Lots of Buzz about Travelzoo, of course. And their newish President C.J. Kettler, too. Have a look at this  appealing promotion copy on the Travelzoo site:

Enjoy the beautiful spring weather and treat yourself to an upscale weekend in Manhattan.  The luxurious Jumeirah Essex House hotel has just released a special rate of $329 per night for Friday-Sunday stays through June 1.  Plus, a FREE daily breakfast for 2 (a $66 value) is included for your stay. Here's where the deal gets even hotter: Stay both Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday is 50% OFF, effectively bringing the rate down to an incredible $274 per night.  We rarely see this upscale hotel running for less than $500 per night, so even if you can only take advantage of the Friday- and Saturday-night rate, you'll still rack up terrific savings.

What factors drive Travelzoo’s success with such discounts?  “A combination of how much the trip has cost in the past, how much individual components would cost, and more,” Kettler says.  “We don’t break out luxury as a segment because we see it as aspirational. If you can afford it you will buy it.”

Travelzoo, which claims 11 million registered users, works with suppliers to come up with good deals—and then charges them to appear on the site.

Harvey Chipkin