In the age of the internet one's first thought when it comes to saving on hotel costs is to visit sites like Priceline, Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz. In the case of upscale hotels, say 4 and 5 stars, the internet may be a good way to save. The everyday traveler has better options.
During travel many people find themselves in need of an 'in between' stay. For instance, traveling from home in North Carolina to spend a week in Connecticut one might stay in Pennsylvania for a night. This is where discount travel sites are normally not going to help you save; in fact, booking online could cost you more.
I am a Front Desk Agent for a chain hotel. I have seen countless times where a guest has booked their one night stay on a website and ended up paying more than what our rate actually was for that night.
Why? The General Manager at a hotel changes the rate based on the season, availability, the likelihood of the hotel 'selling out', and sometimes even the weather. When a traveler books their hotel online four months in advance they have a high probability of getting a rate far ahead of the true rate for that night. The rates are updated approximately two months in advance, with changes for area events such as car shows. The higher the probability of selling out for that night, the higher the rate will be.
There is hope for the one night stay over! Travel websites are not aware of all discounts one in particular hotel will offer. Hotels offer a wide variety of discounted stays for a variety of reasons. While some are known to travel sites, travel agents, and even corporate office; some are definitely not. Corporate office will offer some discounts, but most hotels have their own individual discount rates that are set by the management.
Take for instance a smaller chain hotel located right off an interstate or highway. Over time the manager will see that a nice percentage of their stays are truck drivers or other guests with a Commercial Driver's License. They drop their rate for these guests because word of mouth makes up much of the hotels advertising. The hotel now has a lower rate for CDL holders, often one of the steepest discounts available.
Are you a member of AARP? Many hotels will offer a discount for showing your AARP membership card, or other proof that you are a member.
Do you pay for roadside assistance? Here the general roadside assistance is AAA, or Triple A. Many hotels will offer a discount to those members who show their membership card or other proof of membership.
Are you an employee of the government? Are you in the military? Many hotels, especially those close to a military base, will offer a discount for showing your government or military identification as.
Many hotels offer coupons as well. If there is a fast food restaurant or a truck stop located near the hotel, stop in there and see if they have a travelers book. These books are normally free of charge and contain coupons for the best rate you will ever find for area hotels. Take in to your account that with coupons, they are normally based on availability and the rate is not guaranteed if the hotel is near capacity. Coupons are normally not accepted for phone reservations. Normally, you will need to be checked in as a walk in' reservation, and therefore the room is never guaranteed.
It never hurts to ask if they have any membership discount rates. Depending on the area, they may have more than other hotels.
No memberships? No problem. Here are a few things that can also help save money without a discount rate coupon or code.
Is your family having a large get together and seeking a large number of rooms for a few days? Call the area hotels in advance and ask to speak to the general manager. Often times the GM will be willing to cut the rate pretty steeply for the guarantee of a large number of sold rooms.
Are you going to be in town for work? Many hotels will offer a locally adjusted rate for people traveling for work. Many towns contract crews from other states to help with construction and other ventures requiring a highly skilled labor force. Call the hotels closest to where you, or your employees, will be working. Again, speak to the general manager, s/he may already have a discount price for your group, and if not, they are usually pretty willing to offer one, especially for a large crew or extended stay.
Walking in to a hotel and slamming down your credit card while barking 'I want the best rate or I am going somewhere else' is normally just going to get you back into your vehicle looking for another hotel. Front Desk Agents are people, too, with feelings. Often times an agent will have a few discount codes they can offer, but for the guest coming in with attitude or ignorance, they are going to pay full price.
When given your rate for the night you can always ask 'is that the best you can do'. Sometimes it will be the best, but sometimes they can go lower. Asking nicely is the key; again barking will not get you a cheaper rate. If the agent tells you that is the absolute lowest they can go, they are telling the truth. Being rude, or yelling at them because it is too pricey for your budget, is just going to get you rejected from the hotel, possibly forever.
Checking in late at night? Many night auditors will immediately apply a coupon rate for those who are checking in very late, or will not be staying very long. If you are willing to take a chance, or it is a slow travel season, try stopping by the hotel after 11 PM.
Are you in between destinations and your car broke down? Be sure to explain this to the agent, especially when you have a strict budget and the stop was not accounted for. Many hotels will give an automatic discount for those in unforeseen circumstances such as a break down or a vehicle accident.
If you find yourself on the internet seeking out rates, give the hotel a call before hitting that 'book' button. Let them know what dates you are looking for, what kind of room, and how many people. Then explain you are on XYZ website and they are giving you XX price. Once again, be nice. Many times they will give you a better rate, and even if it is $10 cheaper, a penny saved is a penny earned.
The key when walking in to a hotel without a reservation is to BE NICE. Treat the agent the same way you would want to be treated in the situation. They understand you are tired, and didn't expect to be there, but they are humans, too, with feelings. Keep in mind that most smaller chain hotels do not pay any sales commission. Your front desk agent is not going to get any more, or any less, money for charging you $79.99 or $99.99. If you treat them with respect they will do the same to you.
Happy Traveling!