Summary
- Understand hotel rates and types of rooms.
- Research online and contact hotels directly.
- Use effective negotiation strategies before booking.
If you’re about to make hotel reservations for the first time, there are several things you ought to know before choosing accommodation for your honeymoon or romantic getaway. A hotel stay can be one of the most expensive parts of your trip, so make sure you don’t spend more than necessary on reservations.
How to Reserve a Room
- Understand that rates on hotel rooms vary based on the type of room you request, the day of the week, and even the time of day. To get the lowest rate for the best room, it’s essential to invest time in researching and possibly negotiating rates while making reservations.
- First, familiarize yourself with the “rack” or published rate, which is typically the highest rate the hotel charges for a room. Knowing this information allows you to expect lower prices.
- Decide what type of hotel you desire – budget, mid-range, chain, luxury, or three to five stars. Your choice significantly impacts the level of service, room furnishings, amenities, and pricing.
- Once you have an idea of the preferred hotel category, start researching online to compare prices for reservations. A systematic approach involves using spreadsheets to analyze search results for better price comparison.
- After gathering initial pricing details, explore a few additional sites before finalizing your reservations. Check platforms like TripAdvisor and Hotwire to potentially find better deals compared to Expedia and other notable online travel agents.
- Here’s a fact many are unaware of: hotels often reserve their least desirable rooms for guests who book through online travel agents or discounters. Aim to secure the best room at the most competitive price.
- Your next step is to visit the hotel’s own website. You should find some of the best reservation prices available, along with details about the various room types and levels.
- Now, you’re almost there. After noting the different prices for rooms at the same hotel, call the hotel directly. The reservations manager will have a better grasp of occupancy levels during your desired dates and may offer discounts for off-peak times.
- Keep in mind that not all rooms within a hotel are alike. Some are larger or located on corners with better views, some are on higher floors (which generally reduces noise), and some may have different bed sizes. Always inquire about these factors before completing your reservations.
- When nearing the booking stage, utilize the essential question: “What is your best rate?” After they respond, reiterate, “Is that your very best rate?” Additionally, try, “Are there any special packages offering an even better deal?” This process ensures you’ve explored all options.
- This is also the perfect moment to inquire whether the hotel provides discounts for AAA members. If you frequently travel and are not a member of AAA, consider joining, as it can prove beneficial.
- Don’t hesitate to mention special occasions, such as, “We’re celebrating our honeymoon and hope for an upgrade.” While the reservationist may not confirm this over the phone, they might note it for your arrival.
- If you like what you hear, proceed to confirm your hotel reservations over the phone while ensuring you inquire about the cancellation policy first. Ask for an email confirmation number and any necessary directions or hotel brochures.
- Document the reservations number given to you and store it in a secure location.
- Now, get excited as you count down the days until your trip!
Tips
- Keep track of all pricing information throughout your research.
- Remain flexible; booking a weekend package might yield substantial savings compared to midweek arrivals when business travelers dominate.
- If location is not critical, consider exploring less central options, such as airport hotels, where you might get better value.
- Top-tier hotels and resorts often have concierge levels or exclusive floors. For a nominal fee, enjoy added perks like complimentary breakfasts, snacks, beverages, and hors d’oeuvres.
What You Need
- Know your travel dates.
- Have a valid credit card handy.
- Be aware that hotel room rates fluctuate not just day by day, but also from one site to another.
- Patience is key; thorough research can lead to more economical hotel reservations.
