Question On establishing long term relations with a chain
 

I am a long time lurker of this forum, and I occasionally come across threads were people talk about the great deals they get because of their lengths of stay, or relations with the company. This year alone I have spent, just off the top of my head over 10k dollars with hotels. I never seem to be able to get a good deal for long term stays though. So, because of this, I tend to stay at many different hotels, from wingates, to marriotts, to sheratons, and so fourth. I would love to just commit to one hotel, but price wise they seem unwilling to budge.

Is there any way to make "deals" with hotels for long term stays, or will I forever be destined to be a hotel jumper? I do e-mail them, but they either give me a rack rate, or something very similar to it (generally much higher than what I can book on their own website for).

I've encountered the same problem in the past. Hotels just don't seem to be interested in offering decent discounts for long stays - even 3 months. I guess they must be confident they can fill almost every room every night anyway. I've since given up trying, and go straight to serviced apartments for long stays.

Are you going to many different cities? Or are you going back to the same places multiple times?

If you are visiting the same place several times in succession, I would communicate with the hotel manager and see what kind of price break you can get. That person would be in a position to know that you pay your bill promptly, don't make a mess and are polite to the hotel employees.

The best bet is to book with chains specializing in long term stays..

http://www.hotelplanner.com/?sc=goog...FQRShwodhQ_BOg

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/candlew...en/reservation

http://www.extendedstaydeluxe.com/

I would be careful of the Extended Stay brand. Some are more places for transient homeless to stay and can be very crap. They have limited staffed office hours and fire alarms can frequently go off when there is no staff in the building.

If you are staying 3 months in one place then you might want to look at a corporate apartment. You don't get points but can specify the level of quality you want. You have everything supplied so all you bring is your clothes.

As for hotels, are you calling the hotel directly and asking to speak to their in-house person? If you are just calling an 800 number or being transfered to the general reservation line then you won't get much.

The freebies and deals start rolling in AFTER you've established loyalty to a brand. If you had spent that 10k with HH, SPG, or Marriott or any other brand with a halfway decent loyalty program you would be getting free stays already. Pick one and stick with it.

Welcome to Flyertalk

If you are staying at the same hotel, call and speak with the manager about getting a discount. Often times, they will offer a corporate discount.

Also make sure to check out the local regulations for long term stays where you are visiting. In some areas of the United States for example, after 30 days it's no longer a hotel stay but a rental, and they do not charge hotel tax on rental. Depends on the local laws, but some areas will not charge tax for the first 30 days if they know you will be there over 30 days, others have to charge the tax.

If you are not staying in the same exact hotel, I'd not expect much of a break; that's what the loyalty programs are for, and you'd be best off picking a loyalty program and sticking with it instead of jumping around. The question of "which program is best" really depends on a lot of factors: price range, expected amenities, what benefits you want to gain, city, etc.

If you'll be in the same city for the duration, I'd book several one-night stays at various properties, to get a feel for each; I'd not want to work out a nice deal on a mediocre hotel because then I'm stuck there for 8 weeks. As you stay in each one, speak to the hotel manager directly. Emailing and calling are also effective but an in-person visit can often be more productive. Tell them you are looking at X, Y and Z other hotels and ask them what they can offer you for an expected 90 nights in the next 120 days (or whatever your numbers are). I find that hotel managers respond better when there is an actual number of room nights attached--- the phrase "room nights" is one of their big metrics so if you walk in speaking their language, it tends to get their attention.

Also know what is reasonable to expect in the area you are visiting before you walk in. If you're looking for an $89/night rate for 90 days in downtown Boston, you won't find it. Think of some non-discount benefits you could also accept. The manager may only be able to come down 25% on the room price but may be willing to give you a $100 weekly food and beverage credit, or maybe they will offer you use of their hotel shuttle during hours when it doesn't normally run, hence saving you the expense of a rental car. Ask them if they have sister properties in that city which may offer a lower long-term rate. Walk in with lots of questions and lots of suggestions--- the worst they can do is say No.

The booking desk at the chains will usually not do too much. They are just a boking agent. Many hotels are not owned by the chains but just flagged.
If you are staying often at the same property you should talk to the sales manager or manager of the specific hotel directly who are responsible for the bottom line of the property to the owners.

I am on both sides of this fence.

Unfortunately not when it comes to long term discounts, at least for Hilton. I'm HHonors Diamond, and Hilton wouldn't offer a single cent off the regular rate on their website last time I asked about a long stay.

Upon arrival.. I guess you can always check out..

My suggestion is caveat emptor, and research should be conducted before committing to any hotel, long term and short term..

The lower the price, the less service.. which is geared towards a lower price for the longer term.. I wouldn't necessarily just dismiss this hotel feature.. Candlewood Suites we stayed in was ok and liveable.. and is one of the hotels offered in the link..

Surprisingly, I've found Four Seasons to be very flexible when it comes to long-term residency. I currently have on the books a 40 day stay at a Four Seasons with a negotiated rate at 60% off the average nightly best available rate along with half-off parking and a marginal F&B discount.

Agree with that one!!! Plus, if you do establish a relationship with a hotel, a lot of times management turns over and they don't know who you are so you have to start over again.
I stay once a month at a Hilton brand in San Diego, 7 nights at a time. Old management gave me great rates, free parking, the same room every single time. Management changed in July of this year and this new management doesn't take the time to know who I am. Has not remembered me once since they took over, no discounts, the crappiest room on the floor. I stay so often I know the crappy rooms, and I specify on every reservation where I would like my room since I am there 7 nights. Each time since July I have had to make corrections at check in. I am a Diamond member and they don't remember me at all and I tip well and am always courteous.

I think I will move to the Hyatt.........they call my by name when they open the door to my car........

That's a way better rate than staying at FS for three weeks at full price.. The F&B and half off parking helps too..

I wonder if we stay at FS Hualalai for 40 days, if we can get a good rate similar as well..