Today I want to pass on some hypnotic words to use when you want the best deal at hotels…
I’m going to split these tips into two distinct sections…
- Tips that anyone can use – even vicars, nuns and judges
- Tips that are a little more shady – but work (and aren’t illegal!)
In my experience, hotels can be the biggest drain on your cash, unless you’re travelling to far more reasonable parts of the world like Vietnam or Thailand.
So if you want to get a discount that most people will miss, use these tips and see the price tumbling:
* First off do your research. Find out what other hotels in the area are charging (using comparable hotels – ie don’t compare a 5-star hotel’s price with an amount a tramp is willing to charge you for shifting over a little and letting you share his cardboard). Pick the best rate, then target the hotel you want to stay at and say the following:
‘I notice The Grand is charging £90 a night, but I’d rather stay at your hotel. Can you match that price?’
This tactic immediately puts the hotel on the back foot, and makes them reach for the discount book. Because they don’t want to lose you to a competitor.
* Second. Use the website and scour for even better prices. Keep doing this on a regular basis (because there will often be completely random, arbitraryoffers that come and go. Even if you’re not travelling at that point, make a note of the price). When it comes to booking a room say:
‘ I’m booked into another hotel but a friend of mine told me that you have rooms available at (quote low price). I’d prefer to stay with you, so I’ll happily cancel my existing booking if you can offer me that price.’
Now, I suppose I’m drifting into shady territory a bit early, but it’s a tiny tiny fib, and remember – you’re negotiating with a hotel that’s probably owned by a chain that in turn is owned by millionaires who eat swan and foie gras every day. So don’t feel bad.
* The no nonsense approach. Just ask ‘what’s your best price?’ right up front. The hotel will assume you KNOW there’s a better deal to be had (which there nearly always is), and will usually come down straight away.
Okay. Now for the shady way. I feel dirty but hey, if it helps you save some money that’s a sacrifice I’m prepared to make. So here it is…
* Get a business card made up (these cost pennies these days – you can get 50 cards for something like a fiver), then pop into the hotel. Hand over your card and say ‘I’m looking to book a Christmas party at one of the better hotels in this area, but I’d like to stay here first to check the standard. What price can you offer me?’
If there’s a chance that you could put a lot of business their way, the hotel might just find a super-low price to win favour.
Devious, but then show me a rich man who isn’t.