Hotels • August 2014
Summer for less: six sizzling last-minute escapes
Just because it’s peak travel time doesn’t mean you have to pay a premium on hotels. In some parts of the world, as temperatures rise, the room rates drop – it’s also a great time to enjoy upgrades and other complimentary perks. The Club investigates
Hong Kong
Summer highs: 33°C
The hotel: JW Marriott Hong Kong has rooms with some of the best views in the city overlooking either the harbour or the mountains.
The deal: Book two consecutive nights before 31 August and get a free daily breakfast, as well as a reusable Octopus Card with HKD100 credit per person – which can be used on Airport Express tickets, as well as supermarkets and vending machines around the city.
Play it cool: Head to the ice room of Russian restaurant Ivan the Kozak, to sip on vodka in sub-zero temperatures.
Dubai, UAE
Summer highs: 45-50°C
The hotel: Escape the harsh summer Dubai sun at Conrad Dubai’s Purobeach Urban Oasis, with sheltering palm trees, shaded cocoon beds and two pools.
The deal: Rooms are up to 33 per cent cheaper until 30 September.
Play it cool: There’s an extra reason to enjoy the air-conditioning in Dubai’s malls: from 2 August to 5 September, the Dubai Summer Surprises festival brings discounts and promotions at more than 6,000 shops.
Marrakech, Morocco
Summer highs: 37°C
The hotel: Marrakech’s celebrity playground, La Mamounia (pictured) has hosted luminaries such as Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin.
The deal: It doesn’t come with the lightest price tag, but August is the time to go for a (relative) deal: rates are around 32 per cent less than November.
Play it cool: Seek out Le Menzeh in the hotel’s gardens, which serves refreshing ice creams.
Muscat, Oman
Summer highs: 38°C
The hotel: The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort (pictured) is only a 15-minute drive from Muscat’s city centre, but far enough away to escape its hazy heat.
The deal: Summer room rates are around 15-20 per cent cheaper, and until 31 August, guests get breakfast for two for free plus OMR20 (£30) food and drink credit.
Play it cool: Chill out at the hotel’s CHI spa, where you can enjoy an ice fountain in the CHI Water Oasis.
Doha, Qatar
Summer highs: 45°C
The hotel: The InterContinental Doha is known for being home to the largest freeform pool in the city.
The deal: Book a Superior Room for two before 15 September and you’ll get bumped up to a Club InterContinental Room – with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks and drinks in the Club Lounge.
Play it cool: Friday brunch at the hotel’s Coral restaurant is perfect for hiding away from the sun – with unlimited bubbly, naturally.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Summer highs: 41°C
The hotel: Most of Scottsdale’s luxury hotels slash their rates by up to 60 per cent in August. Our pick is the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch (pictured) which has a whopping 10 pools.
The deal: Get a second deluxe room for half price, plus free self-parking, before 3 September. Travelling with kids? The Camp Hyatt kids’ club also has 50 per cent off.
Play it cool: It’s early, but take a 6am hike up Camelback Mountain for an incredible panoramic view.
This article has been tagged Destination, Hotels