“Cool” packages let guests swim with wild sharks

Despite the summer heat wave or perhaps because of it, hotels are finding even more creative ways to entice visitors. For example, the “Stay Cool” offer by Conrad Miami is directly related to sizzling summer temperatures there.

“Escape the summer heat sweeping the nation with the season’s coolest travel deal. Conrad Miami, a Hilton Worldwide luxury hotel, is embracing the high temperatures with its ‘Stay Cool ‘package,’” the hotel says in a news release.

Conrad Miami is now offering the package on its ConradMiami Twitter page.

For the next few days, guests will be able to lock-in room rates based on the highest Fahrenheit temperature as shown on the Conrad Miami website under the weather section on the location Information  page.

“We wanted to share a ‘cool’ package in Miami created for guests to escape the heat wave 

This deal will only be offered during a short time but is sure to ‘cool’ guests off with rates that are the lowest the hotel offers,” says the hotel.

Perhaps they were outdone, however, by a chance to swim with the sharks.

“Adrenaline junkies can now experience the thrill of a lifetime with the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort’s exclusive new Shark Dive Adventure Package,” the hotel says.

“One of our island’s greatest assets is the abundance of marine life and ocean activities,” said Andrew Neubauer, the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “Now, we’re able to provide an exciting shark dive package to our guests who want to take their water sports up a notch.”

The offer is available on bookings of three- or five-night stays through December 22. Rates start at US$915 (double occupancy). The package is available on three – to five-night stays booked now through December 22, including accommodations, taxes, and a resort fee.

Travelers booking a three-night vacation at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort will receive one two-tank shark dive for two people, while those booking a five-night stay will receive two-tank shark dives for two.

Divers first go on a “free swim” with the sharks where the curious creatures will follow them along a wall. During a second dive, participants kneel on the ocean floor and watch as the wild sharks engage in a feeding frenzy.

Sales manager Newbauer says he has experienced the shark dive himself and survived it.

For the more sedate traveler, General Manager Bill Walsh at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown came up with an idea to meet the needs of his predominately business clientele.

 Business people can return to their rooms after meetings to a “Treat Yourself” menu provided in each guest room. They offer a choice of five different snack options including: “Philly Soda & Soft Pretzels; Wine & Cheese; Milk, Cookies & Candy; Beer & Nuts; or Bottled Water, Trail Mix & Granola.”

All guests need to do is check off their snack choice, along with the time they want it delivered (4 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and drop it off at the front desk.  When they return in the afternoon or evening they can relax with their treats. Each of the Treat Yourself options is priced at US$15 including tax.

By David Wilkening