I think you really have to shop around, including in particular on the internet, to really get the lowest rate.

A few weeks ago, I posted that in booking a Hampton Inn, I asked several times for the best rate and the desk clerk on the phone, while lowering his quote each time I asked, never did get down to the rate on the net.

It suprised me that FT posters answered in response that they thought that was just how things were done by most chains. One or two people even said that when a hotel says "This is our best available rate", that doesn't mean it is the lowest, because "Best Available Rate" is a term used by hotels, and isn't always the lowest.

Here's what I do to get the cheap rate:

1. Always check the internet. The lowest rate is probably there since the hotels know that the folks who book on the net comparison shop.

2. Use the comparison web sites like hotel.com (there are many others) who will give you solid quotes and tell you the hotels involved. Again, in many cases I have found that you can't get these prices by calling either the 800 numbers or the front desk.

3. Don't forget AAA and AARP. Many chains throw an additional 5-10% off for being a member of one of these organizations, and AARP is only $10 a year to join (though they send you a ton of mail).



[This message has been edited by Mountain Trader (edited 12-10-2001).]