Camping out

Because of the economy, travel related businesses are particularly hard hit for customers. Here is one innovative way a resort is trying to attract guests.

A luxury resort in San Diego is offering rooms for $19 a night — if you don't mind sleeping in a tent.

The Rancho Bernardo Inn boasts three pools, a spa and golf course. It typically charges more than $200 a room.

But business is down. So from Aug. 16 to 31, guests can get a "Survivor Package" that charges them less for each amenity they give up.

So far as luxury resorts go, $200 is quite a bargain. I used to travel to Southern California on a regular basis as recently as 2001. Hotels in some parts of Los Angeles were in the $150-200 range. Have prices dropped that much due to the present economy?

For $19, guests give up breakfast, air conditioning, lights, sheets and even the bed. Staff will remove the mattress and headboard and leave a small tent instead.

Will the hotel provide mosquitos or the sound of crickets chirping? Of course, but they will be extra!

Oh, and bring your own toilet paper.

You can count me out then. I don't think this business model will be successful.