With so many deals, travel intermediaries, “ name your price ” websites, and luring commercials, it ’ s hard for travelers to make sure they ’ re getting the best deal. Fortunately, there are ways for travelers to find a good cheap hotel. Here are a few:
- Special deals that count. Sometimes there are special Internet offers or other promotions offered on the each h otel’ s official Web site.
- Not all franchises are created equal. Call the specific hotel's phone number. Sometimes rates at individual properties are lower than the company's 800 number or even what’s offered online. Always ask for the "lowest rate available."
- Loyalty programs. Often you can save money on a room by using frequent-guest points. You can gain these by joining a hotel loyalty program. Of course, you can join as many as you like.
- Comparison shopping. Before you book, compare prices by going to different travel sites. Some particularly useful ones are: Travelocity.com, Priceline.com, Expedia.com, and Orbitz.com.
- Join the American Automobile Association (www.aaa.com). Even if you don't own a car, you can show the card and get at least a 10 percent discount at most hotels.
- Not all locations are created equal. Some properties have more than one hotel in a city. It may be even cheaper to stay at an airport hotel.
- Cancellation policy. Ask what the cancellation policy is in case you happen to change your date. It’s not necessary to pay for a hotel room you don't use.
- Be flexible. Just like with airline tickets, finding a cheap hotel requires flexibility. By bypassing a holiday or lengthening your stay, you can negotiate . By booking for a Friday instead of a Saturday, which is the busiest night of the week, you can save as much as $200 at some upscale hotels . Sometimes upscale hotels in major cities offer the best deals on weekends, because of fewer business customers. However , budget chains that rely primarily on local traffic often charge more on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Bargain . Bargaining with a reservation clerk over the phone can be a very helpful technique. Don't be afraid to ask for an even lower price or a better room. Many a times, openly asking these questions can grant hefty discounts, and even perks.
- Hidden Costs. Sometimes paying for a cheap hotel may turn out pricey. There are a variety of hidden costs that add up quickly, so make sure you know what you ’ re paying for. Extras that hotels like charge for can add to more than $100 per night. Be aware of taxes, parking fees, calls, and other fees such as Internet use, safety-deposit boxes, and fitness centers.
- If you don’t like a price, don’t take it. Remember that, most of the time, this is a consumer-driven market. If a hotel won’t provide a much-needed discount or a pleasant upgrade, just go to the next one.
- Don’t skimp on quality. Of course, there is a great difference between a cheap hotel and a good hotel. If you’ve found a good room at a slightly higher price and a room that looks like a psyche ward at a magnanimous price, the choice shouldn’t be too difficult. Don’t lower your criteria just to get a few more bucks off the price. After all, your hotel room is your home away from home.
Vanina Sloan