Do it by the book and save money

Q&A: Marlane Fraser-Smith, the director of The Entertainer Travel.

Doesn't the internet provide a whole host of ways to get cheap hotel deals? There are not that many hotels throughout the Middle East and we have all the major brands. These are places that people really want to go, not unbranded hotels

The only major international chain that you do not seem to have is Hilton. Hotels tend to do things on an individual basis even though they are part of a chain. Hilton also has its own loyalty programme. But it is likely that we will include them next year.

How does the consumer know that the rate they are being charged is not just an inflated rate? The hotels must offer the best available rate, not their highest or published rate. The hotels have come to the party based on our history over the past 10 years.

The Entertainer books are usually the best way to get a free pass at a water park or money off a steak at Atlantis, but the discount providers have also now ventured into the big ticket market.

The company's motto is "never pay full price again" and they are now applying this to hotels around the Middle East and North Africa, as well as further afield.

Priced at Dh395 (US$107.55), the Entertainer Travel gives two-for-one vouchers for a two-night stay at more than 50 hotels in the region.

On top of the two-night vouchers, the book also offers either 10 or 20 per cent off at more than 100 hotels for as long as your boss will give you time off. The hotels all throw in a free breakfast, with one in the Maldives even offering champagne each morning.

All the hotels in the book are rated either four or five stars, so it is not necessarily for those looking for a cheap getaway.

The Entertainer Travel offers deals at most of the major hotel chains in Abu Dhabi and Dubai such as the InterContinental, the Fairmont and the Shangri-La, with the exception of Hilton and Jumeirah. If you are looking to get outside of the big cities for a break, there is the Banyan Tree in Ras al Khaimah or the Golden Tulip in Musandam.

"We are a membership: people buy the book and they get a card. It's year round discounts and we will also send tactical offers through the year in a news letter," said Marlane Fraser-Smith, the director for The Entertainer Travel.

Those booking rooms will have to quote their card membership number when they book and one card can be used for only one room at a time. "Depending on the price the hotel is offering at the time, people could save about Dh2,500 if they stayed at the Banyan Tree for two nights," said Ms Fraser-Smith.

That saving is minus the price of the book of course.