Negril hotels profit from Smirnoff Dream Weekend!

There was no room in the 'inn' for persons who waited too late to make bookings for this year's Smirnoff Dream Weekend. As some representatives report, business was good.

Front desk supervisor at Riu Negril Hotel, Andrew Molynes, reports that the hotel was full to capacity for Emancipation weekend from July 29 to August 1. He added that at times there was confusion but in the end everything worked out just fine. While at the sister property Riu Tropical Bay was also fully booked. Guests at both hotels were not just in Negril for the weekend celebration but some foreigners were in-house as well for their vacation.

100 per cent occupancy

Cynthia Ruddock jokingly told The Gleaner that it would be terrific if the Smirnoff Dream Weekend were held twice per year. This is because her place of employment, Negril Tree House, scored a 100 per cent occupancy rate last weekend.

The hotel, according to her, had persons confirming their space from as early as April of this year. And even though persons are unsure of the date for the party weekend next year, upon checking out, many have already reserved a space for 2012.

On average, Ruddock says, visitors spent four nights. "Many Jamaicans visited and those living abroad came home for the weekend too. This year we also got quite a few foreigners."

She said she cannot complain because the hotel benefited from a very good weekend.

Repeat guests

The Palms Resort also had full capacity during last weekend's Smirnoff Dream Weekend. According to Cordelia Blake, receptionist, the reservations started coming in from last year. "Quite a few of the reservations were made last year and then we had many more from March and April."

Approximately 90 per cent of the guests were locals, with many being repeat guests of the hotel.

Rachel McLarty, group director of sales at Sandals Resorts in Negril, said for the Emancipation weekend celebration, "typically, our price range does not attract those bookings; however, we did record some business which can be attributed to the weekend's activities, and we are appreciative of this."