How to Get a Better Deal on Hotel Rooms
by wmasters on 07/09/09 at 11:38 am
Most hotels, both in the US and internationally are not filled to capacity except during peak season or major local events. This means that, unless you are planning on visiting Cape Town during the 2010 World Cup, for example, that often there are rooms going spare in the hotel which are not earning the hoteliers any money. Armed with this knowledge you can often negotiate a better deal with them than the prices they offer as standard.
When you are looking at booking accommodation for your vacation, always phone the hotel directly, not any intermediary. The agents that book hotels for you want you to book through them so they make their commission, but have no motivation to find you a particularly good deal. Ask if the hotel has any particular offers on for the days you are staying – you might be surprised to find they will often find a better package for you. Even if there isn’t a better deal, ask about getting a corporate rate and you can often make a big saving on your rooms, even if your trip has nothing to do with business.
Shopping around when you are booking hotels can also lead to other perks and savings. If you let the booking clerks know that you are considering their competitors and even what price you have been quoted for other rooms, you will sometimes find that they can offer you a better deal, or include a free breakfast in the price, for example.
When you reach the hotel verify that the price you have agreed is what they are charging you and check to see if they can improve on it. Even if they can’t, see if you can upgrade to a better room or get a room with a better view. The hotel will be keen to keep your business and encourage you to stay so they will often be quite accommodating in providing additional perks.
Whenever you are dealing with the hotel be friendly, polite and approachable. The staff will be much more inclined to help you out and find you a great deal if they like you.
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