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Belmond hotels are utterly fabulous. Their trains are equally brilliant but rarely discounted. Making tracks across South America, Europe, and Asia, Belmond trains spirit you away to the world’s most exciting destinations in unforgettable style. Signature Journeys take you on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond British Pullman, Eastern & Oriental Express, and Belmond Royal Scotsman.
Spoiler, to get the best deal on your next Belmond hotel or train vacation, book via our luxury travel concierge. The prices we offer are usually identical to the offers on the Belmond website, but when you book with us, you will also benefit from our official Belmond partner agency perks, which are added in for free.
Why Belmond?
I can’t speak for every Belmond hotel and every Belmond train journey, but the Belmond Cipriani, which we have reviewed is easily one of the best hotels in the world. My review describes why we love the Belmond Hotel Cipriani so much and our inevitable sadness of leaving this Narnia with its wonderful characters, fantastic views, and the most relaxing pool.
You know you have experienced one of the best hotels in the world when you can’t bear to leave. I miss the toll of the church bells, the splish sploshes of the lagoon water, and the swimmers powering up and down the pool. I miss wandering under rose-laden archways and watching the lizards scoot into the undergrowth. I miss the joy of waking up and knowing all you have to do that day is amble over to the pool to take a cooling dip and enjoy endless refreshments.
So in answer to the question “Why Belmond” I would say simply because Belmond offers the kind of experience that is heartbreaking to leave.
Most Belmond hotel room rates start at $500 – $1000 USD per night, and because there isn’t a guest Belmond loyalty program, you will never be able to book a free stay by racking up and redeeming points, or by collecting points on your credit card and spending them on a Belmond hotel stay. It can’t be done. Of course, some Belmond hotels cost more. The prices at the Cipriani are eye-watering in the summer, and rightly so. It really is that good!
But don’t panic. Even wealthy travelers want a great deal and a cheap Belmond hotel stay, and we share ten tips that will help you squeeze the most value out of your next Belmond hotel stay or train trip and get you the discount that you are looking for.
1. Book With A Luxury Travel Agent For Extra Benefits
Yyou can take advantage of free loyalty style benefits from your very first stay at Belmond hotels and resorts or on their trains by merely booking with our concierge.
And Belmond is not alone in this luxury offering. Most luxury hotels have hidden travel agent loyalty programs that give you free benefits if you book with the right “Virtuoso” or hotel partner agent. I have outlined the best luxury hotel loyalty programs that give you upgrades and free breakfast in case you are looking at any other luxury hotel chains for your next stay and want a discount or loyalty style VIP benefits.
2. Book Early
Most Belmond hotels run at a particularly high occupancy rate in the main season. This means that the cheapest rooms and the best rooms tend to sell out. At the last minute, you are unlikely to be able to book the cheapest room. The room you want may have sold out, so you can be left paying a premium for a view you aren’t bothered about. You may be left with no choice at all and be forced to book a mid-range room that’s more expensive than you intended, like the partial ocean view instead of a garden view or a suite instead of a room.
The same goes for their trains. Once you have possible dates in mind, it’s wise to book immediately so that you get a cabin on the train that fits with your plans.
3. Book Discounted Advance Purchase Rates
If you are booking in advance and are very sure of your dates, you can take advantage of advance purchase discounted rates. This is one of the few ways to get you a cheaper room. You must be sure of your dates because once you have booked in, there are no refunds on advance purchase rates, so if you can’t make your stay, you won’t get your money back!.
4. Change Your Holiday Dates
You can even re-arrange your dates and plan to specifically target certain Belmond hotels when they are cheapest and are offering the best discounts. As an example, Belmond Cipriani Venice is much, much cheaper in April and May than in August. While this property never comes in cheap, as there is never a “bad” time to visit Venice, it is much more expensive in the hot summer months, so early spring or early autumn are great times to bag the best cheap deal. The weather might not be as warm as in mid-summer, but you are not forgoing any of the Belmond luxuries, and you can pick up some super rooms at incredibly discounted rates simply by choosing the time of your stay carefully.
5. Stay Shorter
It sounds obvious, but I would prefer three nights at an expensive Belmond rather than a week at a bog-standard resort. Do one night in Venice or London, Madiera, or Riviera Maya and take advantage of our early check-in / late check-out rather than spending two nights somewhere less exciting.
6. Pick The Cheapest Properties
It doesn’t matter how luxury the Belmond brand is. Some parts of the world are cheaper than others. Cheaper Belmond hotels can largely be found in South America, and many are very individual and boutique or iconic beachfront palaces. Beyond South America and the depths of Asia, you will find the more expensive Belmond hotels, such as the Belmond Hotel Caruso is also based in Italy on the stunning Amalfi Coast. Suspended in a heavenly realm, somewhere between the sea and the sky, set into the cliff edge over the Mediterranean, the Belmond Hotel Caruso is not cheap either, but, my is it good!
If you are based in the UK, the thoroughly British Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Oxford, can be found in the English countryside, it isn’t cheap. Neither is the wonderful Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino, but at all these properties, you get what you pay for.
Belmond has even more boutique properties in Europe, which also include Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, Taormina, Sicilia, Italy, Belmond Villa San Michele, Florence, Italy, Belmond Cadogan Hotel, London, Belmond Castello di Casole, Tuscany, Belmond La Residencia and Majorca, Isles Baleares, Spain, but there is a lack of Belmond hotels in North America, with Belmond Charleston Place, South Carolina, and Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara, California, United States being the only two Belmond hotels in the United States.
There are not yet any Belmond hotels in the other major cities in America, although I would expect their brand to perhaps launch hotels in cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles at some time in the future. In the meantime, one of the closest Belmond hotels to America is the famous Belmond Cap Juluca. British West Indies, Anguilla in the Caribbean and Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Belmond also offers Safaris in Africa and has a property in Cape Town.
If you are looking for a bargain and a nice discount, we suggest you pick one of the cheapest Belmond hotels in the world, and we suggest you stay outside the main season.
7. Use Corporate Promo Codes
We know of no Belmond corporate promo codes.
8. Become A Regular
Although becoming a regular at a particular hotel does not guarantee special treatment, you are more likely to get an extra level of room upgrade if you visit the same hotel 2 or 3 times a year. These return visits show your loyalty and if the room is available, this loyalty is sometimes rewarded. The more you stay, the better chance of a free room upgrade, which will make your experience even more special.
9. Don’t Book Through A 3rd Party Site
Always book via a luxury agent like ourselves, or book direct. If you book via one of the big automated sites, these sites take a big slice of commission on your room booking, which leaves the hotel less to play with during your stay and will reduce your chances of any free upgrades or amenities.
10. Take Expert Advice
We’re here to help. Our luxury travel concierge team will share their travel knowledge of when and where to go to take advantage of the best Belmond offers and discounts. We can help make your next stay even better!
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Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.