Originally Posted by
scubaccr
+1, Exactly !
That is the reason why I suggested to OP, asking target hotel(s) if there is a company discounted rate the hotel is agreeable for OP to use (even if not entitled by working for that company) for a stay of 6weeks, that will likely extend to more than 6weeks, is really your best option.
For OPs 6week stay, if staying 7days per week for 42 consecutive nights, it is highly possible that the hotel will allow use one of the corporate rates valid at the hotel.
The hotel is never going to discount online rates by more than various large companies rates, (HP, IBM, Google etc ) that are negotiated on basis of far more than 40x room nights per each year.
Most company rates are fixed global discount across all hotels in the chain/group, although if a large company has a big office/plant nearby, it not that unusual for an individual hotel to have a separately negotiated more deeply discounted (or fixed nightly) rates.
Always be better off on an allowed, ongoing negotiated corporate rate, than an individually negotiated rates, unless something like a 6month minimum continuous stay.
Corporate contracts may include more than just a certain rate and may require usage reports, so "using" the corporate rate may not be appropriate, but matching the rate may be possible. It's guaranteed the property will still be making a profit selling rooms at that rate, but may put the margin too slim for them to be willing to extend it beyond contract rules.
Knowing how low they are willing to go for a large customer will help you gauge the deal they may be offering even if you are not getting all the perks. Everything is available for negotiation, frequency of housekeeping, parking availability (if a charged lot), meals, and internet access. If they are close, you can even put loyalty credit in the mix as well. Even a weekly payment schedule may help put the deal together.