The rack rate is the maximum rate that a hotel charges for a room. It's the rate you'd get if you walked in off the street and asked for a room for the night. Hardly anybody pays these prices, however, and there are many ways around them.
Don't be afraid to bargain. Most rack rates include commissions of 10% to 25% for travel agents, which some hotels may be willing to reduce if you make your own reservations and haggle a bit. Always ask whether a room less expensive than the first one quoted is available, or whether any special rates apply to you. You may qualify for corporate, student, military, senior citizen, or other discounts. Be sure to mention membership in AAA, AARP, frequent-flier programs, or trade unions, which may entitle you to special deals as well. Find out the hotel policy on children--do kids stay free in the room or is there a special rate?
Rely on a qualified professional. Certain hotels give travel agents discounts in exchange for steering business their way, so if you're shy about bargaining, an agent may be better equipped to negotiate discounts for you.
Dial direct. When booking a room in a chain hotel, compare the rates offered by the hotel's local line with that of the toll-free number. Also check with an agent and online. A hotel makes nothing on a room that stays empty, so the local hotel reservation desk may be willing to offer a special rate unavailable elsewhere.
Remember the law of supply and demand. Resort hotels are most crowded and therefore most expensive on weekends, so discounts are usually available for midweek stays. Business hotels in downtown locations are busiest during the week, so you can expect big discounts over the weekend. Avoid high-season stays whenever you can: planning your vacation just a week before or after the official peak season can mean big savings.
Look into group or long-stay discounts. If you come as part of a large group, you should be able to negotiate a bargain rate, since the hotel can then guarantee occupancy in a number of rooms. Likewise, if you're planning a long stay (at least five days), you might qualify for a discount. As a general rule, expect one night free after a seven-night stay.
Avoid excess charges. When you book a room, ask whether the hotel charges for parking. Many hotels charge a fee just for dialing out on the phone in your room. Find out whether your hotel imposes a surcharge on local and long-distance calls. A pay phone, however inconvenient, may save you money, although many calling cards charge a fee when you use them on pay phones. Finally, ask about local taxes and service charges, which could increase the cost of a room by 25% or more.
Consider the pros and cons of all-inclusive resorts and hotels. The term "all-inclusive" means different things at different hotels. Many all-inclusive hotels will include 3 meals daily, sports equipment, spa entry, and other amenities; others may include all or most drinks. In general, you'll save money going the "all-inclusive" way--as long as you use the facilities provided. The down side is that your choices are limited and you're stuck eating and playing in one place for the duration of your vacation.
Carefully consider your hotel's meal plan. If you enjoy eating out and sampling the local cuisine, it makes sense to choose a Continental Plan (CP), which includes breakfast only, or a European Plan (EP), which doesn't include any meals and allows you maximum flexibility. If you're more interested in saving money, opt for a Modified American Plan (MAP), which includes breakfast and one meal, or the American Plan (AP), which includes three meals. If you must choose a MAP, see if you can get a free lunch at your hotel if you decide to do dinner out.
Watch for coupons and advertised discounts. Scan ads in your local Sunday newspaper travel section, an excellent source for up-to-the-minute hotel deals.
Consider a suite. If you are traveling with your family or another couple, you can pack more people into a suite (which usually comes with a sofa bed), and thereby reduce your per-person rate. Remember that some places charge for extra guests.
Book an efficiency. A room with a kitchenette allows you to shop for groceries and cook your own meals. This is a big moneysaver, especially for families on long stays.
Join hotel frequent-visitor clubs, even if you don't use them much. You'll be more likely to get upgrades and other perks.
Many hotels offer frequent-flier points. Don't forget to ask for yours when you check in.
Investigate reservations services. These outfits usually work as consolidators, buying up or reserving rooms in bulk, and then dealing them out to customers at a profit. You can get 10 to 50 percent off; but remember, these discounts apply to inflated rack rates that savvy travelers rarely end up paying. You may get a decent rate, but always call the hotel as well to see if you can do better.
Among the more reputable reservations services, offering both telephone and online bookings, are:
- Accommodations Express (tel. 800/950-4685; www.accommodationsexpress.com)
- Hotel Reservations Network (tel. 800/715-7666; www.hoteldiscounts.com or www.180096HOTEL.com)
-
Quikbook (tel. 800/789-9887, includes fax on demand service; www.quikbook.com)
- Online, try booking your hotel through this Web site, www.frommers.com.
- Microsoft Expedia (www.expedia.com)--features a "Travel Agent" that will also direct you to affordable lodgings.
