When to book hotel with AP? Plus a few other questions

[94bruin]

We're considering getting APs for our next visit in April 2012.

I'm thinking that we can use an AP discount to book the hotel. We've never gotten APs before, so I'm not sure how far in advance you can book hotel rooms.

What's the cancellation policy for AP discounted rooms?

IS the AP rate one of the better rates you can get? Maybe pin-codes or 5 for 3 type of deal are better? The last time we went we went for a 5 for 3 over a pin code deal. We weren't considering APs, so I have no idea how those rates compare to an AP discount.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[skiingfast]

You don't need an AP to get an AP rate but do need it in hand at check in. So if you buy one it's possible to get it at the ticket booths first then go to your hotel.

AP rates are always supposed to be best, so if you go and a special %20 off deal comes out your AP rate should be at least 20% off the rack rate anyway.

You can cancel a reservation with an AP rate, or other special just like a regular hotel reservation.