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Step 1
Ask about hotel and motel discounts up front. Let them know that you are a shrewd shopper and that, if you don't get the right price, you will go elsewhere for your room. If they say there are no discounts, mention the company you work for or any large organizations you belong to and add that they always get a discount at this or some other hotel. You are really just letting them know that you'll keep looking if need be.
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Step 2
Always let them know if you belong to AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) as almost all hotels and motels offer discounts to their members. You can belong to AARP for a few dollars a year and there are many benefits, cheaper travel and accommodations are just one of them. Go the AARP website to find out more about it (see Resources).
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Step 3
Don't use a free number to get a discounted room rate as the people who staff the toll free numbers don't have the authority to give discounts. If it's a big hotel chain, the person you speak to may be a long way from the area you're calling about. Call the hotel and ask to speak to a manager who has the authority to help you get a great rate. If he believes that you'll keep calling elsewhere and he needs to fill up his rooms, he'll lower the rates for you.
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Step 4
Travel during the week. The beginning of the week is best. Avoid Friday night and weekends as those are usually the most booked. It doesn't mean they won't have a room open for you on that day that they'd give you at a better rate but it does mean that you will have to talk to them on the day you get there. This works fine if it's not a busy time for any of the hotels there, but there is a risk in waiting until the last minute. You may get no one with rooms or willing to negotiate with you.
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Step 5
Haggle a little bit. If the first discount is not much of a deal, tell them it's more than you budgeted or are willing to pay for a room. You can tell them you're considering a trip but you can't go unless you can get accommodations that you can afford.
