New 'Secret' Site Promises Hotel Discounts

A new website, SniqueAway, is joining the ranks of those holding members-only private sales on luxury hotel rooms. But this site bears particular watching: It's been created by TripAdvisor's Smarter Travel Media.

SniqueAway (as in "sneak away") claims in promotional materials to be "the first members-only site where each offer is endorsed by the people."

The site will have limited-time deals that are posted with corresponding TripAdvisor reviews by travelers. All the featured hotels are 4- or 5-star TripAdvisor rated.

A spokeswoman says discounts will run as much as 54%-70% off published hotel rates.

There is no cost to join SniqueAway, but an invitation is required. You can request a charter membership at the site or get referred by someone already a member.

"We've watched and learned and now we're ready to party with the players who have proven the private sale model is a winner," says Massimo De Nadai, general manager of Smarter Travel Media.

Booking opens Sept. 20. The site is starting up with offers in Bermuda, West Virginia, Boston, Vermont, Virginia and Barbados, according to the spokeswoman.

Initial plans are for three new sales to be added weekly. Members are notified of each week's "Escapes" via email and the deals are available for a week or until they are sold out.