Avia Collinder, Business Reporter

If you are experiencing a wish to spend the rest of August away from home, your options for a respite are many, whether you choose rest in rustic surroundings, or an ultra-modern resort.

What you will pay for the pleasure, however, depends upon what you are willing to settle for.

Prices are quoted in US dollars, with each property using its own conversion rate for bills settled in Jamaican currency.

You are going to need your calculator as you call and compare to properly plan your 'stay-cation' - holidaying close to home.

Note that rates are frequently adjusted and may change week to week.

Local rates

In late July, the local rates quoted to Sunday Business for all-inclusive luxury stays were as high as US$345.80 per night, which was a discounted price, or as low as US$130 double occupancy.

If you are satisfied with the European plan hotel - room and breakfast only - then rates as low as US$71 single or double occupancy are available.

On the south coast, the secluded Treasure Beach Hotel offers a garden view room at US$71 ($5,680) and the deluxe ocean front US$82.78 ($6,622.40) - both single or double occupancy - from the first to the 15th of August.

The exchange rate of J$80 to US$1 is currently being used at the hotel, but this may change this month.

Meals are not included in the stated price, but there are restaurants on property where they can be purchased.

At the other end of the spectrum is the all-inclusive Sandals chain where very few rooms were available for the month of August.

However, at the Sandals Grande in Ocho Rios, Jamaicans can get a 65 per cent discount, or rooms at US$345.80 per night for a plantation suite with which comes a swimming pool shared with only three other couples.

Miles of moonlit beach

Also in this category is Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away, where couples will pay US$300 nightly for the pleasure of accommodation situated on miles of moonlit beach.

The cheapest all-inclusive deal appears to be Merrils Beach Resort in Negril, where charges are US$130 for two persons per night until the end of July.

The hotel is fully booked from August 1 to 15, but thereafter, the US$130 rate will resume. The hotel promises private balconies over-looking Merrils' own botanical gardens or the beautiful Caribbean sea.

SuperClubs super-inclusive summer deal is at Breezes Montego Bay, where prices are US$180 per couple per night. All meals, drinks, activities and entertainment are included.

Accommodations feature air-conditioned guest rooms and suites with mahogany furnishings.

Restaurants include Jimmy's Buffet and The Terrace. The upgraded gym is also an attraction.

At Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, on the cusp of Rose Hall in Montego Bay, you can choose between standard or garden - view rooms for an all-inclusive price of US$151 per night single, while for couples, the charge will be US$189.

For ocean-view rooms, the charge will be higher. The beachfront property promises "fresh accommodations, conscientious staff and endless activities".

European plans

Crane Ridge resort in Ocho Rios offers European plans, ranging from US$95 to US$172.41, including packages for families.

Continental breakfast is served each day and other meals may be purchased on property at the hotel's restaurant.

In Negril, The Palms will charge US$198 double occupancy from August 10 to 13, with a special immediately following for US$150 double occupancy during weekdays. Weekends will cost you US$198.

At Cocolapalm Seaside Resort in Negril, you will find rooms as cheap as US$76.87 double occupancy.

No meals are included, however, and the hotel is fully booked from August 6 to 9.

The property boasts distinctive architecture and lush gardens.

Shields Negril villa features rooms equipped for single, double, triple or quadruple occupancy. The villa is booked out from August 4-11, but for other nights, the rate is US$80 per night for two persons, breakfast included. A restaurant, where other meals may be purchased, is on the property.

What if you want to get away from the island altogether - maybe for a spot of shopping or to see Disney World with your family?

A relatively cheap destination is Florida in the United States. Fares as low as J$24,000 are currently being quoted.

Discount fares on Air Jamaica are advertised at US$79 between August 12 and 18. Add taxes and other charges.

Spirit Air fares per passenger between August 2 and 20 from Kingston to Fort Lauderdale (including all taxes and fees) range between US$140.56 and US$175.56.

On American Airlines, the return fare from Kingston to Miami for the same period is J$29,438, including tax. Quotes for fares may change on a weekly basis.

In Miami and its surroundings, it is possible to find rooms as cheap as US$39 nightly.

The Econo Lodge in Fort Lauderdale offers free continental breakfast, free stay for children under 17, and a heated pool for US$39 nightly.

Days Inn in the city is US$45, with coffee thrown in.

The Ramada Inn 4 on 49th Street offers free airport shuttle, pool, free cable and accommodation for US$58, while other prices range up to US$99 per night.

avia.collinder@gleanerjm.com