How to Find the Best Hotel Rates

When most people check in to a hotel they will take whatever rate the desk clerk gives them. Often this is the Rack Rate, the highest rate per room that the hotel will charge. However, if you take a little time to surf the web and call hotels direct your savings will be anywhere from 10%-60% on average.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Notepad
• Phone
• Internet
• A little time to plan

1. Check the hotel's website. Here you will find their Rack Rate, along with a few discounted rates. This gives you a starting point.
2. Check sites like travelocity and expedia for discounted room rates (links below).
3. Call the hotel direct. Ask for any discount you may qualify for (AAA, AARP, Military, Senior, Corporate, Preferred Customer, etc.)
4. Check the Chamber of Commerce site for the city you are visiting. You will sometimes find room rate discounts up to 60% here.
5. When booking 10 or more rooms contact the Group Reservationist or Sales Manager directly. Large blocks of rooms receive bigger discounts. If you will need to use a banquet room during your stay these employees will be able to assist you with those details also.
6. When you plan to visit the same hotel repeatedly over several months you should contact the Sales Department to see if they will offer you a discount. Give them an estimate of the number of nights you plan on staying.
7. Ask for a room upgrade.
8. If your room is not up to your standards you should call the front desk immediately. If they are unable to remedy the situation this could work to your advantage. Most hotels offer a customer satisfaction guarantee that allows for incredible discounts off of your room rate.
9. If where you stay is not important you should book a room in a hotel that is close to 100% capacity. When a hotel overbooks rooms (sells more than they have) and all the guests show up they are obligated to pay for one night at another property. Most will also include a phone call to let someone know where you are. Some will even include a breakfast.
   
   If rooms are still available when you arrive there is a good chance your room type will have sold out and you will be upgraded to a much higher priced room for free.

Tips & Warnings

• Join your favorite chain's preferred guest program.
• Be flexible. Hotels will pay for your inconvenience to keep you happy.
• Do not use these tips to scam hotels. Most franchises keep track of guests who frequently abuse the system.