2011
11
May
Question from a reader: "Is this TeamBuy deal a good deal?"
11
May
Dennis writes...
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Hi Chris,
I have been following your blog for years.
My girlfriend had spotted a deal the other day on teambuy and I just wanted your opinion if it is a good deal or not.
The deal is 7 Day stay in Los Cabos
I was thinking about staying at the Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe in a Junior Suite.
From Sept 3 to Sept 10.
Costing 1079 with taxes.
Is it a good deal even during hurricane season?
The link is below:
http://www.teambuy.ca/calgary/referral/riqimvob/28131896/
Best Regards,
Dennis
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Hi Dennis,
Wow, has it been years since I first started the Calgary blog? Well, I guess technically it has. Just took a look and it says it's been active for 1 year, 3 months. Crazy. Thanks for checking it out!
The TeamBuy deal is interesting to me. Let's analyze it!
The true cost of buying the TeamBuy deal (once you've read the fine print) appears to be $699 + $280 taxes/person, or $979/person after tax.
And that gets you...
- the flight (direct from Calgary)
- 7 nights at Royal Solaris resort in Los Cabos, Mexico (all inclusive, with food & drink)
- departure must be in September
or, for $1079/person after tax, you can get the Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe instead, which is the one you're looking at.
So, how does that compare to what the Canadian tour operators are offering in September at the moment?
It looks like the cheapest packages for the Royal Solaris in September are going for $1124/person after tax (Sunwing is cheapest). So there does indeed seem to be about a 13% discount using TeamBuy. Not incredible, but hey, it does look to be a better deal than the Canadian tour operators.
And how about just booking it through, say, Expedia, Orbitz or Bookit? A search on there reveals it would cost you about $1057/person after tax. But the flights are likely worse (not direct).
So overall I would say the TeamBuy deal for the Royal Solaris is about 8% cheaper than you could buy it somewhere else.
But forget the Royal Solaris, for $100 more, the Barcelo Los Cabos is a *much* better deal. It gets significantly better reviews on TripAdvisor. For a hundred bucks you're basically going from an average resort to one that is in the realm of 'very nice'. Money well spent.
The cheapest from the Canadian tour operators is around $1364 for the Barcelo. And even more expensive on Expedia/Orbitz/Bookit.
So if you can get it for $1079/person after tax, I would say you're getting a true 20% discount off the cheapest price available.
As you've noted though, you *are* restricted to going in September, so just be aware of the statistical risk you're taking in regards to weather!
source: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastprofile.shtml#cp100
Overall though, while the deal may not be mind blowing, I would say it's as good or better than you'll find in September at the moment from anywhere else. (Emphasis on 'at the moment')
But you could just significantly reduce your weather risk and head south in say, June, and go to the Catalonia Playa Maroma or the Catalonia Yucatan on the Mayan side of Mexico for $888/person after tax. They are of similar resort quality (or slightly higher in regards to the Catalonia Yucatan) and $200/person cheaper than the TeamBuy deal.
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3 Responses to "Question from a reader: "Is this TeamBuy deal a good deal?""
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Great review - I actually just spoke to the tour operator Travel TST or something. Just bought it! :) 1 of 4 so far.
Excellent, have fun Jamie! Hope the weather Gods are nice to you in September!
Thanks for your help Chris! It will definitely help me make my decision.