As the supposed end of the world approaches on December 21, 2012, some are taking to underground shelters and Apocalypse safe zones to try to survive doomsday. However others are taking to hotels to have a party at hotels. Several hotels are using doomsday as inspiration for end of the world packages.
With the 5,125-year Mayan calendar ending on Dec. 21, many believe that the world might actually be ending that day. Some are traveling to places like Bugarach, France, Sirince, Turkey and Mount Rtanj in Serbia, as there are rumors that these places are apocalypse safe zones.
However if the world is really ending, why not go out with the party of a lifetime? That's what several hotels are baking on, even though the Mayan's themselves say that this won't be the end.
"Despite popular beliefs that the end of the Maya calendar on Dec. 21, 2012, coincides with the end of the world, the Maya people actually view the event as a new beginning, the awakening of a period for self-reflection, rejuvenation and reconnection with nature," Laila Medina, spa director of Sandos Hotels & Resorts, which operates several resorts along Mexico's Riviera Maya told NBC.
However for those who aren't convinced or for those who just want an excuse to party, at a hefty end of the world price, several hotels have Doomsday packages.
The Keating hotel in San Diego is offering a "End of the World" package that includes a last supper and even a fitness class designed around outrunning zombies. The price? $666. According to CNBC, so far 15 rooms have been booked with this package, making it one of the most popular for the hotel.
There is also a special deal for those who plan to make it through doomsday.
"If you pre-pay for your room after the 21st, you get a 40 percent discount so it's kind of a gamble," Christos Brooks, the Keating's standards and operations director told CNBC. "You can pay for your room and if the world doesn't end, you get a great bargain. But if it does, you lose your money. Based on the booking we have seen so far the world's going to continue to go on."
The Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa has packages focusing on Mayan ceremonies, according to NBC. With rates starting at $220 per night, guests at this resort on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen can have meet and greets with the indigenous people of Coba. If the world doesn't end of the 21st, a special Mayan breakfast will be served on Dec. 22.
The Rosewood Mayakoba along the Riviera Maya has two Mayan-themed packages. One is the 5-day Rosewood Rebirth Package which includes guided tours of Coba and other sites, lectures, and a New Beginning's Eve beach party as the Mayans believe this date marks a new start. The package costs $6,400 per couple. While that may seem pricey, that's nothing compared to the Ultimate New Beginning package which includes a spiritual cleansing with a Mayan shaman priest along, a private helicopter ride to a tour of architectural sites led by an archaeologist and high-end amenities. This package is $79,000 per couple.
The Curtis hotel in Denver is all about the party. Their "Party Like There's No To-Maya package is priced at $12,021, but it is made for 25 people. You and your two dozen friends get to occupy the whole 15th floor which includes 26 rooms. The package also includes a private party and apocalypse themed specials such as freeze-dried foods, gas masks and water-purification tablets. Those who survive doomsday get a morning-after brunch.
If you'd like to celebrate Mayan culture without heading to Mexico, the Palomar hotel in Philadelphia is offering a special Local Arts package with the Penn Museum. This package, with rates starting at $239 per night, includes accommodations, free parking and two VIP tickets to the museum's Maya 2012: Lords of Time exhibit, which has Mayan sculptures, artifacts and other things.
The Waverton Hotel in Chicago could be a fun doomsday stay for the kids as it has a Mayan-themed indoor waterpark. The hotel's End of the Mayan Calendar package includes accomodations, access for four to the waterpark, Mayan-themed foods, games and crafts. Rooms are priced low at only $99 on Dec. 21 and a 50 percent discount is available on a second night.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
