Negotiating Price with Hotels... Anybody Done That?
Jan 30, 2008, 1:55 pm
#1
Original Poster
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Negotiating Price with Hotels... Anybody Done That?
I am about to work in Downtown Los Angeles and I live in south Orange County. That's 60 miles apart and traffic in Los Angeles... need I say more?
I have been toying with the idea of calling a Holiday Inn or any within 10 miles or so from downtown, and negotiating with the manager a decent rate.. say $35 a night from Monday to Thursday (4 nights a week) for the next couple months.
Has anybody tried that? The normal rate is $80, I believe.
I have been toying with the idea of calling a Holiday Inn or any within 10 miles or so from downtown, and negotiating with the manager a decent rate.. say $35 a night from Monday to Thursday (4 nights a week) for the next couple months.
Has anybody tried that? The normal rate is $80, I believe.
Jan 30, 2008, 2:04 pm
#3
Formerly known as rwk32882
Join Date: Aug 2005
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Yes, I negotiated with Westin for a long-term stay last year. I called and spoke to the "Revenue Manager" who was able to get me a rate of approximately 50% of their lowest advertised rate. There weren't any stipulations either about leaving for a day or two here and there. Maybe they could do something similar at the Westin downtown?
Jan 30, 2008, 2:57 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: LAX
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Take a look at the Bidding for Travel and Better Bidding websites. You can see the amount the hotels are discounting their rooms for Priceline. That should be a good starting place for negotiations.
Have you considered taking the train into Union Station?
Have you considered taking the train into Union Station?
Jan 30, 2008, 4:17 pm
#7
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50% is hopeful in my case since it's 4 nights a week for the next 6 months.. I'm willing to sign a contract.
Union Station... it's an hour and a half commute... ugh
Union Station... it's an hour and a half commute... ugh
Jan 30, 2008, 8:20 pm
#8
Formerly known as rwk32882
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Wiggums: One other thing you should account for in your negotiations (if it is applicable) are the parking fees downtown. The Bonaventure was getting $25 per day last time I was there.
Jan 30, 2008, 8:38 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2005
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I used to do a ton of business near ORD and I would be there for 5-8 days every 2 months (roughly 30 nights a year). I was able to negotiate a rate with a major franchise by just talking with the manager. He also cut me some slack because I wasn't picky about the room/style/number of beds etc. He would even cut a few dollars if I wanted to only have occasional maid service (every 2 days instead of daily).
I got the rate cut from like 90ish to 48 per night.
I got the rate cut from like 90ish to 48 per night.
Jan 30, 2008, 8:52 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Why Not
Sure - have called higher tier preffered property and quoted lower tier competitor's rate, (two downtown hotels one 5 star, one 3). Asked for best available room at or below same rate if they want my business and are not sold out - (an unused room is unrecognized revenue). Have gotten suites with amenities at five star properties using this trick.
Jan 31, 2008, 10:40 am
#11
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
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I've done it all the time, sometimes more successful than others. It depends on the average occupancy of the hotel. If they are usually full (tourist area during summer months etc.), then you will not have as much negotiating power.
Definitely check on the Bidding For Travel site to get a good idea of what hotels in the are are willing to accept for "excess" rooms. Also, be careful of hidden costs. Parking in downtown Los Angeles could end up being really expensive. Scout around for cheaper nearby lots or try and negotiate a reduced parking cost. Sometimes the parking lot is run/owned by a different company from the hotel (which is the case IIRC with the Boneventure) and they won't be able to help.
Definitely check on the Bidding For Travel site to get a good idea of what hotels in the are are willing to accept for "excess" rooms. Also, be careful of hidden costs. Parking in downtown Los Angeles could end up being really expensive. Scout around for cheaper nearby lots or try and negotiate a reduced parking cost. Sometimes the parking lot is run/owned by a different company from the hotel (which is the case IIRC with the Boneventure) and they won't be able to help.
???
Jan 31, 2008, 5:45 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2003
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Such as: I live nearby and I've always wanted to stay here. If you have some unsold rooms tonight, perhaps we could help each other out.
OR
I've been checking prices in the market and your a bit higher that the others, but I'm very loyal to <brand> and don't want to stay elsewhere. Can we discuss a competitive match on rates?
OR
I represent the Onassis family and we're having a reunion soon. Can you comp me a night so I can evaluate your property.
Feb 1, 2008, 1:55 pm
#15
Join Date: Jul 2007
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I've done it for month+ stays and gotten the rate reduced by reducing the room cleaning to twice a week as well. If you offer them way to save money, that might help your case.