It’s still not too late to plan spring break, even in hotter-than-ever Miami and Miami Beach. Here’s a sampling of package deals that are still out there. And there seems to be something for everyone.
FOR HIPSTERS
Whitelaw Hotel & Lounge
“Spring Break Seven-night” package
$1,260 for group of four, theoretical travel dates March 27-April 3.
Includes: seven nights in a standard room with two double beds at Whitelaw; round-trip transfers from Miami International Airport; continental breakfast each morning; open bar hour each evening; VIP passes to these night spots: Crobar, Nikki Beach, Opium Garden, Rumi and Tantra.
Not included: transportation to Miami; $5/day per room resort fee; 13 percent tax.
What’s the hotel like?: Miami Beach chic. Everything’s white–shag carpet, vinyl seats, even the TVs. The open bar really is open, to everyone, not just hotel guests.
Is it a good deal?: Booked without the package, the same room goes for $350 on March 27 and $175/night for the remaining six nights: a total of $1,400. Turns out that the other goodies listed in the package–transfers, breakfast, club entry and open bar–are on the house for all Whitelaw guests. But $140 saved is $140 your group can spend on other things. Just don’t try booking the package March 24-26, because it’s not available on those dates.
Contact: 305-398-7000; www.whitelawhotel.com
FOR PENNY PINCHERS
South Seas Hotel
“Getaway Package”
$599 per couple, theoretical travel dates March 19-22.
Includes: three nights in a superior king room at South Seas Hotel; continental breakfast each morning; $80 dining certificate good at A Fish Called Avalon; two souvenir T-shirts.
Not included: transportation to or in Miami; 13 percent tax.
What’s the hotel like?: Miami Beach oceanfront makeover. Indoors, room decor is modern, WiFi is unlimited. Outdoors, there’s a poolside cafe and hammocks on the beach.
Is it a good deal?: The superior king room costs $249 on March 19, $219/night the remaining two nights, for a total of $687. And that’s the special Internet rate, which might disappear at any moment, leaving the rates of $311, $274 and $219 for each of the three nights, or a sum of $804. The package saves at least $88 on the room plus another $80 on the dinner, and you can always take the T-shirts home to the kids. The package is good on stays through April 16 with a two-night minimum.
Contact: 800-345-2678; www.southseashotel.com
FOR LOVERS
Hyatt Regency Miami
“Time for Two Romance Package”
$627 per couple, staying the nights of March 17, 18 and 19.
Includes: three nights in a bay-view petite suite at the Hyatt; Champagne upon arrival; “An Enchanting Evening” board game; one in-room movie; chocolate strawberries at turn-down; full American breakfast each morning.
Not included: transportation to or in Miami; 13 percent tax.
What’s the hotel like?: Downtown convention hotel fronting the Miami River. The package’s petite suite is an L-shaped room with two balconies, both facing Biscayne Bay and the mouth of the Miami River.
Is it a good deal?: The petite suite goes for $270/night, or $810 for a three-night total, if you use the “Magic City” promotion, a different package that includes strawberries at turn-down, daily valet parking and a 20 percent discount at Riverwalk Cafe. Not only does the “Time for Two” package save $183 over the next-best option, but it also comes with a 2 p.m. check-out.
The offer is good year-round with seasonal price fluctuations.
Contact: 305-358-1234; www.miamiregency.hyatt.com
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E-mail Toni Stroud: tstroud@tribune.com
