The average vacancy rate currently at many large hotels is 45% so you’ve never had a better time to score a great room at a deep discount. 5 minutes of talk time may save you 30 or 40% off the room rate plus some upgrades. But there’s an art to scoring a great room at the best rate. Here’s a quick tutorial.
Large hotels are your best option. It’s harder to fill 600 rooms night after night than 50. There are going to be slow times when they’re willing to give some deep discounts. Business travel in particular is way down now. Pick out 5 or 6 large hotels at your destination.
Before you start calling have a firm idea of how much you want to spend per night. Are you willing to spend $99 or $199 a night? Use the internet to get an idea of the types of rooms and any specials the hotels offer. Now you’re ready to start calling. The idea is to get the best room with the most urades for your target budget.
Some hotels have hurdle rates that the front-line staff can’t go under. If the person who answers the phone won’t deal on price ask for the rooms division or front office manager. Don’t be surprised if you just get voice-mail. Leave your number, but don’t be surprised if they don’t phone back.
Remember to mention groups you belong to like the Cannadian Automobile Association, American Association of Retired Persons.
Ask for a package rate and then unpack it. How much without the free breakfast, a smaller room or no free Wifi?
If the price won’t budge ssk for upgrades like a complementary show (in Las Vegas), visit to the spa, bigger room, free WiFi or breakfast.
Only 5 – 10 minutes talking with each hotel should land you their best deal.
