By Sarah Burns on February 28, 2010 in
So, you're ready to take a vacation. Obviously, you'll need someplace to stay, meaning it's time to book a hotel room. With occupancy rates at historic lows, experts say there's never been a better time for consumers to negotiate. The bottom line is this: A better price likely awaits if you know how to haggle. Let's discuss how you can improve your odds.
- Do some detective work. Experts say the best starting point is to find the lowest price online. According to them, any legitimate price you encounter on the Internet should also be available from your vendor. (Check out solid travel sites like Kayak.com to find the lowest rates before you pick up the phone.)
- Don't be afraid to play hardball. Once you've found a good deal, call the hotel directly. Make it clear you may go elsewhere. Don't be afraid to ask, "Can you do better than that?" If you've got a specific deal or reference you've viewed and you don't back down, experts say you'll likely be surprised by their answer.
- Be open. Being flexible about your travel dates can make a big difference, according to industry watchers. For instance, if you can schedule a Thursday night before or a Sunday night after your original plans, you'll likely encounter better rates.
- Remember, timing is everything. Contrary to popular belief, last minute reservations can pay off significantly. The reason: In this economic climate, many hotels simply aren't filling up, so a down-to-the-wire, deeply-discounted rate to them is often better than no profit at all.