14 things to know before booking your next Hotel- Part 1
I recently interviewed an executive, from The Starwood Hotels in Atlanta. She was very kind to take the time to share some insightful tips. She did request to stay anonymous. The interview was quite lengthy, so I'm posting it as a 2 part series.
Question 1: When can you get the best rate?
It depends on what city you're in, but we'll use Atlanta as an example. Hotels are running incredible packages these days - more so than ever. Starwood Hotels, in Atlanta, which include Westin and Sheraton, among other great brands, are offering a "Beat the Heat" rate campaign, where your rate is based on the temperature outside. (So if it's 80 degrees outside, you pay $80 for the night!) Other fun promotions include - you pay a rate based on the year you were born! So spend some quality time with the grandparents (who were born in 1950) and pay $50 for a great hotel room in the city!! Take a "vacation" in your very own city! Other hotels, such as the Glenn Hotel, a boutique hotel in Atlanta, will give you a complimentary upgrade if you can hula-hoop for more than 20 seconds!
Question 2: Which are the cheapest days to stay?
Again, this depends on your destination. For city hotels, definitely the weekends. But for beach type resorts/hotels, mid-week would likely get you better deals, as everyone likes to get away for the weekend.
Question 3: What time of the year is considered offseason?
Off season for many hotels would be your summer months (June - August) as well as holidays. Summer tends to be a time where many corporations choose NOT to book meetings in a hotel. Summer tends to be a time where so many spend their time with family for special summer vacations.
Question 4: What about peak times?
Peak times in a hotel are mid-week. Hotels tend to host large conventions during the week, making it more difficult to find those great deals, because of the high demand. This, of course, varies with cities/locations.
Question 5: Are the rates any different or cheaper to book through an online site / broker versus directly on a hotel website?
Hotels do offer special rates through their websites. The only downside is that if you book that "deal" online, it is a prepaid, non-refundable rate. So, should something come up, and you are unable to make your trip, you lose your prepayment, which is usually the first night's room and tax. You can almost always find last minute deals at your travelzoo.com type websites, or Expedia.coms - but with Expedia, it's a "Hidden" hotel, so you don't know exactly what you're booking, until you've booked.
Question 6: How does location of the hotel make a difference in the price? Are ones in the suburbs -away from touristy areas or ones by the airport relatively cheaper?
Yes. The more there is to do around a hotel; the price will definitely be more. Airport properties tend to be less expensive. Find a hotel that is right on the transit line (public transportation) where it is easy to jump on the train and be at your favorite attraction in just minutes.
Question 7: What is the best way to get free inexpensive upgrades?
Hotels offer incredible incentive programs where you earn points for staying at their properties. For example, the Starwood Preferred Guest program rewards you points for every dollar spent during your stay. Your status (Preferred, Gold, or Platinum) is based on how frequently you stay with the Starwood Brands, but you can apply points to airline miles, your favorite charity, or towards a stay at any Starwood Hotel worldwide - WITH NO BLACKOUT DATES, which is a huge deal! Other brands, such as Marriott and Hyatt, have same type programs with special perks for members, but there are blackout dates. These type programs (based on status level) do automatically earn free upgrades, late check-out privileges, etc. Also, these brands consistently run special promotions. Starwood's SPG, for example, often run special promos that allow you to earn double points, or stay two nights, get your third night free. Learn more at http://www.spg.com.
Please tune in for the next money saving, family friendly 7 Q&A, on the next post.
What are some ways you save when booking for Hotels or how do you get Hotel Discounts?
All Rights Reserved Copyright Travel Bargain Mama 2009
Question 1: When can you get the best rate?
It depends on what city you're in, but we'll use Atlanta as an example. Hotels are running incredible packages these days - more so than ever. Starwood Hotels, in Atlanta, which include Westin and Sheraton, among other great brands, are offering a "Beat the Heat" rate campaign, where your rate is based on the temperature outside. (So if it's 80 degrees outside, you pay $80 for the night!) Other fun promotions include - you pay a rate based on the year you were born! So spend some quality time with the grandparents (who were born in 1950) and pay $50 for a great hotel room in the city!! Take a "vacation" in your very own city! Other hotels, such as the Glenn Hotel, a boutique hotel in Atlanta, will give you a complimentary upgrade if you can hula-hoop for more than 20 seconds!
Question 2: Which are the cheapest days to stay?
Again, this depends on your destination. For city hotels, definitely the weekends. But for beach type resorts/hotels, mid-week would likely get you better deals, as everyone likes to get away for the weekend.
Question 3: What time of the year is considered offseason?
Off season for many hotels would be your summer months (June - August) as well as holidays. Summer tends to be a time where many corporations choose NOT to book meetings in a hotel. Summer tends to be a time where so many spend their time with family for special summer vacations.
Question 4: What about peak times?
Peak times in a hotel are mid-week. Hotels tend to host large conventions during the week, making it more difficult to find those great deals, because of the high demand. This, of course, varies with cities/locations.
Question 5: Are the rates any different or cheaper to book through an online site / broker versus directly on a hotel website?
Hotels do offer special rates through their websites. The only downside is that if you book that "deal" online, it is a prepaid, non-refundable rate. So, should something come up, and you are unable to make your trip, you lose your prepayment, which is usually the first night's room and tax. You can almost always find last minute deals at your travelzoo.com type websites, or Expedia.coms - but with Expedia, it's a "Hidden" hotel, so you don't know exactly what you're booking, until you've booked.
Question 6: How does location of the hotel make a difference in the price? Are ones in the suburbs -away from touristy areas or ones by the airport relatively cheaper?
Yes. The more there is to do around a hotel; the price will definitely be more. Airport properties tend to be less expensive. Find a hotel that is right on the transit line (public transportation) where it is easy to jump on the train and be at your favorite attraction in just minutes.
Question 7: What is the best way to get free inexpensive upgrades?
Hotels offer incredible incentive programs where you earn points for staying at their properties. For example, the Starwood Preferred Guest program rewards you points for every dollar spent during your stay. Your status (Preferred, Gold, or Platinum) is based on how frequently you stay with the Starwood Brands, but you can apply points to airline miles, your favorite charity, or towards a stay at any Starwood Hotel worldwide - WITH NO BLACKOUT DATES, which is a huge deal! Other brands, such as Marriott and Hyatt, have same type programs with special perks for members, but there are blackout dates. These type programs (based on status level) do automatically earn free upgrades, late check-out privileges, etc. Also, these brands consistently run special promotions. Starwood's SPG, for example, often run special promos that allow you to earn double points, or stay two nights, get your third night free. Learn more at http://www.spg.com.
Please tune in for the next money saving, family friendly 7 Q&A, on the next post.
What are some ways you save when booking for Hotels or how do you get Hotel Discounts?
All Rights Reserved Copyright Travel Bargain Mama 2009
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