Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

I'm in the process of planning our summer vacation. It's 2 adults and 2 children. I'm researching different places as we're not set on one specific place - all generally in the caribbean though bc I think it's easier with 2 young kids (especially my 3 yr old.)

The "problem" I'm running into is that all the hotels I look into are so expensive - $700/night and up and they are NOT all-inclusive. Maybe I became cheap when I had kids, lol, I don't know. I remember spending $400+/night in Spain 10 years ago with no issue.

Anyway, I like nice hotels, to me it makes the vacation. But I'm thinking I have to change my standards bc otherwise we won't go anywhere.

Am I just being unrealistic about hotel prices or is it the places I'm looking at? Are there hotels that are still really nice but less? I'm thinking maybe St. Lucia, Turks, Puerto Rico, Nevis or British Virgin Islands this year.

Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Puerto Rico you should be able to get something for less, but the other places you listed can be quite expensive.

Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Puerto Rico is definitely cheaper than $700 for many places. Did you try the Marriott Stellaris on Condando Beach? We stayed there last Easter and it was great. Very family friendly, pools, pool slide, swim up pool bar with milkshakes, right on the beach where they will set up a chair and umbrella for you. The El Conquistador looks nice also, but that might be pricey.

Re: Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Re: Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Besides Puerto Rico, you are listing very expensive places.

We never spend that much... we either travel to places off peak or do luxury hotels at less luxury places.

Re: Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Message edited 2/7/2017 8:37:56 PM.

Re: Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

I'll look at the Marriott. I've read some not great reviews about El Conquistador so I'm not cosidering it.

I wanted El Dorado Ritz Carlton and that one was around $870/night not including resort fees and taxes. Expensive I thought even for a RC.

Thanks!

Re: Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Dorado is a reserve Ritz Carlton. It usually runs about $1000 a night. The price you quoted is actually low probably because of Zika (we have a coworker who contracted a mosquito borne illness there).

In contrast, the Ritz in San Juan starts at $230 a night for a random week in July.

Also less mosquitoes.

But... I hear you, I was trying to go away over Spring break. Hotels that were usually $400 were $1000. I ended up booking in California (the flight was a bit $ but everything else was not double).

If I were you, I'd check out the new RC in Aruba and the pricing of the concierge level. It's nice & runs a bit cheaper. Also RC brand is great with kids.

Message edited 2/8/2017 8:27:55 AM.

Re: Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Also look at La Concha in Puerto Rico
It got great reviews and when I was looking was not that expensive

Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

We debated La Concha and walked past it on the beach. Their pool is small and not very kid appealing like the Stellaris. It would be a nice adult hotel though

Re: Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

I feel like the new going rate for a luxury hotel is $1000+. I don't like pulling kids out of school so we are now stuck paying premium $$$ for flights and hotels around school breaks and summer when everyone else is also trying to vacation.

It was so nice when we were able to fly off season. Those days are gone for us now.

Re: Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Thanks everyone. Will check out some of your suggestions. Nevis wasn't bad. The Four Seasons Nevis is only around $420/night although that's just a regular room. A suite is around $600 but for a week it might be worth it since I don't want to go to bed at 8 every day. Keeping that one on the list. I considered it last year but we went on a 7-night Disney cruise instead.

I'm comfortable with $4-500 night, more if it's all inclusive; it's when it starts to go higher that I start to waver. I think for next year we'll have to just accept it costs more and plan accordingly.

Re: Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Re: Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Am I just unrealistic about hotel costs?

Cruise? I'm a huge fan. We are leaving out of Manhattan in the spring so no airfare... 2 adults , 1 child in a balcony room... 1 week... 3k. All meals, all drinks. Great value and it's my fav type of vacation. NCL has been running fantastic promos where kids sail free. You just pay the taxes on them (~$200). The only downside is the cabins are small. When I want the bigger room land vacay, I go the timeshare rental route and save $$ that way.