Saving money on hotels

Kim · **Saving money on hotels**

What are your tips and tricks for getting the best price on hotel accomodations? When you're there, how do you save money?

*If a continental breakfast isn't included, we bring along something to eat in the morning.

*Pack snacks, beverage, sodas, etc. to avoid vending machine or minibar charges

*Use your cell phone instead of the hotel phone to avoid connection charges

*Sign up for rewards programs at hotels you visit on a regular basis

3lynns · 03-04-2008, 08:32 AM

*Don't be afraid to negotiate or ask for a upgrade. The worst they are going to say is no.

*Shop around

*Pack a cooler if possible and buy snacks ahead of time

*If something isn't right let a Manager know right away. Don't wait until you check out as you will end up having a horrible time because of it. Plus if it is something really irritating you may get a free breakfast or something out of it.

*Definately use your cell phone rather then the room phone.

*Have the desk turn off the on demand movies. You will be surprised how many people "accidentally" turn it on and then are charged for the whole thing.

I know there are a ton more! I used to be a Operations Manager at a Sheraton and you would be surprised at some of the things people do to get a better deal. I will add more as I think of them.

skimommy · 03-04-2008, 08:38 AM

What can I add to your great tips?

Booking ahead of time and having a choice is a huge one. We are staying in Vermont in July. I was able to find a Stay for 3, get 1 free deal on a Family room w/continental breakfast included.

Chose a hotel with a pool. If we have a pool then we have entertainment for the evening and don't feel the need to drive somewhere for something to do.

Make a good list for your trip/stay. If you forget things you'll be spending money.

Shop ahead for dining. When you are really hungry you'll settle for whatever is convenient.

3lynns · 03-04-2008, 08:44 AM

Thanks skimommy! I thought of some more!

*Back to the entertainment part. Bring games. Even if there is a pool sometimes we just sit around a table and play Yahtzee or Scrabble of something to entertain.

*If going furthur from your vacinity and staying like a week. Look into purchasing the Entertainment book. It could save you tons of cash in just that short time.

deemom · 03-04-2008, 09:36 AM

I've been told you will get a cheaper rate by booking a room if you call that specific hotel instead of the 1-800 number associated with that chain.

3lynns · 03-04-2008, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deemom

I've been told you will get a cheaper rate by booking a room if you call that specific hotel instead of the 1-800 number associated with that chain.

Yes that is an excellent tip and that is also the time that you can negotiate with them on a price. The 800 #'s are only seeing what is on their computer screen where as the hotel will know specifics as well. Room type and size. What is really on the buffet. Are there any scheduled renovations that might create a lot of noise. Or big conventions going on.

*Ask about conventions and events going on. Typically when there is something huge going on the prices will go up

*Try and go during the week if possible. Rates tend to be lower then weekend rates.

Cookie2 · 03-04-2008, 11:07 AM

- Use discount cards such as AAA. Ask the clerk which discount will give you the best deal.

- Review your bill before you check out. Make sure you're not paying for something you didn't buy.

- If you guarantee your reservation, make sure you cancel in time if you need cancel.

- Compare various room configurations. The standard room is two queen beds so this is usually the cheapest however hotels often run discounts on other configurations.

- If you smoke, be sure to ask for and get a smoking room. There is a huge extra charge for smoking in non-smoking rooms.

- Ask about the local taxes. Sometimes if you opt for a hotel outside of the city core or even in another nearby city, you will save significantly on paying extra taxes.

- Ask about all extra fees. For instance, it is silly to pay $20 a night extra just to park your car if the hotel down the road has free parking. If there is valet service, take into account what you'll pay for tips.

- Look on the hotels website for special packages. Why not get the 'anniversary special' if it is the same price or cheaper than the standard room.

- If you are travelling to a vacation destination, look for a hotel in the business district. Business hotels are almost empty during weekends and they deeply discount their rooms. The opposite is true for resort areas. The resorts empty out mid-week so they discount their rooms then. If they lower their rate on a weekday make sure they give you the lower rate when that day hits instead of continuing to charge you the weekend rate. Hotels near the airport are almost always cheaper than mid-city hotels.

- Look at accomodations other than hotels and motels. We love staying at cabins, condo rentals, and B&B's (yes, some accept children). Frequently, not only are the accomodations more comfy - one of our favorite B&B's even has a toy room for DD - but they are often less expensive.

And here is my favorite tip, if you have time to do it ...

Make a non-guaranteed reservation in your preferred hotel. When you arrive at your destination, go to the neighboring hotels and ask at the front desk for their best deal. I frequently send hubby off with the kids for them to do something fun while I do this. DO dress nicely. Try not to look too travel worn. If the hotel isn't filled up, you can often get a great deal by switching hotels - or going to your first choice hotel and bargaining. When the hotel isn't filled, the front desk clerk often has great leeway on room price negotiation - even in very large, brand name hotels.

Lastly, ask to see the room before you sign the agreement. Make sure everything is the way you want it before you present your credit card. And that means things like you're not right next to the elevator or ice machine, you're not surrounded by the visiting high school sports team (or heaven forbid, a wedding party), you're not on the same floor as the remodelling, etc.

deemom · 03-04-2008, 01:00 PM

If you or your dh is a state employee bring your nametag...many place give a discount for that as well.

Oregano · 03-04-2008, 01:12 PM

There are so many ways to try to get better prices, it can be overwhelming really...the planets almost need to align for it to work. LOL! I think it's worth asking, and looking nice and smiling and being polite goes a long way IMO.

You can also ask for an 'out of service' room. A room that perhaps something needs to be repaired. We usually use points for hotel rooms, since Dh travels so much, he has TONS. Which is awesome. I was staying a nice hotel one time and my sister wanted to stay at the same hotel with me...so she asked for an out of service room and got one, it hadn't been 'updated' to the new wallpaper/bedding etc She got it for a song!

My sister and I stayed another time together at a hotel and used a promo for the 'sweethearts weekend'...LOL! We got the room, breakfast in the resturant both mornings, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries and a CHEAP room! We had the best time that weekend. We had stopped at the front desk to pick up a fax, and I said to my sister "...come on LOVER, lets get breakfast". The girl at the desk almost fainted. It was the most hilarious thing.

3boys · 03-04-2008, 01:32 PM

My husband is in the hospitality industry (he owns several hotels in the NoVA area), so we hardly pay for hotel stays, but lot of tips mentioned here are pretty darn good. The one about the 'out-of-service' room really does work. And yes, be presentable, and it never hurts to ask or negotiate as the front desk staff always have a low they can sell at. And I've heard this from our Sales Director at one of our properties saying that it does help the customers if they ask to speak to someone in sales or the general manager as they can sometimes work up a good deal.