Bye Bye Couples

[janey]

Yes Bazza, it is an arm and a leg from the UK, but so worth the cost of a car for 18 days in the sun!

How much are you paying for your holiday?

Love CSA. I am also from the UK and the cost of our 2010 trip has gone up by about 10% since we went in 2008. Much as I can't wait to go back I think it might be the last time for a while. I am not willing to sacrifice my other holidays to go back to CSA every year when there are so many other countries to see.

[sherrynchuck]

Unfortunately we had to cancel our trip for this year, we were to leave next Tuesday and just cancelled Friday so we were sooo close it just killed me. I got a new job and couldn't get that week off, any other week would have been ok but just not the one we had booked. I was desperate to get away and Couple's didn't have rooms for the few weeks after our scheduled trip so I stupidly started looking at other resorts and I can tell you that the rates at other places just aren't that much cheaper and for the ammenities you get at Couple's it's not worth the trade off. We used to go to a resort in Montego Bay and for a moment I considered going there, they did have a great room available. But in trade I got a high rise hotel, fewer restaurant choices and kids running and screaming and throwing sand in my face all day. Thanks but for a few extra bucks I'll wait and save and make the trip to Couple's. We are planning to take the trip when I am allowed to take time off and believe me it will be well worth every dollar we spend.

I agree with the comments made by others that it's likely a combination of not only room rates but airfare as well. Our airfare alone was going to be almost $200 more each this year than 2 years ago. Couple's doesn't get their food for free and we all know how much that bill has gone up each time we make the trip to the grocery store. All of our expenses have increased and a business is no different and the costs get passed to the consumer.

If you can no longer afford the trip it's unfortunate for sure but certainly not the fault of Couple's or any resort for that matter. The economy is to blame and nothing else. Personally I think Couple's is still offering some great deals and am grateful.

[ElaineChick]

Have you tried booking your airfare separately, KCjamerican? We're from KC, too, and I agree that airfare's getting more expensive each year. We booked the hotel portion on its own, and now we track flights, ready to "pounce" on a good deal. Right now, two people round trip's running betweeen $1,000 and $1,300.

[Bazza]

To those who have questioned the UK price, we have previously gone on a package deal and it is these which have jumped very high.

What we have found is booking direct with Couples fotr oir acomodation and booking your flight separately (we booked Virgin Atlantic) you can actually reduce your costs on 2009 if you book your flight well enough in advance. Our overall booking for 11 days at CSS Penthouse suite with our flights have come out at about £4k but it is still worth the money. Take the tip, book early and book your flights separately it does work! You can of course book lower category but the quality is worth every penny AND if you are Rewards couples you can get a free upgrade!

[janey]

To those who have questioned the UK price, we have previously gone on a package deal and it is these which have jumped very high.

What we have found is booking direct with Couples fotr oir acomodation and booking your flight separately (we booked Virgin Atlantic) you can actually reduce your costs on 2009 if you book your flight well enough in advance. Our overall booking for 11 days at CSS Penthouse suite with our flights have come out at about £4k but it is still worth the money. Take the tip, book early and book your flights separately it does work! You can of course book lower category but the quality is worth every penny AND if you are Rewards couples you can get a free upgrade!

I tried booking independently but couldn't do it as cheap. Granted we did only book about 7 months in advance. By the time we'd added the Virgin premium economy upgrade on it was way more expensive. We booked through Thomson. I priced the hotel and then added flight on (on website) and got Thomsons agent to price match. Saved about £400 on proper package price.

[Marnies]

Have you tried booking through a Canadian company? The rates on Expedia.ca and Itravel2000 were by far the best this year. I was trying to search flights and rooms for friends in the states and found the following:

Expedia.ca, room at CSA (Garden) was going for 357 per night
Best price I found on American site was Orbitz 409 per night

You could book flights from the US as well and when you figure in the exchange rate it was even less. I was looking at mid January and a week would have been about 3200 canadian which when in US dropped another 6 percent.

[blueseagolf]

It must really depend on the timing of your booking and trip, we just confirmed for mid-April for 7 days and entire trip with direct flight on AJ was $3,400 per couple.
Choose your priorities, instead of going out to dinner to a fancy restaurant, go to your local diner, imagine you are in Jamaica, after paying your $20.00 for your whole meal, take the extra $40 you would have spent elsewhere and stash for your next all inclusive escape from reality.
It will add up quick and when you are on the beach with your green flag up, think of your dinners at the diner and LYAO

[Jimnmariann]

To Louieandsusie

You are definitely thinking on the right track. It is going to be SO worth it to be at Couples in the winter!! You will be in paradise and you will love every minute. You have so much to look forward to and I know you will be so very glad you had the experience.

Jim and Mariann

[louieandsusie]

Jim and Mariann:

Thanks for the positive reply. As each day passes we get more excited to be able to experience first hand all the POSITIVES Couples has to offer and specifically CSA. Some people may have a hard time "adjusting" to the "Jamaica time" but that is excatly what we enjoy as our lives are generally go,go,go all the time. Drinks, beach, sun, more drinks, and toes in the water. No worries

[Blondie]

I have been following this thread since it started and I have really thought about keeping my mouth shut, but for those who know me, that is almost next to impossible. So here goes.

As someone else stated Randy did give fair warning that the rates were going to change. I have been tracking the rates as well and while there has been an increase it is not terrible. But due to the rate changes we have changed the time that we would normally take vacation. For us it is all about priorities. In fact we did the same thing this year even with the lower rates, we waited until the end of August to go because it was the best price that I could find.

Having said that I am doing the research for next year's vacation now, we do try other places other islands even though we know we are going to be spending the whole time comparing it to Couples. And so far Couples, even with the rate increases is still coming out ahead. With all that they have to offer and all that is included they are still one of the best deals around when you compare apples to apples.

[jim&judy]

Hi we went in Aug 98 , Oct 07 Nov 07 Nov 08 now in Jan 2010 8/18 i dont think the price has change that much for us but then again i realy like going it dont matter . Yet

[Enjoythebeach]

KC,

I do hope that you will be able to return to beautiful Jamaica and one of the Couples Resorts.

However, with the sickening American economy the way it has been lately, the airline fees seem to not acknowledge that more and more people are flying once again! Plus too, you have baggage fees, even with international flights now!

I have learned over the years, it is best to book your travel through a TA who specializes in booking for specific resorts. Thus, you will get the better deal. With this being said, I do believe that the rates were increased on 1 November?

I do like the fact that Randy wrote back to you to inquire about the rates. Like everything else "supply and demand" as is with airline seats always play a big factor in what is "leftover" if you will.

Another approach might be to do the "secret rendevous" and perhaps this might be a little lighter on the "wallet/purse".

Hope you can make it back!

Much love!

[IACouple]

Another thing to think about. When the economy is still in the tanks in 2010, you should be able to get some pretty good rates again.

[jcjcnj]

I am a planner. And I absolutely love to spend time planning a vacation get away for the winter months. So many place to go. So many resorts to choose from. When comparing the leading resorts listed in travel books and magazines there is no comparison where price is concerned when you look at Couples against the other "leaders". The pricing of the other resorts is so much more than that of Couples. And considering the accommodations, the inclusions, the food, the drinks, the service (having had the pleasure of vacationing with Couples twice before - CSA) it really was an easy decision to go back with what we know to be a wonderful trip for the money. Even some of the more traditionally reasonably priced destinations are more at this point. Having been to the Dominican Republic we know that it in no way compares to Couples. So why go elsewhere. Unfortunately in these more difficult economic times vacations take a toll and we all need to look at the bottom line. We think that Couples keeps the bottom line as low as it can go while still providing the best experience for your dollar. The costs of vacation are not Couples doing, they seem to keep the bottom line so much more reasonable than other places of like ratings that we find it to be an incredible buy. We are awaiting our third trip this Jan. Our first trip to the Caribbean was for our 15th anniversary, we just celebrated 30, and the hotel alone was 2,500 (not an all inclusive). Considering that we are going, as we edge toward 31, to CSS in a penthouse suite for 600 more than we paid for our hotel in St Martine over 15 years ago, with repeaters perks and the $500 spa and gift shop credits during high season, we really feel that Couples is, for the price point, the best deal available, hands down! It is unfortunate that in these times that some people will no longer be able to enjoy all that Couples offers. Look around, check things out, and though Couples may have increased their prices they in no way reflect the high prices of other resorts that in no way compare. This is just our take on the situation. We have been to St Martine, the Bahamas, Antiqua, Puerto Rico and awaiting our third trip to Jamaica and Couples. The vacation they offer for the price is just the best deal available. We are traveling this vacation with folks who have traveled to CSA on our recommendation but went to Mexico last year and spent much more. The four of us are really looking forward to a wonderful get away on an island that is just a great destination. All things considered, Couples provides its visitors with the best in travel for the cost. That is what has made us reserve a third trip at the same resort when we never thought we would repeat anywhere. We cannot wait to see the "other" side of the island. We visited CN and will visit CTI so then we will have seen all the resorts on the trading places program. I look forward to it all!

[amyanderic]

KCjamerican...
I don't know if you are still keeping up with this thread or not.. but thought I would give you a suggestion... I had in the past always booked my trips as hotel and airfare all in one. That for us had to change as the increase in price was dramatic. I found when booking the hotel stay seperate from the airfare that the hotel itself did not increase much if at all, but the airfare was outrageous. I therefore, booked the hotel portion, and just watched the flights, it took about 4 months before I booked my flight. I would check the different search engines each week and compare prices. I still could have gotten cheaper flights if I wasn't picky as to the time of day I wanted to fly. But even with my requirements on times, I was able to find round trip tickets, with one change of planes from Detroit to MBJ in April for about $800 for the 2 of us total. I booked right away, since all the other flights were running close to $2000. So it might be worth booking your hotel stay and then booking your flights at a different time. And if you book using the love away plan, you would be able to change your dates at the hotel if need be for cheaper flights.. Which I had to do this year also, but only by one day. Hope this helps you with your bookings.
Amy

[jcjcnj]

We always book the hotel and the airfare separately. We usually use miles for the airfare. This year we booked before the deadline for the $500 credit. Booked our airfare two weeks ago. From Newark, NJ the airfare was so reasonable this year, around $300 r/t, so for the price we thought we would save the miles. That is how we got the great deal that I mentioned in an earlier thread.

[nosnow]

I have been following this thread since it started and I have really thought about keeping my mouth shut, but for those who know me, that is almost next to impossible. So here goes.

As someone else stated Randy did give fair warning that the rates were going to change. I have been tracking the rates as well and while there has been an increase it is not terrible. But due to the rate changes we have changed the time that we would normally take vacation. For us it is all about priorities. In fact we did the same thing this year even with the lower rates, we waited until the end of August to go because it was the best price that I could find. wow if rates are gonna change im in big trouble...we bought 6 months ago and paid 1200.00 for flights and 3200.00 for garden view...i found i could have had sandels for 2500.00 for everything...but this is a wedding dont think id go back for just a vacation for that price...

Having said that I am doing the research for next year's vacation now, we do try other places other islands even though we know we are going to be spending the whole time comparing it to Couples. And so far Couples, even with the rate increases is still coming out ahead. With all that they have to offer and all that is included they are still one of the best deals around when you compare apples to apples.

wow if rates are gonna change im in big trouble...we bought 6 months ago and paid 1200.00 for flights and 3200.00 for garden view...i found i could have had sandels for 2500.00 for everything...but this is a wedding dont think id go back for just a vacation for that price...

[ElainePoole]

Hi Janey and Bazza, We booked direct with Virgin as we are a member of their Frequent Club. When we booked (August) they were offering everyone 10% off, so I phoned them and eventually managed to get passes to the V room and a hotel near Gatwick(for the night before flight) thrown in for the price. We are going to a hotel in St Lucia first, where we married in 2005, for 10 days. Then we have to fly on three different planes, from St Lucia to Antigua, Antigua to Kingston then on to Montego Bay to spend 8 days at SweptAway. The cost is £6700 ahhhh! But as I am in remission from cancer and we had a horrible 8 months, we decided to bite the bullet and go. Who knows what the future holds? I think I may compare prices from Couples and Virgin next time, if we just went to Jamaica, to see if there was any great difference.

[nosnow]

How much are you paying for your holiday?

Love CSA. I am also from the UK and the cost of our 2010 trip has gone up by about 10% since we went in 2008. Much as I can't wait to go back I think it might be the last time for a while. I am not willing to sacrifice my other holidays to go back to CSA every year when there are so many other countries to see.

yes this is true!

[parker1156]

We have not been to couples yet...going in 8 days. But we sent our daughter and new son-in-law to CN two years ago. They went with us this spring to Cancun and said there was such a BIG difference that the price justifies the difference. At Cancun no beach. Just some sand beach all washed away 3 years ago by hurricane. Now kids are mad at us for not taking then with us next week. TOO BAD That's what you get for being teachers. So you have to look at what the best bang is on your dollar.

[shellbell]

WOW, $5,000????!!!!! We booked CTI for a week in December for $2856 with a Superior ocean view and a great flight (lands in MoBay at 12:30pm). Couples.com was about $800.00 more expensive than one of the online companies, who we booked through. Shop around, I bet you will find somewhere that will offer a price that's within your budget. Don't give up just yet! Good luck!!

29 more days!!!!

Michelle and Brandon

[jonnlis]

I can sympathize....I missed the opportunity to book before the 10/31 window closed. We were supposed to be going next month (would have been our 3rd trip) but my husband had a 9 hr back surgery and spent many months recovering. I think we are finally at the point where we can book for 2010and the rates are looking to be for hotel only slighty lower than what we paid for hotel AND airfare in 2007. However, with the addition of the love-away plan, we are going to book and pay it off as we go, and hope that we can get some decent airfare when the time comes (we go in Dec, so can't book airfare yet). I suspect that this may be our last trip for quite some time as hubbys surgery was largely unsuccessful, and travel is difficult for him now (the trudging through airports, and the airline seats) and we will have a daughter marrying in the next year or two (date hasn't been set yet) after that (big expense). So, we are going to go with the expectation that it may well be our last trip, and hopefully make it our best, most special trip yet (it will also be our 25th anniversary!)

[steverandlinda]

We have not been to couples yet...going in 8 days. But we sent our daughter and new son-in-law to CN two years ago. They went with us this spring to Cancun and said there was such a BIG difference that the price justifies the difference. At Cancun no beach. Just some sand beach all washed away 3 years ago by hurricane. Now kids are mad at us for not taking then with us next week. TOO BAD That's what you get for being teachers. So you have to look at what the best bang is on your dollar.

sorry you traveled to mex and did'nt have any beach a lil odd next time look up puerto morales and further south ( of cancun)for some incredible beaches .. with all the info i am suprised you were caught off gaurd by the condition of the beach enjoy JA

[calgontakemeaway]

In the last 4 trips we have taken, the price difference has been a couple hundred here and there. We've stayed in the garden room at CN, the ocean view room at CN, the beachfront jacuzzi suite and the penthouse suite at CSS...and the difference between bottom level and top level was 300. Airfare is the major factor for us, that can jack it up over 500-1000 easily.

[JumpinJen]

With the wed special last week and a discount from our TA, we are paying $303/night for a Penthouse Suite at CSS in 2010. That is a great deal for everything included, especially since we are scuba divers. We were looking at going to Hawaii, but the place we wanted was $300/night for just the room.