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 Saving $$$ on Accommodations
There are nearly three-dozen different rates for hotel and motel rooms. The rate you get depends on many variables, including how much you know about the “art of negotiating” room rates. There are nearly as many ways to save money as their are room rates. Here are a few helpful hints:
Never book through the toll-free number. Call the central reservation line only to obtain the local phone number. While you have them on the phone, go ahead and get their room rate, just to use for leverage when dealing with the hotel or motel directly. As a general rule, travelers can save at least 10 percent off the rate by calling the property because the central reservation operators have no direct access to room availability and so they have no authority to negotiate or give a lower price than what is in their computer. Besides, the operator doesn’t know where the hotel is in proximity to area attractions. The operator can only recite a street address or exit ramp number that shows up on the computer. After talking to a desk clerk, you may realize you would be better off staying somewhere else.
Booking through a hotel’s Web site often guarantees discounts of at least 10 percent. Be sure to check out a hotel’s Web site before making a reservation. My advice is to compare the hotel’s rate against central reservation’s rates and those found on the Web site to determine which one is the lowest.
Additionally, the best day to reserve a room in on Sunday. Typically, revenue management is not working, so better deals can be obtained. If possible, speak directly with someone in sales or the manager on duty.
If you’re willing to take chances, don’t make a reservation and you may save big bucks. As travel expert Wendy Perrin points out, “The hotel room is a perishable commodity. If there’s room, the later you arrive, the more you can negotiate the rate down.” This means you should wait until at least 8 or 9 p.m.
Use a hotel discounter. Like a travel agent, they find the lowest price hotel that offers the amenities you desire. If you want a hotel in New York City for one week that’s within walking distance of the theater district, it would be cheaper and easier to use one of these companies than to call several hotels. Depending on the company, a hotel discounter will provide either a written confirmation or prepaid vouchers, which are presented at check-in. Call the hotel and check its rate against a few discounters to verify the lowest rate. Hotel discounters aren’t always lower. Also, do not use a discounter that charges service fees, such as for booking or cancellation. Make sure to get a confirmation number. Use a charge card so
that you may refuse payment if there’s a problem.
Hotel Reservations Network is a free booking service that promises up to 70 percent off 1,500 hotel rooms in 29 U.S. and nine foreign cities. No booking fee but $50 cancellation fee. They guarantee rooms available for sold out dates, although these rooms are not necessarily discounted. 8140 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 203, Dallas, TX 75231. 800-964-6835.
Quikbook does not charge a membership or service fee and claims to discount(up to 50 percent) 200 hotels in several major U.S. cities. No booking or cancellation fee. Consumer Reports Travel Letter rated this the top hotel discounter, citing their rate was lower 85 percent of the time. 800-789-9887.
Another option is to stay in a hostel. They are one of the cheapest ways for people of all ages to see the world. If you haven’t considered this kind of lodging before, you really should. They’re not just for college kids or backpackers--at least not anymore. In fact, Elderhostel has appreciated their value and used them for years on many of their programs. In Europe, many hostels offer private “family rooms.” A good place to start is Hostelling International’s web site. Additionally, there are some independently owned and operated hostels that are better than many motels. For example, Arnott’s Lodge on Hawaii’s Big Island (808-969-7097) has dorms and private rooms. Or, try Banana Bungalow Maui (800-846-7835 or 808-242-8999).
You may also opt to join a travel club, participate in a hotel’s frequent traveler reward program, home swap, use a company specializing in affordable worldwide rental properties (Stay a week in a Paris flat for less than it would cost to stay two nights in a hotel!), purchase discount coupon books, etc. Just be sure to mention anything that might entitle you to a discount, such as being a government employee, age, or membership in organizations such as AARP or AAA when making the reservation to ensure you are charged the best room rate. If anyone in your group merits a discount, be sure to book the room in that person’s name. Ask that a confirmation be faxed, e-mailed, or mailed to you and be sure to take it with you If a different rate is charged at check-in, show the written confirmation. The property must honor the rate they promised, if you have written proof. I cannot emphasize enough how important that written confirmation will be if there is a dispute, which often occurs. If traveling with your pet, you might want to check out Dogfriendly.com and Petswelcome.com for listings of affordable, pet-friendly hotels, Bed & Breakfast Inns, and campgrounds.
This article is compiled from Chapter Six of The Encyclopedia of Cheap Travel: 1,000 Companies, Consolidators, Agencies, and Resources.
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