Buffalo Hotel - Pre-Booking vs. Walk In?

[DutchsMommy]

I am debating booking an overnight with park and fly for our upcoming trip vs just getting up really early and parking at the airport. Has anyone ever had experience saving money by just showing up at the hotel, or shopping around to a few hotels right by the airport vs booking online in advance?

 

[minniemomof3]

I personally would book in advance. I wouldn't want to risk not finding a room for the night. On our last trip in August, I had trouble finding a room 2 weeks before our flight, depending on what time of year you are going, they can book up quickly.

Also, I think you can probably get better deals booking ahead.

 

[MJGirl]

Hi... I don't know about saving money, but when I have an early flight (before noon), I tend to stay overnight, just to save the worry about the border crossing times, etc. When I book the room, I usually park at the airport myself, as they usually charge more for the park and fly then the rate you can get online or through CAA. The exception to this rule, is this August, as I will be gone for 4 weeks. I am using the extended park and fly at the Holiday Inn express for $164 a night. I figure with the $36 (with the 10% off coupon) a week, or $144 for the 4 weeks, I'm only paying $20 for the room.

 

[misslissa]

Hotels generally save rooms and proclaim that they are sold out just for people who walk in that day. That way, they can mark them up and make extra money off of walk ins.

You will get the best rate by booking online, in advance. Or, through someone like CAA.

 

[OntFamily]

I have found just the opposite. I have gotten great rates at many hotels by walking in. I haven't found any hotel that saved rooms for walk-ins. If they can sell out in advance, they will (many hotels do sell out).

 

[NikP]

I think it depends on where you are traveling to. We have always booked our hotel in advance. Last year we went to Niagara Falls, and at check in I could hear someone asking if they had any rooms available. (Embassy Suites) They did have a room, but it was a cityview 2 queens and twice the price that I was paying. I also got a dinner voucher, breakfast vouchers, and shuttle passes. And my room was fallsview, king size bed with jucuzzi, all of which they were not offered.

I will be going to the Walden Galleria next week, and I will get my friend to ask at check in at the Hampton Inn about a walk in special. We will see if she can get a better rate or not.

 

[who's ur daddy?]

I tried to book a stay thru www.parksleepfly.com at the Millennium Hotel in Buffalo for Sat., but they said they were sold out of the Park & Fly packages. I tried calling them direct to see if they kept rooms outside of the program, but they also said they were sold out. So if you're going to do a walk in, make sure it's not a busy time like March break!