Discounts on Travel - Part 2 - Hotels

Finding the right hotel for your vacation or business travel can be tricky. Many times we want all of the features for the best price we can get.

Here is a tip from my "Lessons Learned". Don't call the 800 number if you have specific requests such as a beach front room. Look up their local number and call the hotel direct to see if they can meet your specific request. We had an experience where we called the 800 number, was promised a beach front room, but they didn't have any available when we checked in. Better to call direct and note the name of the person you spoke with.

Now for hotel bargains. There are many websites such as hotel.com and others that can give you room rates for about any hotel in any location. And that is a good place to start. Usually you can choose what amenities you want, price range, and even see some photos of the hotel. Also, tripadvisor.com will give you the opinions of others about particular hotels. I suggest you read those as well before you book.

Both AARP (if you are over 50) or AAA (if you are a member), can get you discounts at a hotel. When calling for a reservation, ask them " What is your best rate?" After they have given you this quote, you then ask about AARP or AAA rates to see if you can save a little be more. If you are a member of the Military or work for the government, those rates are usually even better.

If you travel a lot, such as on business, you should join the membership of the hotels you tend to stay. Marriott has a good program, as does Hilton, Holiday Inn, Best Western, etc. If you don't belong, ask them for a form to sign up. Unlike airline frequent flyer miles, hotel miles seem to work much better. The rewards are not as good as they used to be, but still they are worth it and can add up over time. You can use their points for free nights, or room upgrades.

You can also search the internet with the name of the hotel and the words "promotion" or "discount". Sometimes you will find they have a summer special that does not show up else where. Try this in the black Google Search box at the bottom of this blog, just above the video. The search results will at the bottom of the blog. For example try this one in the search box(include the quotes):

discount "Legacy By The Sea" Panama City Beach, Fl


Now if you don't have children and there are only one or two of you traveling, then PriceLine is one to try. Priceline will quote you a price, but you can bid on hotel rooms and get them even lower. You have to remember this is an auction, and once you bid, if it is accepted you have bought the room.

There are some drawbacks with PriceLine. They only work with hotels. All rooms are only for 1 or two people. The drawback is you don't choose the hotel, you choose the area, and the * ranking. So always ask for a 4 or 5 star hotel to be assured of a nice one.

If you want to try PriceLine, I strongly suggest that you go to Bidding For Travel first.

Bidding For Travel will let you see how much other people have gotten rooms for at various hotels. However, they have a technique that you need to follow, and are most helpful getting you started. But you must follow the rules in order to be successful.

I just looked on Bidding for Travel and saw where one bidder got a room at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City for $150. Or the Hyatt Regency in Boston for $100. For these hotels, those are great prices.

Similarly, Hotwire allows you to purchase rooms. But they show the prices, you don't bid. However you still don't know the name of the hotel until you agree to accept it. However, this site does use maps and shows smaller neighborhoods, so you can get right in the location you wish.

If you are not into bidding and taking your chances, then try Kayak. This site searches a ton of sites looking for your hotel room, including the hotel's own website, for any internet specials they may have.

For any of the sites, simply type the name listed below in the black Google Search box below just above the video. The search results will appear underneath that black box.

Hotels.com, TripAdvisor, Bidding For Travel, PriceLine, Hotwire, Kayak

Where ever you go, may you have a pleasant stay and get a great deal!!