Much like airlines, which do not make a profit when a seat stays empty during a flight, hotels also do not make a profit when a room stays empty during a night. Therefore, when booking a room at a hotel, it pays to inquire about special rates and seek discounts. Oftentimes, the room rate set by a hotel is not fixed in stone, and therefore can be negotiated. Here are seven ways in which you can save money when booking a hotel room:
1. Use discount travel web sites. Discount travel web sites such as Priceline and Hotwire are a great way to obtain lower room rates. The disadvantage of using these sites is that you don't know the name of the hotel you've booked until after your non-refundable transaction is approved.
2. Compare rates through online travel sites. Travelocity, Hotels.com, Expedia, and Orbitz offer various promotions, low-price guarantees, and rewards programs for booking a hotel room through their sites. These sites also let you compare room amenities and rates across a variety of chains. Customer reviews and photos are often included.
3. Remain flexible. If you can adjust your arrival and departure dates, or even the exact location of your stay (going to a different hotel chain affiliate), you may be able to obtain a lower room rate.
4. Be bold. If you can swing it, show up late in the day without a reservation and ask for the lowest possible rate on a room. Because the hotel has already given up on taking any additional customers, it may quote you a price that is significantly below its average rate. If you want to take things even further, announce to the hotel clerk that the rate quoted to you is too high. Most hotels have a "fade" rate on their rooms, which is the bare minimum price that a hotel will accept for a room in lieu of leaving it unoccupied. Therefore, no matter what price you are quoted, it never hurts to ask for a lower rate.
5. Pick a preferred hotel. Many credit cards are affiliated with certain hotel chains and offer loyalty programs that reward members with free nights, future discounts, or room upgrades for frequenting a particular hotel chain. For example, American Express offers a Hilton hotels rewards program that entitles members to a free night's stay after spending six nights at a Hilton or affiliate hotel.
6. Look for discounts. If you are 50 years of age or older, a 10% price break is the norm at most hotel chains. Military, government, and members of the AARP or AAA are also usually entitled to a discounted rate on a hotel room.
7. Surf the Web for specials. Due to the current sluggish economy, more hotel room deals than ever before are available by simply surfing the Web. Amazon frequently features deals when you book two or more nights at sponsored hotels such as the Westin. The Sheraton Four Points often advertises a half-price night for every full-price night purchased. Finally, the Super 8 offers a 15% discount when you book 8 or more nights in advance.
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