Getting the Best Deal on a Hotel Room

May 1, 2007 (KABC-TV) (KABC) -- Vacations are always an adventure for Anna Rubin and her family. And when it comes to booking a hotel, there are some definite must-haves.

"I like a clean hotel, a sizable room, and we adore having a hotel swimming pool, and a decent work out room," Rubin said.

And she won't settle on the room price either.

"I feel like I know what I should be paying. If they're charging a lot more, then I'll negotiate with them," she said.

That's right you can wheel and deal for a hotel room. Jim Thomas wrote a "Negotiate to Win," a book on the art of negotiation.

"It's very empowering. Once you get that first discount, from a hotel, there'll be no turning back," Thomas said.

Thomas says it's easy to score a bargain. First, call the hotel directly. Don't rely on a reservation number that services several properties. And when you get an agent, never take the first rate, immediately ask for a discount.

"There's family discount, there's super saver, there's special promotion rates, there are weekend rates, they have so many rates. Undoubtedly you qualify for one or more of those rates," Thomas said.

If they don't budge, try your luck with a supervisor. Thomas says they'll usually cut rates, especially if they have empty rooms. But when they're packed, here's your best bet: "Ask for some kind of an upgrade. A room upgrade, a suite, a room on a concierge floor, dinner coupon, free parking," Thomas said.

Thomas says check in is your last chance to strike a deal. Ask for discounts and upgrades again, but do so when the reception desk isn't busy.

"If there are a lot of people standing around, they don't want these other guests to hear that you're getting a discounted rate," Thomas said.

Rubin has negotiated some great price cuts and says she has a simple tip of her own.

"Use a polite tone and show respect for the reservations agent. I'd say nine times out of ten someone will discuss your options with you," she said.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•