Where do you find the best hotel rate, phone, internet?

[minnie1012]

We are looking to go to Myrtle Beach this summer (I was outnumbered on where to go ). The hotel we are looking to go to we have stayed at 2 other times. I have checked the price online which I thought was rather high and there are no AAA rates available. I am looking to stay Sunday to Friday but if I stay Sunday to Thursday the rate drops about $50.00 a night. Since we are driving we really would like to stay the extra day since it's a pretty far drive. When you book a hotel do you find the best rate via phone, or internet? Also has anyone had any luck by telling them you have stayed there before? Are there any other tips or tricks to find the best rate? We are driving so its just a hotel stay.


Thanks!

 

[Pigeon]

I don't think there's one single best way to do it. Sometimes I've gotten a better rate online and other times by calling the motel directly. You can try both and see what's cheaper. You say if you stay till Thurs, the rate drops $50/nite. Would it be better to make one long reservation to Thursday and then book a single night at the higher rate? Could you move to a different, cheaper hotel for the last night?

Lots of people swear by Priceline, and that they can pretty much figure out which hotel they are bidding on. Betterbidding.com has info.

 

[minnie1012]

Thanks

 

[Lewisc]

Occasionally you can get an unpublicized "managers special" rate if you call the actual hotel (not the 800 number). A poster on FT claims he can get the pre-paid non-cancellable rate booked as an unrestricted rate by calling the hotel and asking. YMMV

It might make sense to either book the weekend as a separate reservation or even at a different hotel if the OP wants to save a few dollars.