10 Ways to Save on Christmas Vacation

It happens every year: a dreaded telephone call to a place such as Little Nell in Aspen or Eden Roc in St. Bart's inquiring about those seven coveted nights between Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 better known as the "Christmas Getaway."

It seems that what was once an October practice is moving earlier and earlier every year, with Christmas rooms selling out as early as June for coveted destinations such as St. Bart's, Aspen and St. Moritz.

After calling around to lots of hotel chains, we celebrate Christmas in July with 10 festive tips for landing that coveted holiday room before it's too late.

1) Think Outside the Box
With Christmas falling on a Thursday in 2008, try booking a room for between Dec. 21 and Dec. 26 instead of the usual Christmas week. Room rates usually increase on the 26th, meaning that you'll also save a stocking-full of cash. Plus, you'll probably get to forgo that painful Secret Santa with all the office misfits on Christmas Eve.

2) Avoid the Chains
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek increases its room rates by over 90% from Dec. 24 compared with the week prior to Christmas, while local boutique hotels such Kimpton's Sky Hotel increase by no more than 30%. While facilities and services might not be comparable, you can upgrade to a better room category or splurge on some spa treatments with the money saved.

3) Bundle It Up
If you absolutely must stay at a luxury chain, inquire about special promotions, such as the Ski Package offered by Four Seasons Whistler. While room rates rise to $875 CAD (US$890) during the holiday period, a special ski incentive that includes two lift tickets and full breakfast is a mere $50 CAD (US$42) more per night.