Here are six ways to get the best prices at some top hotels:
1. Look for “debut” discounts: When a hotel first opens or signs up with a new booking site, room rates are sometimes heavily discounted.
Check out hotel membership programs like Dis-loyalty (with a membership fee of $18 per month) and Design Hotels (free membership) for debut discounts of up to 50%.
2. Try front desk diplomacy: Call the hotel directly for the best rates, as the person on the other end may be willing to negotiate and offer exclusive deals.
This strategy works for booking rooms, as well as extending your stay or booking last-minute without a reservation.
3. Sign up for newsletters: Many hospitality brands and booking sites offer newsletters that provide exclusive discounts to subscribers.
Examples include Small Luxury Hotels (up to 20% off suites at various properties) and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (up to 35% off last-minute hotel stays).
4. Call your agent: Travel advisers and consultants who have relationships with hotel brands can get negotiated rates for clients.
5. Be flexible with your dates: Shifting your check-in and checkout dates by even a day might yield lower room rates.
6. Protect against price drops: Consider using services like HotelSlash ($50 annual fee) and Magellan Luxury Hotels (free membership) that will monitor for price reductions and automatically rebook you at the new lower rate if you book a refundable option.
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