How to get the best deal on hotel rooms
With a little research, and an understanding of what you want in a hotel or
motel, you can get a great deal. Here's how:
1. Why are you going?
Most business travellers take a practical view of hotels and
motels: they should be economical, clean, and close where your
meeting is.
Holiday travellers are a little more demanding. They want the basics that
business travellers want but they also like things such as swimming
pools, play areas for the kids, and they want to be close to attractions,
shopping and the other things you want to see and do on your
holiday.
2. Where do you want to be?
Getting a great deal means choosing a hotel in the right location. It's not a
bargain if you have to spend an extra $100 on taxis to get anywhere, or
another hour in traffic.
Choose somewhere that is near your meeting, or the things you want to do on
your holiday like shoppping, beaches or theme parks.
3. Research Prices
You could go off and search a range of websites, or your could let
this site do the work for you.
On this site you'll get maps, photos,
reviews and descriptions of the entire range of hotels available where you want
to go. Have a browse through how the hotel is described by the different
websites that sell its rooms. Make sure it has the facilities you need.
Even if you think you've found a good deal don't stop there. Don't forget
to check the hotel's website. If you are going in the next week
you might find a special Internet-only rate, weekend special, or other
deal that beats published rates. If so, take it. I don't mind as long as you've
also checked on this site too.
Booking directly with a hotel has other advantages: Cancellation policies are
more lenient, and sometimes you don't have to pay the full rate when you book.
4. Check your memberships
Do you belong to an automobile club, frequent flyer program, professional
organisation? Do you get any special rate for belonging to one of these.
Will your group include kids or senior citizens? If so, see what discounts are
available for them.