How to Get Better Deals at Hotels

Many travelers rely on the Internet to get them the best hotel deals possible. However, you can get deals on hotel rates through other methods, including negotiation. There are different options or techniques to save money on your hotel stay, so do not limit yourself to one. Combining multiple approaches helps ensure you get the lowest rate possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Research and Negotiation

Step 1

Research available rates at hotels on multiple websites, including new search engines that may provide new features for your search to help ensure you get the best deal. For example, bing.com/travel provides price predictions for some hotels and also rate indicators that compare the price for your dates to the same dates previous years and dates within the same week as your dates. Also check the hotels' websites directly to see if they provide a lower rate or a comparable rate without additional booking fees.

Step 2

Look at hotel calendars, where available. Some hotels provide calendars, so you can check the price for different dates and see how much of a price gap there is. Sometimes just one day can make a difference of hundreds of dollars.

Step 3

Contact the hotel directly. Call the actual hotel's phone number, not an 800 number that will probably be for all hotel locations of the company. Look for the phone number with the region's area code.

Step 4

Negotiate with hotel staff. Ask for the manager if you get into a stalemate, as managers are often able to provide you with greater discounts than other employees can. Consumer Reports found that 83 percent of people who tried to negotiate a better rate at a hotel succeeded.

Step 5

Book the hotel using the method that provides the lowest rate. Keep in mind that changes to your reservation may result in extra charges, and these charges may vary depending on your booking method. Take into account the likelihood of having to change your reservation when you decide the method you will take.

Step 6

Ask about discounts and deals available at the hotel. Meals or recreational activities may be available at a discount. Check with the concierge or manager at the hotel.

Coupons and Discounts

Step 1

Look in coupon books for hotel discount coupons. Read the details of the coupons to be sure it will work for your stay. Also remember that some hotel companies have several hotel chains affiliated with them, so a coupon may apply to more than one hotel you are considering.

Step 2

Review publications to see if any advertisements provide a good rate option or discount. Even if you do not receive publications that are likely to have these advertisements, like travel magazines, you can find them in bookstores and libraries, among other places.

Step 3

Contact your credit card provider, motor club or other group that may provide discounts for hotels. These companies may provide information on discounts on their websites, and you can also call them directly.

Article Written By Gina Todorovich

Gina Todorovich has been writing for six years. She's edited and written for a monthly magazine, as well as for the college newspaper. She also drafted reports for a government agency. Todorovich works with online content management and editing. Todorovich has a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Pacific Union College.

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