Mexico offering unheard-of deals
Plagued by swine flu and a reputation for drug violence, Mexico is fighting back with luxury properties offering unheard-of deals and even moderately priced hotels offering prices that practically scream “bargain.”
“Stick a pin on the map, and you can pay as little as half what you would have a year ago,” says The San Francisco Chronicle.
Deeper discounts are not uncommon in prime time winter and spring but they are now extending into the fall and even through the end of the year.
Some high level resorts are offering to match published rates at any other five-star hotel in Mexico or the Caribbean for a limited time.
Just a few examples:
 Esencia, one of the Riviera Maya’s most sumptuous properties (typically $459 a night and up), is offering three nights for the price of two through Dec. 20 plus spa, restaurant and other resort credits, equal to the daily room rate, through Oct. 15.
 In Mazatlán, Pueblo Bonito’s 35 percent "stimulus package" discount puts a family of four in a junior suite in the Golden Zone for $107 a night through December.
 Also in Mazatlan, visitors can also get four nights for the price of two (from $70) at the Melville Suites, a restored 19th century former nuns’ school in the heart of the old city through Oct. 31.
 In Los Cabos, more than 30 hotels offer free nights, resort credits up to $350 per day, free room upgrades and meals, spa discounts and free golf; peruse the packages.
 The Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort has an “Unlimited Golf Package that includes chauffeur service and other perks such as buffets and cocktails. The package begins at $298 a night for travel now through Oct. 4.
 At least 85 hotels throughout the country offer a "flu-free guarantee" on stays through Dec. 20 if booked by October: If you contract the H1N1 virus (verification required) within two weeks of departure, you’ll get one free vacation a year for three years.
By David Wilkening
David
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