If talking to the front desk or hotel staff doesn’t get you hotel perks, talk to the big boss.
“Another tip to get cheap hotels in [South Asia] is to bargain with the hotel owners,” says Chambers. “Not only can you get a reduced price on your room, you can get things like breakfast or meal vouchers included in your stay.”
“The best way to find last-minute deals is through mobile websites, mobile apps and by calling in,” says Mahesh Chaddah, co-founder of hotel booking site Reservations.com. “Many hotels will offer limited discount rates to mobile users only, so keep those apps handy.”
“We have all heard of the old saying, ‘What you see is what you get,’ but sometimes you want what you don’t see,” said Chaddah. “Almost all hotels publish the same room rates on all public websites. However, most also offer discount hidden rates up to 30 percent cheaper through unpublished channels, like the call center.”
If you haven’t signed up to be a registered user on your favorite travel booking site, you should do so before you plan your next trip.
“Most websites offer limited special rates, flash rates and extra room availability on sold-out hotels to their registered and logged-in users,” says Chaddah. “So, make sure you sign up and sign in before searching.”
Don’t wait until the weekend to book your hotel — do it on a Tuesday.
“Based on historical data, hotel booking rates are the lowest on this day of the week,” states Chaddah. “So be sure to compare prices and take advantage of the lower rates being offered on this day.”
If you’re planning a vacation in your state, you might be eligible to score a discount on your hotel stay.
“Many hotels — for instance those in Florida and Hawaii — offer state resident discounts,” says Chaddah. “All you need is a state-issued ID at check-in, and you can save an extra 10 percent to 20 percent. So next time you take a staycation or local getaway, make sure you show off that driver’s license.”
“Most hotels create business partnerships with local businesses, restaurants and activities,” states Jennie Jacobs, director of sales and marketing at Hotel Santa Barbara in California. “These relationships equate to great experiences, savings and deals for guests. For instance, a local restaurant partner might provide the front desk or hotel concierge with some discount coupons or maybe a free dessert with dinner if the staff calls and books the reservation.”
“If you go to a booking site (i.e. Booking.com ) that has ‘deals’ listed, call the hotel/inn direct, tell them you have seen the rates offered on the site and were wondering if they could better it,” recommends Pekka Paavonpera, inkeeper at the Snapdragon Inn.
“Chances are they can, by between 10 and 15 percent, because that’s the commission they have to pay the booking site anyway.”
If you’re planning a trip to Vegas, travel expert David Yeskel offers this tip on how to score the best rate on your hotel.
“Travelers should register on the individual hotels’ virtual guest books,” he said. “They’ll receive promotional emails that often pair low room rates with free daily buffet passes and other resort credits that can bring the effective daily room rate down to ridiculously low levels.”
Next time you’re planning to travel, book a hotel reservation that doesn’t come with cancellation fees. Then, call other nearby hotels and ask if they can offer you a better deal. If you’re talking to a hotel chain, make sure to talk to the front desk directly, as they’re the ones who can make on-the-spot deals.
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