We all want the best possible price on everything these days, don’t we?  And we still want the highest value, too. 

So, here are some tips from the Inside on how to get the best room at the best rate at most hotels. 

1.  Always, always, always deal directly with the hotel.  You may see what you think are low rates on a particular website, but the hotel sets rates for all those websites. So naturally, they have the greatest flexibility and control over what they can offer when you call them directly.    Equally as important, you get a sense for the level of service you can expect to receive when you arrive by how helpful and friendly they are to answer your questions and make a reservation.  If they don’t act like they want your business over the phone, look elsewhere!  Marketing professionals create great websites with lots of information for perusal, but it is the front desk agent, the housekeeper, the breakfast server and the valet attendant that will make a stay memorable. 

2.  Research the hotel online.    This gives us the opportunity to “shop” around and compare, read traveler reviews, see photos, etc.  That’s what I do, if I am traveling to a destination with which I am not familiar.   I find the hotel I want, see the rate being offered then call the hotel and see what they can do for me.  In almost every case, an upgraded room type is a given.  Most hotels offer “call-in” specials as well. 

3.  Numbers don’t lie, but they can be misleading.   Ah, yes…the fine print.  Find a room at a hotel on Website A that is $10 less expensive than Website B?  Look a little closer.  The type of room may be different.  The restrictions or cancellation policies may be different.  Are all extra charges and fees clear?   Do they even guarantee the type of room?  We have had people check in with a family of 4 that reserved and guaranteed a room on a travel website with only one bed.   Not the way to start off a vacation.

4.  Ask for Discounts…it’s okay!   If you proudly display your AAA or AARP decal, then see what better deal you can get.  If you are not a member of a  travel organization like AAA, then think about joining.  If you travel 3-4 times per year, the savings and service you receive are well worth the small price of membership.  And who doesn’t love the TourBooks and Trip Tik Guides?   Websites and GPS systems are great tools for travel today, but there’s nothing like sitting at the kitchen table, cup of Joe with a Tour Book and Trip Tik planning a getaway trip.    End of commercial and this writer received no compensation for the endorsement. 

5.   Always, always, always deal directly with the hotel.   It’s worth repeating.   While the internet websites are great for many people, hotels make a lot less money on a room when people book this way because they have to give up a big margin to the online booking site.  This gives you the best chance to get the best rate by going to the hotel’s own website or better yet, calling them directly.  They can many times offer you a lower rate because there are no contractual obligations with the online travel sites when you book over the phone.   Everyone’s stated “Lowest Rate Guarantees” only apply to online and printed pricing, in most cases.    If you can save a few dollars and the hotel can make a few dollars more by dealing directly with each other, then that’s a win-win for the consumer and the hotel.  

Plus, you won’t have your credit card exposed in a server somewhere half way around the world.