One Phone Call Saved Me Hundreds on a Hotel Stay—Here’s How

It is always fun and interesting to plan for a vacation or even a business trip, but the cost of accommodation is usually very high. Most people believe that the Internet sites provide the best prices since it is the new trend of booking. However, there is so much one can save just by making a phone call to the hotel. We got to know this the hard way when I managed to book at a lower rate of a few hundred dollars for a hotel through a direct call. Not only was the price better than my expectations, but I was also given a room type that was higher than what I booked for. I learned that to be direct and negotiate effectively with the party concerned is always the best way to go. Here in this article, you will find useful information on hotel booking tips and how to acquire hotel discounts with a single phone call.

The Power of Direct Communication

Benefits of Calling the Hotel Directly

When most people are planning for a particular trip, they always believe that booking a hotel online means that they are going to find the cheapest hotel. If you dial a hotel directly, you may book for a better rate that may not be available on the website. Hotels are also capable of avoiding commission charges when clients book directly; they offer discounts in the process. In addition, direct booking will enable you to make special requests such as location, a quiet place, or a good view. While using the automated booking system, you can only get a computerized tone, and no personal touch can be added. This can be done by placing a phone call and getting the best deal that can enable one to reduce the amount of money that one spends on hotels in order to improve the quality of services that one gets.

Building Rapport with Hotel Staff

Pleasing manners when speaking with the hotel staff members can help you in your favor. Receptionists and reservation managers are not very rigid when it comes to giving discounts or upgrading a room if they think that the guest is a genuine and polite guest. If you want to get special treatment, it is better to show interest in staying at the hotel in the future or mention that you have a special occasion to celebrate. It is always recommendable to be on good terms with the staff because they may be able to offer a better room if the hotel is fully booked.

Knowing When to Call for the Best Deals

The general idea here is that the timing of your call determines how good the rates that will be offered to you are. It is advisable to call during early morning or late evening since there are few guests that approach the front desk. Do not approach the hotel during peak hours of check-in and check-out since the hotel staff may not spare time to talk about the discounts. Also, it is advisable to contact the hotel a couple of days before the check-in, as it may offer some discounts in case of the unsold vacancies. Therefore, since there are so many companies that offer this particular service, it is advisable to choose the right time to call so that you may get a better rate and more benefits while in the hotel.

Effective Hotel Booking Tips

Researching Competitive Rates Online

There is a need to compare the prices on different booking sites prior to contacting the hotel. It must be noted that websites such as Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com are useful to get an idea of current pricing. Some hotels even have the lowest rate guarantee, which enables a guest to get a better rate than one obtained from another hotel. It will also be useful to understand pricing trends. This is common in most hotels, as they offer cheaper prices during certain periods, like weekdays and seasons when demand is low. Always remember that if your schedule is not that rigid, then you should be able to save a good amount by choosing a different date for your travel. From your research on the pricing, you will be better placed to negotiate with the hotel on your own.

Preparing for the Call

The preparation is vital in ensuring that you get a favorable deal on the lower hotel rate. While dialing, check the current fares, whether any discounts are offered, and the type of rooms you would wish to book. Having this information ready will help you to provide appropriate requests and negotiate effectively. These are questions that should be written down, including whether or not the motel offers a special rate for long-term visitors, AAA members, or those who are first-time visitors. To have a chance of getting a positive response, it is necessary to be polite and professional. Having a well-prepared call also means you will not spend a lot on hotels, and it also means that the booking process will be easier.

Negotiation Strategies During the Call

When calling the hotel, begin by expressing your intention of booking directly and inquire if there is any offer available. It is prudent to be a little more flexible with regard to your check-in dates or the type of room you want so that you can be able to get the best deal possible. Another good approach is to refer to the loyalty programs or previous visits to the hotel. Despite not being a member of the rewards program, hotels may offer some form of a discount to make the guest book again.

Conclusion

A simple phone call when making the reservation of a hotel can be a big deal. If one has to book a hotel, calling or going online to check the rates and bargaining with the hotel, one can reduce hotel expenses without necessarily associating it with the compromise of comfort. Apart from discounts, direct communication with the hotel staff can help one to secure a new room’s availability, an early check-in, and other special requests. In addition to memberships and last-minute offers, the following are some of the tips on how to book a hotel at cheap rates. The next time you make arrangements to travel, spend a few minutes to call the hotel, and you could save hundreds of dollars.