Concierges always seem to be in the know of what’s happening and what’s trending in a City. This is why we asked Marcelo González, Concierge at InterContinental at Doral Miami to give readers some tips on how to get the most from their summer travel budget.
Doral Times: What is the best way to make a reservation to get a better deal?
Marcelo González: Now days there are some many sites, apps, and ways to make reservations that seem to offer the best deal. However, I am going to let you in on an industry tip. Pick a full-service hotel and call the hotel or book directly on the hotel’s website. This will help you get the better deal. This is because the rates are based on occupancy, which is monitored directly. There’s also a better chance to get an upgrade or other value-added offers.
DT: What days are the best to book getaways to get the best deals?
MG: If you have flexibility, it’s best to make your reservations for early in the week because rates tend to be lower. I agree with the senior editor at Travelzoo – popular business travel destinations may have lower rates on weekends while a leisure destination, like Miami, may be more affordable during the week.
DT: What makes a destination or hotel the place for a great family vacation? What should they look for when making vacations plans?
MG: Vacations take planning and saving. So, when you are booking your hotel, be sure to look for a place that can offer an experience, something beyond the usual offering. For example InterContinental at Doral Miami has partnered with American Girl® that offers turndown service for girls which includes a doll, miniature cookies, and a pint-sized glass of milk. Again, booking a full-service hotel that is always a plus.
DT: Would you say Doral is a good destination to get a deal in the summer? Why?
MG: Absolutely, seasonality is the key when booking. Choose destinations having a natural slowdown in travel. Here, dealing with a little bit of heat can be a great way to save money.
DT: Why book a package when planning a vacation?
MG: Hotel packages are great for vacationers because they usually include breakfast, welcome amenity, partner discounts, and more. It’s easier to go down to the lobby area or restaurant for breakfast and then set out for the day’s activities, than to be looking for a place to eat that will take time out from getting on the road.
DT: What are the best things to do in Miami/Doral?
MG: When you choose the InterContinental at Doral Miami a world of possibilities opens up. Our team holds the key to a side of our city that tourists never see. What and who we know gives us an exclusive mix of authentic venues. From Calle Ocho to the Everglades, we give you an array of experiences to consider.
DT: Do restaurants also offer deals?
MG: Like hotels some restaurants do offer special, especially in the early part of the week. Many places offer price specials during happy hour. Here at the InterContinental, one of my favorite happy hour appetizers is the lomo saltado empanadas, which go down nicely with a Doral Collins or one of Mo’s Margaritas (Mo is one of our bartenders who created a special margarita recipe).
DT: Where are the best places to go for a good Cuban sandwich?
MG: What a lot of people don’t know is that InterContinental at Doral Miami offers what is known as the Insider Collection. What that means is that we serve up delicious Latin fusion dishes and hand crafted cocktail inspired by local flavors and ingredients, not only in the restaurant but we make it available for meetings to give guests a true Miami experience. Our Cubano sandwich is really good, but I also recommend, here in Doral, El Tropico, La Carreta, and Sergio’s.
DT: What about attractions, do you have any suggestions on how to snag deals?
MG: The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau organizes a Miami Temptations program, which takes a thematic focus on the best Miami has to offer, with monthly deals and special events.
DT: Are these savings only for tourists/travelers or can the locals also partake?
MG: Locals can certainly take advantage of these offers. Many attractions and hotels offer Florida resident discounts.
DT: What other tips or ideas can you give to summer vacationers?
MG: Use social media and your smartphone to your advantage. In today’s tech-savvy age, social media outlets, smartphones, and apps serve as trusty resources for scoring travel deals and promotions. Hotel loyalty programs also target social-media users with free nights, tailored itinerary suggestions, and special promotions for following and engaging with their social media accounts.
The InterContinenal Miami at Doral is located at 2505 NW 87 Ave., Doral FL, 33172. For information, call 305-468-1400 or visit: https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/doral/miahc/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-IC-_-USA-_-MIAHC
