Negotiating hotel rates

[Gumbo4x4]

Anyone have any luck with this? Tips?

We have a place we've been to before we really like. But, their rates vary wildly from season to season. Unfortunately, our Summer vacation hits at the tail end of "too rich for my blood" season. I've found cheaper options, but we really like this place and if we could just get them down a little, it might work out.

So, am I dreaming? Or, should I give it a shot.

 

[Aliceacc]

Do they give an AAA discount?

It would never occur to me to negotiate hotel rates. Let us know what happens

 

[OceanAnnie]

I'd check out Orbitz, Travelocity, etc.. I snagged some really good rates on some hotels we really like that way. Granted it's hit or miss, but it's worth a shot.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Do they give an AAA discount?

It would never occur to me to negotiate hotel rates. Let us know what happens

We've used the gov't rate the past 2 stays, but it actually INCREASES the rate for our planned dates

 

[Marionnette]

Anyone have any luck with this? Tips?

We have a place we've been to before we really like. But, their rates vary wildly from season to season. Unfortunately, our Summer vacation hits at the tail end of "too rich for my blood" season. I've found cheaper options, but we really like this place and if we could just get them down a little, it might work out.

So, am I dreaming? Or, should I give it a shot.

I've called hotels directly whenever I have found lower rates on websites like Orbitz or Expedia. They usually take a moment to verify the amount and then give the lower rate to me as a part of their own "best rate guarantee".

It never hurts to ask for a lower rate but you have to be prepared to hear "no" and walk away.

 

[ORDisneyfans]

I too have called the hotel directly to ask for a better rate and have had good success. Mention that you have stayed before and are pleased with your experience, you would hate to go to XyZ hotel but the rate is $$ as compare to $$$ is there anything they can do? It has worked many times for me.

Cracks my DH up as he would never ask! I have also gotten free breakfast vouchers, better rooms, club level etc.

Doesn't hurt to ask. I always compliment first then ask? Lol!

Good luck! More $$$ for the mouse house!

 

[sheetz]

I've never tried it myself but lots of people say it works for them. I think it's best to talk to the manager and explain the situation. The worst thing that can happen is they say no!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I too have called the hotel directly to ask for a better rate and have had good success. Mention that you have stayed before and are pleased with your experience, you would hate to go to XyZ hotel but the rate is $$ as compare to $$$ is there anything they can do? It has worked many times for me.

Cracks my DH up as he would never ask! I have also gotten free breakfast vouchers, better rooms, club level etc.

Doesn't hurt to ask. I always compliment first then ask? Lol!

Good luck! More $$$ for the mouse house!

This is kind of the approach I was thinking of taking. Thanks!

 

[Judique]

This is kind of the approach I was thinking of taking. Thanks!

Give it a try. I've gotten a lower same day rate when the hotel was showing booked full online. Still don't get that one, but I got about 20% off the going rate. So it never hurts to ask.

 

[Jaya]

When I make a hotel reservation, I always ask if there are any special negotiated rates. If you don't ask, they won't volunteer. Ask about AAA rates, AARP rates, senior discounts, heck, see if there are any discounts for people with blue eyes - lol. Last year, I was attending an out-of-town wedding and asked the hotel if there were any special rates. They employee asked me if I was a member of ______ Church and I said no. She laughed and said "Well, you are now" and gave me the special rate. The hotels want you to stay there......an unrented room is a liability on their balance sheets.

I'm attending my granddaughter's college graduation next month and asked the hotel if there was a special rate for graduation attendees. Yes there was and I got $30 off the room rate.

Another thing, if you know the rate at a nearby hotel is cheaper, mention that. Many times, they will match the rate. One time I had a reservation at a motel in Santa Fe and when I got there, it was a dump. Pool closed, strange people hanging around, breakfast buffet discontinued. I told the clerk I wasn't happy with the accommodations and he refunded my deposit. I went across the street to a much nicer motel that was $40 more per night and mentioned that I wanted to stay there but the cost was higher than I had budgeted. She asked me what I was paying for the motel across the street. I told her and she said, "OK, I'll match that."

It doesn't cost to ask. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

[Mrs.Malone]

Sometimes, if the rate seems high, I'll let them know it's more than I'm able/willing to spend. I'll ask if it's absolutely their best available rate, or I'll say "do you have any different rooms available for less than that?"
Occasionally I've gotten a lower offer at that point. I think the asking about a different room sometimes lets them save face while still offering you a price break that they weren't going to offer otherwise.

As someone else said above, you have to be willing to hear no and walk away.

 

[pandamom]

Yes, try to negotiate!!! I was reservation manager and then front office manager at a beach front resort in Florida and unless we were projected to fill up the rates were always negotiable. Make sure you speak to the hotel directly and not a corporate reservation office. If the reservationist / desk clerk can't help you ask to speak with a supervisor. The worse they can do is say "no." Good luck!