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How to Get the Best Hotel Rate
Tips and procedures for getting the best rates for
overnight accommodations. Learn the retail price of the room you want, but note
that retail prices fluctuate wildly. But at least look
at the rates published on the hotel's Web site and also
phone them to find out if any better deals are available.
Sometimes yu can get the best deal by purchasing
air fare or car rental along with your hotel room.
1.
Check Hotel Web Site
Check the hotel's official Web site. be sure to
look for special packages and also for special
prices offered to seniors, members of AAA, members
of AARP, etc.
2.
Phone Hotel Directly
Call the hotel directly and try to get a better deal,
either by paying a lower rate, getting an upgraded room,
getting free parking, or breakfast included.
After you get a price from any hotel, always ask if they
have any special deals available during that time period.
I always like to book directly with a hotel if I can
get a decent rate from them. Often (but not always) you can get the cheapest
rate booking directly with a hotel if you book yoru room
on their Web site.
Before you book through
a third party site, make sure you can get your frequent
flyer miles or other incentive benefits if you don't
book directly with the hotel. Some people think you
have a better chance of getting the least desirable
room if you book through a third party broker.
3.
Check Main Travel Web Sites
Check the main travel sites, expecially
Orbitz,
Expedia, and
Travelocity, to see if you can get a better
deal, possibly by purchasing a package deal.
4.
Check Discount Hotel Sites
Check discount hotel broker Web sites such as
Lodging.com,
TravelWeb.com,
Hotels.com,
Priceline.com,
Quikbook.com,
TravelWeb.com, and
RoomSaver.com.
(note that Lodging.com was aquired by Orbitz)
5.
Check Blind Booking Hotel Sites
Check the sites where you won't know the name of your
hotel in advance, such as
Priceline.com and
Hotwire.com.
With Priceline and Hotwire, you can sometimes get
a very good deal if you use their "excess inventory"
service, but you won't know the name of your hotel
until the booking is complete. In some cases you
will bid on your hotel room with those services.
Both of those companies also give deals when you do
know your hotel in advance, but these savings may not
be as high.
The Web site BiddingForTravel.com is a place where
hotel room and travel services bidders share their
experiences. If you decide to bid on the
room, be sure to educate yourself in advance, and
know what similar rooms are going for elsewhere, so
you can make a suitably low bid.
Note that the price difference between hotel broker Web sites and
official hotel Web sites is narrowing. Many hotels and some
discount travel Web sites now guarantee their online
rate will be the lowest possible rate (they will
refund the difference).
More Ideas for Getting the Best Hotel Rate
Don't Travel During Peak Periods
Book during a travel region's low season. Find out exactly
when the lowest rates begin and end so none of your travel days
will be in the peak period. Look for weekend deals at business
hotels, and look for weekday deals at popular weekend B&B's and
holiday resorts.
Join Frequent Traveler Programs
Credit cards that let you earn miles or hotel credits,
frequent flying programs, frequent hotel stay programs, etc.
Check
WebFlyer.com for frequent traveler tips and special deals.
Try to bargain with a hotel for a better rate.
Ask for special discounts such as AAA, AARP, military personnel, etc.
Weekend deals at business
Avoid Hidden Costs:
- Parking fees
- Internet fees
- safe deposit boxes
- fitnes centers
- phone calls (don't make them from your hotel room)
Instead of using expensive hotel room service, order from
an outside restaurant or cafe that delivers.
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See also:
The Truth About Hotel Room Descriptions
Questions to Ask a Hotel before Booking
Where to Book Travel on the Web
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Related Links
Lodging in Hawaii - Main Menu
The Islands of Hawaii
Forum for Hawaii Visitors
Hawaii Travel Newsletter
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