1. 5th Avenue Snowflake: One of the most enduring holiday sights, the snowflake suspended over the intersection of 5th Avenue and 57th Street. Take in the 4 corners of commerce including Tiffany (SEC), Bulgari (SWC), Van Cleef & Arpels/Bergdorf’s (NWC) and Louis Vuitton (NEC). A luxury shoppers paradise.
2. Macy’s: While Herald Square is crowded, watch The Miracle on 34th Street and then head to Macy’s where Santa is in residence from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve.
3. 5th Avenue: On Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), 5th Avenue through Midtown is closed to cars. Enjoy the expansive Avenue with a 1000’s of other shoppers. Stop at Prime Burger (51th Street between Madison & Fifth, across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral for an old-time lunch experience)
4. The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center: no matter your age, always enjoyable.
5. Radio City Rockettes: 75+ years of tradition, the Christmas Spectacular must be seen at least once. In addition to the show, check out the historical art-deco theater.
6. Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle: so you miss the mall, here you go - granted it’s vertical. Drop some serious coin at Tourneau on a new wach or Thomas Pink for British shirtings. On a budget, lunch at Whole Foods on the Lower Level. Looking for a civilized lunch, consider Landmark, upscale dining, family friendly, a place to park the strollers and carriages.
7. Rockefeller Center: In addition to the tree, there’s a small skating rink. While the crowds can be maddening, go below the promenade and enjoy a hot cocoa indoors while watching the skaters glide by and the tree above. Truly above it all, visit the Top of the Rock. For a true skate experience, consider Wollman Rink in Central Park with the midtown skyline as a backdrop.
8. Serendipity3: Charming generations for years with their signature Frozen Hot Chocolate. Rent the movie with the same name starring Kate Beckinsale and John Cusak.
9. Lighting of the Menorah: at Grand Army Plaza in front of The Plaza Hotel. Want to warm up, head downstairs at the Plaza, a luxury shopping area hidden from the crowds above. For the Apple fan, hit the Apple Store across the street, open 24/7.
10. Hansom Cab: The best $35 you will spend. Wait until snow is in the forecast and enjoy Central Park.

The following White Paper recognizes the changing outlook concerning vacation culture.

• The acceptance of “last-minute bookings” as the new normal
• Reduced rates/REVPAR (Revenue Per Available Room Night) for the foreseeable future
• Increase in incentive/corporate travel as businesses exit the recession
• The value orientation proposition

Even during the past two quarters of economic uncertainty, the growing popularity of vacation home rentals continues. Although supply has exceeded demand at present, future growth coupled with a diversity of supply worldwide may provide a healthy balance in the marketplace.

Click here to download the PDF.

If you have any questions or would like some assistance in marketing your luxury vacation rentals please contact The Society team.

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]]> http://thesociety.com/blog/2009/11/dont-let-your-winter-bookings-hibernate-2009-winter-report/feed/ http://thesociety.com/blog/2009/11/holidays-in-a-vacation-rental-making-it-memorable/ http://thesociety.com/blog/2009/11/holidays-in-a-vacation-rental-making-it-memorable/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:04:40 +0000 Joseph http://thesociety.com/blog/?p=1973 One of the many advantages of a vacation rental during the December holidays is the opportunity to make your lodging “personal and memorable”. From the Rocky Mountain West to the beaches of Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean, celebrating the holidays infused with generations of tradition (or make some new ones) in your vacation residence can provide memories to last a lifetime. We interviewed a few of our partners who offered some ideas:

Ski Holiday: A mountain vacation in the mountains during December guarantees a “White Christmas”. Our mountain managers suggest the following:

Holiday Décor: Request a Christmas Tree. The tree can be delivered and decorated prior to arrival. To keep the family traditions, consider shipping a small selection of ornaments to the management company prior to your trip. When you arrive, you and your family can place the “finishing touches” on the tree. Few destinations during the holidays rival our Ski Safari Chalet in Beaver Creek, CO. Families will enjoy the spacious 4 bedrooms which sleeps 10 in luxury. Even though true ski-in/out, we suggest apres-ski in the village with a hot cocoa and gelato just a short walk from the chalet.

Gifts: Consider having your gifts shipped to your vacation home rental. Imagine opening gifts by the fireplace watching the falling snow and the twinkling lights of the town. Or, if you desire a forested setting with evergreen trees covered in snow, consider our 3 bedroom condo in West Vail which accommodates 14, just minutes from the slopes yet set within a beautiful valley of mature aspens and evergreen trees, the finest mountain setting for the holidays and beyond.When its time to return home, have the larger gifts shipped.

Skis/Boards: Anyone on your gift list receiving new skis, boots or boards? If yes, ask the managing agent which retailer they prefer and order the equipment to be delivered to the vacation residence. Concerning boots, be sure to use a reputable retailer with a boot-fitting specialist. Bows and gift-wrapping are optional.

Christmas Dinner: The finest restaurants will be booked for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the weekend that follows. If you do not wish to cook, consider a private caterer or chef. Full formal meals can be delivered and re-heated or prepared on-site and professionally served, the choice is yours. Having a holiday party, have TheSociety.com assist you in securing a Butler for your event.

Beach Holiday: While many consider a Christmas surrounded by palm trees and sand to be sacrilegious, the reality is, the holidays in a tropical setting can be magical where the closet you will get to snow is the frozen Margaritas. Our managers in Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean suggest :

Mexico:be sure to enjoy Ponche con Piquete, which is a hot beverage or “Punch” made out of seasonal fruits and cinnamon sticks, with a shot of alcohol. May we suggest enjoying your Ponche con Piquete on your private beach with 25 of your family and friends while residing in Casa Yardena, an unforgettable 9 bedroom beachfront villa on the Rivera Maya, just 10 minutes south of the Mayan ruins.

On Noche Buena, December 24, go to Misa de Noche Buena which is at midnight. After the Mass, enjoy a truly late dinner withyour family or locals. Christmas supper which may feature a simple fare of homemadede tamales and atole(corn gruel) or other regional dishes. A more exotic feast might include bacalao a la vizcaína (Biscayan cod) and revoltijo de romeritos (wild greens in mole sauce). Roast turkey, ham or suckling pig are other popular menu items. After the memorible feast, while in Los Cabos,retire in luxury and splendor at One Medano Beach, Cabo’s newest luxury tower coupled with the ultimate in-demand location. One and two bedroom units ae available, perfect for couples and small families.

Caribbean: Masquerade bands, performing and playing their special brand of  music,  are a common sight on the streets of towns and villages in the Caribbean at Christmastime .

• Throughout the English-speaking Caribbean, Boxing Day, December 26th is celebrated. It is treated as an extension of the Christmas holidays.
• It is traditional for Antiguans to eat pork on Christmas Day - baked or stewed or corned. On the day after Christmas, Boxing Day, pepperpot is a big favorite.
• Christmas Day in Barbados is a day for feasting. Among the favorites of the day are jug-jug, green peas and rice, baked ham, roast turkey with its stuffing with gravy, roast pork with crackling and gravy, fish, pepperpot, jug-jug, yam pie, candied sweet potatoes, plantain, conkies… and a lot more. There would also be Christmas cake, cassava pone, and other desserts. Often, the last item is plum pudding or Christmas pudding.

Belize: The Christmas trees decorating homes come mainly from the Mountain Pine Ridge in Belize. A holiday favorite in Belize is a rum-and-eggnog concoction called “rum popo”. Las Terrazas Resort , among the newest luxury resorts to be built on Ambergris Caye, would be our holiday choice in this most beautiful waterfront destination. Guests can be accommodated in flats ranging from 1-3 bedrooms. One of our favorite units is the Sea House, a 3 bedroom encompassing 2,100 square feet waterfront.

Costa Rica: Christmas traditions have a truly Latin American flavor, however, it is also a time for their “summer break” when the rainy season ends replaced by dry, cooler air (cooler is relative at 70 degrees).  A few days before Christmas, the Christmas tree is placed in the home. It is painted white and may be a small Cyprus tree or dried branches from the coffee plant. It is decorated in a homemade fashion with small figurines, lace ornaments and brightly colored strips of paper. Such a tree would be fabulous within the living room of Villa La Costa, an estate with a main house and guest house, beachfront at Playa Hermosa providing guests with 5 + bedrooms accommodating up to 10 guests.

The summer car traffic in East Hampton is replaced by window shoppers on foot. The shops and restaurants are decorated in the finest holiday fashion yet there is a serene calmness as locals and weekenders enjoy the crisp ocean breezes and the flat winter light which brought so many artists to the East End. Days are spent strolling along the quaint streets.

During the evening hours, dinner in town or maybe a supper at home and relaxing by the wood-burning fireplace. Be your own Barefoot Contessa and try some of Ina Garten’s recipes where they were created and conceived.  Need some “big-city excitement, hop on an LIRR Train or Hampton Jitney and spend the day in Manhattan (see NYC blog)

May we suggest Whale Rock House as your holiday getaway in the Hamptons. With three bedrooms on one level, all generations of the family are welcome. The expansive living room with fireplace will be the gathering place for family and friends.

For the chef, the gourmet kitchen will entice even the most jaded cook to consider roasting a turkey or glazing the ham for the holidays. Cooks, head into East Hampton for some local produce while the rest of the family plays touch-football in the yard. Before dinner, maybe a sunset walk on the beach.

Known for its diversity of terrain and easy access from Salt Lake City. Deer Valley Resort is best known for its commitment to providing a level of care rarely found at a ski resort; delivering classic, consistent, and quality service both on and off the mountain.

Rounding out the top 5 top resorts are 2. Whistler/Blackcomb, B.C. 3. Vail, CO. 4. Park City Mountain Resort 5. Beaver Creek, CO. TheSociety.com offers vacation home rentals in the top 5 resorts as voted on by readers of Ski Magazine.

Lift Passes: In Ski Country, many options and great deals are available for skiers/boarders. If you plan to ski/board in more than of 6 days this season, consider a season pass as follows:

Colorado:

Epic Pass: The Epic Pass is the “granddaddy” of bargains. For $599, skiers and boarders have unlimited access to the slopes of Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge and Keystone. The pass pays for itself after approximately 6 days of skiing. NOTE, THERE ARE NO BLACKOUT DATES! In Vail, may we suggest a lovely 3 bedroom/ 3 bathroom flat, sleeps 16 in West Vail, just minutes to the slopes and with the luxury of a wood burning fireplace.

Summit Pass: For those who plan to ski mostly in Summit County, the Summit Pass is a great deal. For $399, you get unlimited access to the slopes of Keystone, Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin. To go with your pass, we suggest The Chateau at Trappers Glen, a luxury 6 bedroom private home which sleeps 18 offering private seclusion above the snowflake lift in Breckenridge. In the evening, apres ski in the private hot tub and walk to dinner along Main Street.

Rocky Mountain Super Pass: For $399, The Rocky Mountain Super Pass is the best product for unlimited access to Winter Park / Mary Jane and Copper Mountain throughout the 09/10 ski season.

Telluride: Located in the southwestern part of the state, Telluride is one of Colorado’s Premier Ski Resorts. You can secure an adult Season Pass to Telluride for $1198. They do have a great College Season Pass for only $299 through Oct 30th, $725 after Oct 30th. Our Tramontana #5, a luxury 3 Bedroom Luxury Condo which sleeps 11 is located in Telluride Mountain Village is an excellent choice for the visitor to Telluride

Steamboat Springs: Buyers of all Steamboat season passes are eligible for a Winter Park and Copper add-on for only $60! Plus, for every adult Steamboat Season Pass (full or upgraded), a parent or legal guardian will receive one child (12 and under) pass FREE. An excellent affordable family retreat is our 3 bedroom penthouse located at Storm Meadows at Christie Base, ski-in/out, sleeps 8, graded “A” by central reservations, perfect for families and friends.

Utah:

Park City: Skiing/boarding during “high-season” or on weekends, consider upgrading to “Fast Tracks”, an exclusive pass that gets you into the express lanes at the most popular lifts.

Silver Passport: The Silver Passport offers skiing privileges at Deer Valley Resort, The Canyons Resort, and Park City Mountain Resort. The Silver Passport lets you enjoy the flexibility of choosing where to ski daily (one resort per day, per person) while, in most cases, receiving a discount off the daily lift ticket window rate. With a 14-day advance lodging purchase of at least three nights through one of the participating lodging properties, you can pre-purchase this interchangeable pass for adult and children. The pass is available in denominations of three of five days, four of six days, five of seven days, six of eight days, or seven of nine days. The Silver Passport is available December 5 through December 25, 2009 and January 2 through April 11, 2010. From our wonderful 5 bedroom Park City Mountain Home which sleeps 16, you have the option of walking to the Park City Base Area or shuttle to Deer Valley and The Canyons. In the evening, take the Town Steps to Main Street for dinner.

California:

Heavenly Pass: California skiers and riders can purchase the Heavenly Pass for $369 (Restricted 11/27-28, 12/27-12/31, and 2/13-2/14)

• Skip the Lift Line: how enjoyable during prime vacation periods.
• Increase Skill Set: When you ski/board techniques improve, makes the vacation more enjoyable.
• Hidden Trails: A good instructor knows the mountain and will also know where the best snow conditions are.
• A New Challenge: Break the bad habits (like me, not bending in the knees) and challenge yourself to exceed status quo abilities.

Aspen & Snowmass: The resorts of Glamour Gulch have been most proactive in their marketing department. Look for discounted lift passes, rental equipment and a $50 voucher for those who purchase 5 days of private instruction.

Copper Mountain’s new “Discover Private” program allows skiers who don’t want to spend $475 for a full-day private lesson to pay $150 for two hours of private instruction.

Winter Park is offering four half-day group lessons for $99 if purchased in advance.

Vail Resorts is offering small-group “Adventure Sessions,” with loosely structured lessons and lift line-cutting privileges for $119 to $129 per skier.

DENVER, CO -October 22, 2009 - The Society and La Sarenne Luxury Properties today announced the debut of their newest online marketing opportunity, The Diamond Affinity Program, a turnkey luxury resort marketing and sales platform.

“The Diamond Affinity Program has been designed and executed to overcome a major void in how resorts market and sell their products.” said Bruce Cuthbertson, partner with La Sarenne Luxury Properties, a California-based resort development firm adding, “The present economic malaise has impacted many resorts which have relied on antiquated sales and marketing tactics to achieve their goals. The Diamond Affinity program is a whole new sales and marketing platform designed for today, tomorrow and the future. We did not replace the tools in the toolbox, we designed a whole new container, inside and out.”

The Diamond Affinity Program is an all-in-one resort sales and marketing package. Using a multi-pronged approach, The Diamond Affinity Program harnesses the power of:

• Online Marketing: targeting the affluent and luxury lifestyle audience.
• CRM Tracking: including initial contact to close concierge assistance.
• VIP Events: in select markets to provide prospective clients in-person introductions.
• Public Relations: focused on the lifestyle, consumer and business marketplace.  

“No other entity in the industry has brought together the expansive marketing relationships, leveraged media purchases and targeted demographics combined to deliver not only large quantities of highly qualified prospects but exceeding close-rates above the industry standard,” said Michael McFadden, co-founder of The Society, a Colorado-based marketing firm representing hospitality and vacation oriented companies. McFadden added, “The economy has dictated the call for new ways to market luxury resorts and the Diamond Affinity program beckons that call.”

The Society and La Sarenne came together to leverage their resources to create the Diamond Affinity Program. “It just made sense to create this program jointly, taking advantage of our complimentary services to best serve the resort client desiring to turn lookers into bookers and visitors into owners.” said Cuthbertson.

###

Contact: Bruce Cuthbertson   
La Sarenne Luxury Properties, LLC  
1-877-336-3942     
Bruce@LaSarenne.com    

Contact: Michael McFadden
The Society
1-866-789-8222 X1
Mike@TheSociety.com

Laguna Beach is truly a unique enclave within greater southern California. The town is literally nestled between the Pacific Ocean to the west and majestic canyons to the east. Whatever your interest; from the beach (glorious) to the arts (a true artist’s colony) to nature (hikes and nature paths) to dining (from beachfront casual to over-the top gourmand), Laguna Beach has options for everyone.

One of our partners, Best Laguna Vacations offers, in our professional opinion the best selection of beach villas and cottages available in Laguna Beach. Yet unlike other vacation spots where one comments “ok, now what?” after just a few days, Laguna is best experienced for one week or more. Our partners at Best Laguna Vacations are enticing clients of The Society to “stay a little longer” by offering:

• 5% off the second week of rental

• 10% off the third week” on a luxury selection cottages on oceanfront Cress Street including:

A 2 bedroom with an ocean view deck, perfect for wine at sunset:
http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/23815

A 3 bedroom so close to the ocean, the waves will lull you to sleep. http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/23817