Uncover Savings at the Boca Resort
As purveyors of a slowly dying industry, we know better than most the importance of pinching pennies. That said, we still staycation in style. We put together this guide for optimal money saving, without sacrificing any R&R.
The Boca Resort, our latest conquest, is easily one of the ritziest hotels — including the actual Ritz — in Palm Beach County. It includes five unique hotels nestled under the umbrella of one resort. Each hotel is home to its own signature decadence and caters to guests’ desired experiences. Guests can choose from the Tower, Yacht Club, Cloister, Bungalows, or later this year, the Beach Club for accomodations.
Pre-Stay Recon
Before booking any hotel, you want to dedicate some screen time to surfing price comparison sites in search of the best deals. The Boca Raton has promotions that they offer as well — though some are limited availability and subject to blackout dates. If you are planning far enough in advance, it’s worth checking to see if any of their promotions fit your budget. The “Have It All” promotion includes a nightly credit, while the “Linger Longer” offers 25% off a stay of four nights or longer and daily access to the kids club.
We opted for the “Have It All” and stayed at the Yacht Club. The nightly credit varies from $100 to $300, depending on which accommodations you choose. The Yacht Club option gave us the spending power of the full $300 — which felt a bit like spending Monopoly money if we’re being honest. Considering valet alone was _____ every day, doing a promotion is a good call in our book.
Another important factor, that us Florida residents know well, is booking in the off season. Trying to staycation during season is practically highway robbery.
Stocking Up on Provisions
Like sneaking in snacks to the movie theater, you’re going to want to smuggle as much as you can into the Resort. Of course, unlike the movie theater, it isn’t against the rules in this scenario. Where we come from, it’s called standard practice.
The Resort is home to 12 dining and imbibing options, and you should absolutely take advantage of them while staying at the Resort — especially because they are only open to hotel guests and members. That said, designate a few meals to the Resort restaurants, and entrust the rest to outside sources. Bringing your own booze to supplement an in-Resort ritzy cocktail or two is also a big money saver.
Staying at the Yacht Club meant we had exclusive access to Flybridge, a newish rooftop addition to the Resort’s dining mélange, and received complimentary continental breakfast there. Dinner includes a five-course, seasonal tasting menu.
Complimentary A La Carte Activities
Speaking of staying out of the kitchen, activities like pickleball come with a $45 court rental fee. Instead, opt for activities that are included with your accommodations. Some options are riding the boat taxi from Harborside to Beachside (sure this is more a mode of transportation than a joy ride, but everything is what you make of it) or choosing from a large selection of complimentary fitness classes. Bicycle rentals are also free (or upgrade to electric bikes for a fee) to hotel guests and are a great way to explore the multiple hotels, pools and restaurants. The pools are also an obvious way to spend some free time — if you catch our double meaning — and there are a variety to choose from.
501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton
@thebocaraton
