April 30, 2004 -- Maybe we should make it clear again about getting the best hotel prices -- never pay rack rates, the highest price a hotel expects to ever charge a guest for a room. Instead, look for promotions and special packages that hotels offer. These discounts are wide and varying, and a property is usually offering at least one special, and usually more. All you have to do is ask before you make a reservation, or simply visit the homepages of major hotel chains and individual establishments to see what's available. Here are three current promotions for Philly, Chicago and San Francisco.
Philadelphia
They're bringing back the popular "Philly -- You Just Can't Do It In a Day" package, from June 17 through September 12 to the City of Brotherly Love. Prices start at $169 for two nights for a room, and you get a map, a "bag full of summer" (read, "souvenirs"), and (whoopee!), a luggage tag. The deal lets you stay one night and get the second night free when you check in Thursdays through Sundays. The rates include free hotel parking, but not taxes, tips or additional surcharges. Some restrictions may apply, and the offer is based upon availability. You can book directly with your favorite hotel (if it is participating in the program) or, beginning May 17, you can book a package on the visitor's bureau website, www.gophila.com. Until then, you can register on that site for them to send you an e-mail reminding you to book after that date.
Typical non-summer packages available now through December 31 include the "Endless Weekend," from $169 to $199 at the Westin Philadelphia. In addition to the room, you get a 4 PM late checkout, and kids 12 and under eat free from the kids menu (one meal per child per adult meal from standard menu). Rate does not include taxes or tips, and is based on availability. Contact them at 888/627-8153.
The "Campus Package" can be had at the Radnor Hotel, ideal for families touring the Brandywine area, which has numerous colleges and universities. Starting at $119 per room, the deal includes a welcome packet (disposable camera and discounts for local transportation, dining and shopping), and free hotel parking. Not included: taxes and tips. There are some blackout dates. Phone them at 800/537-3000.
Chicago
In Chicago, the tourist people have trotted out some "Shoppin' Chicago" packages that start at $119, including an overnight stay at one of 12 hotels, including prestigious pads like the Palmer House Hilton, the Whitehall, Le Meridien, and Chicago Marriott Downtown. These packages are available through May 16 and can be purchased by phoning 877/CHICAGO (same as 877/244-2246) or by going to www.877chicago.com. In addition to the lodging, you get offers from the city's four major shopping centers: 900 North Michigan Shops, Chicago Place, Water Tower Place and Westfield North Bridge. Department stores in these four include Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor, Marshall Field's, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue, and there are many specialty stores and boutiques as well.
San Francisco
San Francisco is pushing its spring packages (good through May 31) in all price categories, but those under $100 per night are most interesting. At the Comfort Inn by the Bay, for instance, you can book a room from $99 to $139, and get, in addition to lodging, free breakfast, free parking and retail discount coupons. Blackout dates are May 14-15, 2004.
Even cheaper is the King George Hotel, where rates are a steady $99. This Union Square hotel offers a "Spring Fling" package that includes the room, free continental breakfast, late 3 PM checkout, and a welcome bottle of California white wine. There may be a minimum night stay during this period. In neither of these two packages are taxes and tips included. For either of these offers, phone 888/STAY-N-SF (same as 888/782-9673) weekdays only, from 8:30 to 5 PST) or online at www.sfvisitor.org.