Stevengrchan wrote:
is it better to make my own reservations and is it more cost effective.
That depends on what you're looking for. The hotels most popular with CRT members are seldom listed in "packages". I did, however, get a package through Expedia in February that included the Best Western Downtown. It is about 11 blocks from the Del Rey in a little bit rougher neighborhood. It has a pool and is adaquate for a substitute or last minute room. They did not mind chicas and had no fee. You just have to register them at the desk.
The main reason I took the package was because I had a $150 coupon for Expedia and had to book the air and hotel together.
All that being said, if you want to stay where your CRT friends stay (ie. Del Rey, Presidente, Sportsmen's Lodge, Morazan etc) you'll probably only be able to book the flight and hotel separately. The Clarion Amon Plaza, Balmoral, Holiday Inn and Sleep Inn might show up on a package. Amon Plaza would work but Blamoral, Holiday Inn and Sleep Inn are not as friendly to our "hobby" as the others. I've never stayed in any of the three so I can't speak from experience on the prices or amenities.
Also I don't believe travel agents, Expedia or Travelocity recognize the CRT VIP card, except for the travel agents on our discounts page.
Since travel agents work on commissions from the airlines (which are cutting back drastically on those) and hotels plus the fact that we get discounts from some of the hotels, you can see that it might be to your advantage to book your own trip.
With a little internet time on CRT and the help of guys here you should be able to find a good deal. The key is to book as far in advance as possible to keep from getting shut out, especially during holiday weekends.
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