Got kids? Add-on waived for single parents

Two resort chains here are waiving their single supplements: FDR Holidays, through Dec. 19, and Beaches Resorts during September. Commission is 13% from both.

Beaches' Single Parents Month promotion is applicable at Beaches Sandy Bay, Beaches Negril, Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club and Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa.

For September stays, the chain will also discount its rack rates by 35% for single parents and host special meet-and-greet cocktail receptions, with or without the kids.

Current rack rates at Beaches Boscobel (which opened in July) start at $255 per person, per night, double, for a deluxe family room. A two-night minimum stay is required.

During the September special, the rate for single parents at Boscobel is $166 per night, which represents a 35% discount off the rack rate, and the single-supplement savings is $160 per night.

The rate for children age 2 to 15 is $80 per child, per night; there is no charge for children under age 2. "We cater to children from 6 months old," said Jeff McKitty, general manager.

Boscobel's children's center, open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., has separate facilities and staffs for kids, depending upon their ages. Groups include those up to age 4, age 4 to 7 and 8 to 12.

Children 13 years and older have their own teen center that McKitty likened to "a non-alcoholic sports bar."

For information, call (888) BEACHES or visit the Web site at www.beaches.com.

For FDR Holidays, the single parent special is a promotion the company has undertaken annually for about five years.

FDR Holidays owns and operates Franklyn D. Resort in Runaway Bay and FDR Pebbles in Trelawny.

The usual nightly single supplement at Franklyn D. Resort is $75; at FDR Pebbles it is $50 for oceanview and $70 for oceanfront rooms.

Families are assigned a Vacation Nanny at either FDR resort. "We realize things are hard for single parents," said Tina Yap, marketing director.

Inclusive rates at the Franklyn D. Resort range from $1,750 to $2,100 per person, per week, for a one or two-bedroom suite. Children under age 16 stay free in the parent's suite.

For more information, contact FDR Holidays at (800) 654-1FDR; e-mail: fdr@fdrholidays.com; or visit the Web at www.fdrholidays.com.