Originally Posted by DHAST
Next question...
Is this a rate avaiable to me, or is it a negotiated discount ala the corporate discount programs that the airlines have? I sure don't get any cheaper fares on the airlines just because I flew XXX miles last year. If you're getting negotiated volume discounts, it's really irrelavent to me who stays 5 stays a year and doesn't have the volume to negotiate a deal like that.
You're not going to get my negotiated rate because you don't stay enough. However, you should always check the various "standard" discounts (govt, senior, AAA, etc.). You might qualify for one of them. Plus, there are many threads in the various hotel forums about special discount codes. Worth a try -- the worst that can happen is that they deny you the rate and you wind up paying what you would have anyhow.
As an example, when I was doing my "mattress run" earlier this year for Hilton, I uncovered a govt rate at the Hilton Suites in Auburn Hills, MI -- $69/night. I got a nice suite, a pretty good hotel, and (as a Diamond) a very nice hot breakfast. Never asked for ID, but I had it if needed.
Nobody's gonna call you up and offer you a deal -- you gotta search them out.