How To Choose A Hotel & Save Money

All of the rates cited in the following pages are what are called "rack rates." That means they're typical prices listed in the hotel brochures or the ones that hotel clerks give over the telephone. You can almost always negotiate a better price by purchasing package deals, by assuring the clerks they can do better, or by mentioning to the clerk that you belong to one of several organizations that receive a discount (such as AARP, AAA, the armed services, or a labor union). The Orlando Magicard can save you plenty of cash as well. Even the type of credit card you use could get you a 5% to 10% discount at some of the larger chains. Any discount you get will help ease the impact of local resort taxes, which aren't included in the quoted rates. These taxes will add 11% to 12% to your bill depending on where you're staying.

The average, undiscounted hotel rate for the Orlando area is currently about $101 per night double, and that rate in good times climbs about 5% a year. The lowest rates at WDW are at the Pop Century and three All-Star resorts, which, depending on the season, can run from $82 to $141. They're pricier than comparable rooms in the outside world, but though they are small and basic, they are still Disney-owned and offer the same on-property advantages as Disney's more expensive resorts.

WDW's 2007 value seasons or lowest rates are generally available from January 1 to February 14, August 5 to October 3 (except Labor Day weekend), and November 25 to December 19. Regular season rates are available from April 15 to May 23 and October 4 to November 24. Summer rates (only at Disney's value and moderate resorts) run from May 24 to August 4. Peak rates apply from February 15 to April 14, and holiday rates from December 20 through December 31. While the actual dates will shift a little (and will also change depending on the level of hotel you choose), the same periods should apply in 2008.

If you're not renting a car or staying at a Walt Disney World or Universal resort, be sure to ask when booking your room if the hotel or motel offers transportation to the theme parks and, if so, whether there's a charge and exactly what it is if they do. Some hotels and motels offer free service with their own shuttles. Others use Mears Transportation, and rates can be as high as $16 per person round-trip (some hotels make these arrangements for you; others require you to do it). On the other hand, if you have a vehicle, expect to pay $10 a day to park it at Disney and SeaWorld, $11 at Universal.

If you stay at a WDW resort or one of Disney's "official" hotels, transportation is complimentary within WDW.

In or out of Walt Disney World, if you book your hotel as part of a package, you'll likely enjoy some type of savings. The Walt Disney Travel Company (tel. 407/934-7806) offers a number of Disney resort packages.

Outside Disney, you'll probably be quoted a rate better than the rack rates contained in the following listings, but you should try to bargain even further to ensure you get the best rates possible. Ask about discounts for students, government employees, seniors, military, firefighters, police, AFL-CIO, corporate clients, and, again, AARP or AAA, holders of the Orlando Magicard, even frequent traveler programs (whether you have hotel or airline membership). Special Internet-only discounts and packages may also be featured on hotel websites, especially those of the larger chains. No matter where you end up staying, always ask again when you arrive if there are any additional discounts or promotions available. But never come to Orlando without a reservation: Taking chances on your negotiating skills is one thing, taking chances on room availability is quite another. Orlando is a year-round destination, with a heavy convention and business trade, and international vacationers flock here during periods when domestic travelers aren't. If you come without a reservation, you may find yourself extremely disappointed -- or completely out of luck.

In the "Amenities" section of the accommodations descriptions, I mention concierge levels where available. In these hotels within a hotel, guests pay more to enjoy a luxurious private lounge (sometimes with great views), free continental or full breakfast, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres served at cocktail hour, and/or late-night cordials and pastries. Rooms are usually on higher floors, and guests are pampered with additional special services (including private registration and checkout, a personal concierge, and nightly bed turndown) and amenities (such as upgraded toiletries, bathroom scales, terry robes, hair dryers, and more). Ask for the specifics when you reserve a room.

You'll also find counselor-supervised child care or activity centers at some hotels. Very popular in Orlando, these can be marvelous, creatively run facilities that might offer movies, video games, arts and crafts, storytelling, puppet shows, indoor and outdoor activities, and more. Some provide meals and/or have beds where a child can sleep while you're out on the town. Check individual hotel listings for these facilities.

Staying for Less -- Although many people participate in the airlines' frequent-flier programs, not many take advantage of the major hotel chains' frequent-stay clubs. Even if you don't stay in a hotel for more than your yearly vacation, you may be able to realize real savings by joining its program.

Like the airlines, many hotels will let you build points for staying at a participating property, dining in its restaurant, or using another service they include as a partner. Although programs vary, points can generally be traded for free nights, discounted rates, special perks, or, in some cases, frequent-flier miles. And the price to join is right -- it's free. Simply joining a hotel club may make you immediately eligible for discounts, give you express check-in and checkout privileges, and provide free breakfast, local calls, or a morning newspaper. And there's no reason you can't join more than one.

Here are a few frequent-stay programs that offer perks to travelers:

Hilton Honors Worldwide program (tel. 800/548-8690; www.hiltonhhonors.com) covers Hilton, Conrad, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites. It offers expedited check-in, a dedicated reservation line, late checkout, and a free daily newspaper among other perks.

Other frequent-stay programs include Starwood Hotels Preferred Guest (tel. 888/625-4988; www.starwood.com), Marriott Rewards (tel. 801/468-4000; www.marriottrewards.com), and Loews First (tel. 800/563-9712; www.loewshotels.com).

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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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				Frommer's Walt Disney World & Orlando 2008 Author: Laura Lea Miller Pub Date: September 04, 2007 Price: $16.99				Related Titles: Beyond Disney: The Unofficial Guide to Universal SeaWorld & the Best of Central Florida, 5th Edition Frommer's Florida 2008 Frommer's Florida 2009

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