Vancouver hotels prepare for the 2010 winter Olympic games as hard as the city and the International Olympic Committee. It is very hard to find accommodations for those traveling to Vancouver. Hotels are booked and the prices have gone up.
A simple call to Vancouver area hotels shows how busy these hospitality places are. They are not hosting the athletes as the athletes stay in the Olympic Park. The are mainly hosting media representatives, dignitaries and many many tourists, who visit Vancouver during the special tie of 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
More Security
Several hotels that we called in Vancouver told us that they have stepped up security to ensure the safety and comfort of their guests. Most of these places said that they have 24 hour security. This is not normally the case during the business usual time. Rather, security is increased during the Winter Olympic games.
Increased Staff
Hotels in Vancouver have hired more staff to accommodate the needs of their guests. Opus Hotel's Chella Levesque, who heads the marketing department, told HULIQ that they have even hired staff members from Montreal to increase the number of staff members who speak French. Hotels have hired more kitchen staff members and more Concierges.
Hotel Prices Have Gone Up
All of the Vancouver Hotel representatives that spoke to HULIQ told us that they have increased the prices of staying in their rooms during the Winter Olympic Games. We were told the city itself experiences a lot of compression during this special time and the area hotel rates reflect that. Considering how the latest recession has hit the travel and hospitality industry, the Winter Olympics provides a very good opportunity for the Vancouver area hotels to recoup loses and make profits.
There was no hotel in Vancouver area that was able to tell us they had vacancy. All of them were sold out for the time of the Games and were 100 percent booked. Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel emailed us and told us they have no place available. Those who are planning to travel to Vancouver may try Komfort Properties. We are told some vacancies may still be available there. However, those vacancies may be filled already, so please call a hotel before you go there.
While the hotel rates have gone up, we were told a very interesting nuance. If you go to another hotel and say you are referred by another hotel, the hotel may give you a better price. Apparently some hotels or properties have preferential rates for people that are referred by a hotel.
In conclusion, if you plan to visit Vancouver during the Winter Olympic Games, consider thinking out of the box. Hotel rooms may be hard to find. Consider renting an apartments. We are told hotel prices for average rooms may be as high as 400 dollars a night. Understandably apartment rental prices may be high too. If that's the case, consider sharing an apartment with a friend or a family. While the accommodations in Vancouver during the Winter Olympic Games may be tight, these later options may be less expensive and more meeting your budget.
Written by Armen Hareyan
HULIQ.com
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
