Luxury by the Hour

Once strictly a business model of less-than-luxurious motels, a growing number of luxury hotels are offering hourly rates.  

Despite growing signs of an economic recovery, luxury businesses are getting a little creative to keep customers coming back for more.   

Several newspapers have reported that some of the most high-end hotels in the country are offering rooms during day-time hours for much cheaper rates than an over-night stay would be.

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The Chicago Tribune referenced a promotion by Manhattan’s Le Parker Meridien offered before and after Valentine’s Day that included a four-hour stay between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for $150–when an overnight stay costs $379.  The newspaper also cited the Malibu Beach Inn near L.A., which charges $270 for a daytime stay that includes a three-course lunch and an oceanfront room; the average overnight reservation would be around $400.

But, minds out of the gutters–day-time hotel rates can be used for shoppers who may need to rest, travelers who have nothing to do before a flight, or business meetings away from noisy restaurants.

Nevertheless, USA Today’s hotel-guru, Barbara De Lollis, attended the recent Americas Lodging Summit in San Diego, where veteran boutique hotel creator Chip Conley told her he expects to see a rise in “love hotels.”

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