The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park was more accommodating, at least on the phone. Initially, the reservation agent quoted $795 for a king — the same rate found on Expedia and its own Web site. But when I said, “I was hoping for something lower,” she immediately dropped the rate $100, showing that even luxury hotels are willing to cut a deal if you ask. But that’s against Ritz-Carlton policy, I later learned when I called the company for comment. “The policy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is for rate integrity across all channels of distribution whether made online, toll-free reservations or through travel professionals,” Vivian Deuschl, a spokeswoman, said. “The hotel erred in quoting a rate lower than $795.”

But was it a mistake? About a week later, the reservation line once again extended the $100 discount when I asked if there was anything cheaper than the initial $795 quoted. So it can pay to pick up the phone.