How to Name Your Own Price on Motels

Many motels keep discounted room rates a secret and many travelers do not know how to go about getting discounts on their accommodations. Imagine coming into town for a weekend trip of fishing, climbing or hiking and being able to name your own price on a motel. While price bidding may not work for all rooms, it can be done by anyone without the need for travel agencies. Some preparation and savvy talking can save you a bundle of money on your next excursion.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Prior to Arrival

Step 1

Research published rates and have a range in mind that you're willing to pay, such as 10 to 15 percent less than the published rate. Use online negotiation tools such as Priceline's Negotiator as well as other travel sites like Expedia or Travelocity to get an idea of a reasonable rate that you can use as a baseline for discounted room rates.

Step 2

Plan to negotiate within the amount that you located online before calling, keeping in mind that not all discounts may be offered over the phone. Further negotiation at the motel may be necessary.

Step 3

Call as early as possible to reserve your room. Contact the hotel's local number to ask if any discounts are available, using your knowledge of published discounted rates.

Step 4

Request any additional discounts based on AAA or AARP memberships, hotel industry employees, local business affiliations or company discounts.

Step 5

Request a reservation number from the person that takes your reservation over the phone. Double check on the availability of your discount before you arrive, just in case the reservation was not entered correctly.

Step 6

Check on discount travel sites for updated deals just prior to departing for your trip for current discount rates. Print these discounts for proof of offered discounted rates to show to the motel clerk upon arrival.

After Arrival

Step 1

Upon arriving at the hotel, negotiate additional discounts or low-priced rooms, using your printed proof of current discounts offered.

Step 2

Name your price. Offer a price that is within range of the motel's price range and be persistent but friendly. Talk to a manager if the front-desk clerk is unwilling to budge, but most clerks have the ability to offer rooms at a lower rate than published.

Step 3

Ask for adjoining suites or any other previously unrentable rooms if the hotel will not budge on price. Some suites cannot be sold at full capacity and rooms adjacent to parties that are not using the full space can be rented at a discounted rate.

Step 4

Ask for added amenities, such as a poolside room, dining vouchers at the motel or nearby restaurant, or coupons for a local attraction. Keep in mind that some clerks will have authority to allow access to these amenities in response to a customer unwilling to pay published rates.

Tips & Warnings

Let the clerk know that you're flexible, and willing to take an unrentable room. Most hotels have the ability to rent rooms that have small problems such as stained floors or broken appliances. Hotels that are not 100 percent full are eager to sell rooms and will be more willing to accept negotiations. Motels that are near capacity are less likely to accept a request for a discounted room rate, so if you're looking for a discount, it's best to attempt one during the off-season or during slower periods, such as midweek. Using Priceline Negotiator or an online travel agent may be the best choice for high-demand hotel rooms.

Motels that are near capacity are less likely to accept a request for a discounted room rate, so if you're looking for a discount, it's best to attempt one during the off-season or during slower periods, such as midweek. Using Priceline Negotiator or an online travel agent may be the best choice for high-demand hotel rooms.

Resources

Article Written By Lauren Thompson

Lauren Thompson lives in Kansas City, Missouri and works as both a writer and freelancer. Her background is in technical and spec writing for the information technology industry, as well as financial services. She also writes opinion and editorial articles for KCParent and Parents Edge, specializing in entertainment, food and political realms.

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