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April 04, 2007
Pay less by threatening to cancel orders: Part III
Here are a few more ways to get cheaper rates on things that have worked for me. Remember, you won't get what you don't ask for, so don't be shy.
When you book national chain hotel, don't call the hotel's toll-free reservations line - call the hotel in the place you're staying directly. They have more power to lower the price. Let them know you're not happy with the price you were quoted on the toll-free reservations line. If they won't knock down the price, trade up like getting a suite at the regular room rate, or discount at the hotel restaurant. Also, the best way to save money is while making the reservation, not while checking in.
If that still doesn't work, make a reservation, then call up the next day and say you need to cancel it because you've found a cheaper rate at a nearby hotel. This has worked for me on my last two hotel reservations.
You might try the same thing with rental cars, but this hasn't worked as well for me. I've only been able to get free upgrades to bigger cars but haven't been able to lower the price.
Posted by brian at April 4, 2007 06:50 AM