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Thread: Group or independent?

  1. #1
    Registered User sccouple's Avatar
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    Group or independent?

    Since we're planning our first trip, we were wondering what people's opinions were concerning booking with a group or independently through the resort.
    Also, what kind of benefits would there be with booking through a group? Such as rates, parties, access to online groups so we can get to know others beforehand, etc.

  2. #2
    Super Moderator 2naughty's Avatar
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    Groups help with the rates and deals you can get. Also for meeting people within the group so it can speed up the social aspect as they often do meet and greets. We have travelled with both and its all personal choice 99 % of groups socialize and party with the entire resort it really comes down to personal preference and rates. You will have fun no matter what you choose.
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  3. #3
    Registered User JayNSteph's Avatar
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    Obviously I am a host, but before I was a host we booked with a group. Many of the people we met in the group we became long-time friends with. Eventually we because co-hosts of the group and now are going to be hosting the group alone this year for the first time. Not everyone has this route, but overall the atmosphere of meeting people, becoming friend with them, learning what goes on before you go, meeting them online before you arrive (via chats or FB groups) and having someone to directly go to when problems occur both before you go and when you get there was great. A lot of groups provide "gifts" to people who book with them and plan a lot of different events. Our group is pretty laid back, we don't do too many events, just let the resort do most of it and we are always available and join in on the fun while there. So, it really depends on what you're looking for in your vacation, what time of year you want to go, and so on. Also, you are not in any way obligated to join in on any activities that our group hosts, if you book with a group, most of the time you are not required to do anything with them, just get the discount. It is your vacation, and you do what you want on your vacation, at least when you book with our group, that is how we handle it.

    You are welcome to PM me if you would like to know anything else about our group, or just groups in general and I can give you some advice. There are some people that just prefer to book with the resort, but I am not sure why they prefer that over booking with a group. I think everyone has their own preference for that.

    You are also welcome to join our FB group (link below) if you want to know more.

    Happy planning!
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  4. #4
    Registered User FunFlirt's Avatar
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    There's really no downside to going with a group. The rates are almost always better and they give you an opportunity to participate in whatever activities they plan. You have a pre-established group of "friends" that will likely welcome you when you arrive, and most groups have pre-trip "chats" and/or e-mail-picture exchanges so you get to know each other. But there is no requirement to participate with them, or stick with them after you arrive, so if for some reason you completely misjudge the "vibe" of the group, just find other people to hang with. Our first trips were without a group, and we met great people and had a blast. Lately we've gone with a group, and we've met great people and had a blast. One other advantage is that the SECOND time you are with a group, you get to see all your friends. Going independently you may not have that opportunity. Either way, you will meet great people and have a wonderful time.

  5. #5
    Registered User sabinaandscott's Avatar
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    sccouple...you pretty much answered your own question within the question. The above responses are accurate...it's your vacation to so what and when you want...a group will offer some activities over and above the resort for added value. As stated you can or not participate...totally up to you!...Book with a group, get to know fellow travelers ahead of time...and when you walk into the resort, you have a ready made crew to party with.
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  6. #6
    Registered User The Travel Slut's Avatar
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    Every answer above is spot on. If you do nothing more than book with a group for significant savings you will be quite happy. Spend the savings on an excursion or gift. and enjoy your fun in the sun and delights at night.

  7. #7
    Registered User we2are469's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sccouple View Post
    Since we're planning our first trip, we were wondering what people's opinions were concerning booking with a group or independently through the resort.
    Also, what kind of benefits would there be with booking through a group? Such as rates, parties, access to online groups so we can get to know others beforehand, etc.
    For what it's worth, group travel is the best for all the above mentioned reasons. BUT its not always been the best cost wise, for us. We travel with two different groups but book the resort separately from the group. Our TA has always gotten us equal or better rates than the TA's associated with our groups. The resort has a new method of selling rooms, and I'm not sure how that is cost wise with the group rates. All groups will be happy to connect you with their TA's for free price quotes. The resort will also give you a quote, and with that information, make your choice. Some groups charge a fee, but you usually get some swag for that, plus special events to attend. In short, as was stated above, book with a group, get to know them on-line, and if you're not into their vibe on site, simple move on to other guests. It's your vacation.
    R
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  8. #8
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    I have always gotten the best deal going through a travel agent the deals in Hedo full time, usually DennyP. Unless the group that week insists you book only through them (like Fluffernutters or YSW) Go Classy, Tom's Strips or Castaways (all of which an independent like Denny can book as a subcontractor - no I am not associated with him) handle most of the groups. I have seen booking directly with Hedo be the same as the group for the week, but I have never seen them cheaper than the group for that week (in fact, most group contracts state that if Hedo is offering a cheaper price then the group gets a rebate for the difference).

    However, the absolutely WORST place to book Hedo is through online travel agents like Travelocity, Expedia, Trip Advisor, Kayak, etc. They are usually hundreds of dollars A NIGHT more expensive. I just checked the same days as our upcoming reservation last night - going direct with Hedo was $728 for the most expensive room while Travelocity was over $1100 PER NIGHT. The group rate was $700.

  9. #9
    Registered User sccouple's Avatar
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    Thank you all for the responses. This has definitely given us something to think about as far as booking. Now on to the research!

  10. #10
    Registered User we2are469's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by zork View Post
    I have always gotten the best deal going through a travel agent the deals in Hedo full time, usually DennyP. Unless the group that week insists you book only through them (like Fluffernutters or YSW) Go Classy, Tom's Strips or Castaways (all of which an independent like Denny can book as a subcontractor - no I am not associated with him) handle most of the groups. I have seen booking directly with Hedo be the same as the group for the week, but I have never seen them cheaper than the group for that week (in fact, most group contracts state that if Hedo is offering a cheaper price then the group gets a rebate for the difference).

    However, the absolutely WORST place to book Hedo is through online travel agents like Travelocity, Expedia, Trip Advisor, Kayak, etc. They are usually hundreds of dollars A NIGHT more expensive. I just checked the same days as our upcoming reservation last night - going direct with Hedo was $728 for the most expensive room while Travelocity was over $1100 PER NIGHT. The group rate was $700.
    Well Zork, with all due respect, we've never paid more than the group rate, but many times we have paid less, with an independant travel agent here in our home town who is familiar with H2 and is a guest there herself. We have never booked with Hedo directly.
    I keep a spread sheet of our visits to H2.
    All visits are in April of any given year, rooms are GP (lowest cat), and all numbers are in US dollars. Prices are PP/PN
    2017 TA's that specialize in H2: average price of 3 TA's, $176.61. Our TA price: $159.20 with allowed cancellation up to 8 days before departure.
    2016 TA's that specialize in H2: average price, $158.00. Our TA's price: $142.00 (plus free upgrade when we booked)
    2015, TA's that specialize in H2: average price, $154.78. Our TA's price:$154.78 this one is a push.
    And then there is this one from Orbitz.com (now owned by Expedia I believe)
    April 2011: $172.81 USD PP/PN, and that included airfare from Seattle.

    So, to the orignal poster, you do need to check out other sources for resort travel to H2.
    Do note that I'm in Canada, and we have a f#!ken exchange rate to deal with, but that is not included in the numbers above. And air was only factored in the Orbitz package. Also I too would avoid the big online travel web sites simply because they can't factor in vouchers and special deals like the 14/3 one.
    Life is too short for drama and petty things, so kiss slowly,
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  11. #11
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    we2are469: good thing you found a better travel agent then me, but I will note that Canadian and especially European prices at least used to be much lower than US prices (and you had to have the appropriate passport at check in or they would charge you the difference). I assume with the fall of the Canadian Dollar and the Euro (and especially the British Pound) over the last few years that is no longer the case.

  12. #12
    Registered User sexylady's Avatar
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    We try to get both of best worlds. We book with the groups, but stay independent doing our own things. We do take part in some group activities, but they are more exploratory than looking to belong to a group. We have booked with the Fluffs, but our favorite is Castaway, who give us the group rates, and leave us pretty much alone to do our own things.
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  13. #13
    Registered User we2are469's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by zork View Post
    we2are469: good thing you found a better travel agent then me, but I will note that Canadian and especially European prices at least used to be much lower than US prices (and you had to have the appropriate passport at check in or they would charge you the difference). I assume with the fall of the Canadian Dollar and the Euro (and especially the British Pound) over the last few years that is no longer the case.
    Very true Zork. When Super Clubs ran H2, they offered discounts to Canadians and especially those in Europe. That stopped (as did the passport checks) when the dollar got near par, and Super Clubs sold out. Up to a few years ago, our TA used Go Classy as a wholesaler, but these last few years she has done better elsewhere. I don't know if this is a reflection on changing sales methods under Harry or not. But the point is, there are deals to be had out there, you just have to dig for them. I would be interested in knowing how the new H2 sales promotions are working out compared to the group rates.
    Life is too short for drama and petty things, so kiss slowly,
    laugh insanely, fuck like you're the star of a porn film, and forgive quickly.


    Butt Crack Tours____________and ________ Biff's Bunch

  14. #14
    Registered User MrMrsHedoLvr's Avatar
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    We have been to Hedo the last 3 years now, the first year (2015) I used an online site and got a screaming deal that included airfair. Our second trip (2016) we decided to go with a group to experience that and just hotel without airfair was a lot more. A 1000.00 more. Our trip this year again I went back to the same online site ad again beat the group rate and again this had first class air included. Oh and all our trips were in June and is in USD.
    So the deals are out there you just need to spend a little time to find.
    H2 June 7-13, 2015 Virgin Trip
    H2 May 21-29, 2016
    H2 June 9-16, 2017
    H2 June 9-16, 2018
    H2 Dec 15-22, 2018
    H2 June 9-15, 2019
    H2 May 30 - June 6th 2020 Canceled due to COIVD
    H2 Dec 16-20, 2021

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    Bump....

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