Secrets website, and Orbitz. Oh, and allinclusiveoutlet.

I do use an agent for some of my trips. She helped me a lot for my wedding/honeymoon so even though I don't really need help with a trip like this I like to give her my business. Let me know if you need a recommendation; she's great!

We are working on booking it right now! Airfare is crazy pricey, but even if it winds up being cheaper in a few months I'm comfortable with the price and flight itinerary.

Good luck!