"Locking in a Long Term Rate at a Hotel"
 

One thing that jumped out to me in:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001677.html

was the poster's mention of "locking in a long term rate" at a hotel.

Because of the nature of my work, I often travel to the same city for four or more weeks in a row. But I've never heard of getting a better rate at a hotel over the long term.

I would be very interested in hearing other people's experiences on this, especially:

- What's the minimum stay length you've had to be able to lock in a rate?

- What kind of discounts have you been able to get?

- What types of properties would this apply to - the Courtyards/AmeriSuites of the world, or better properties?

Whenever I'm going to spend more than 30 nights at a give property, I always ask for a rate. I've done it at Hilton, InterContinental, and Four Seasons properties. The discounts are usually good, but not stupendous.

Most of the time, there is a Business Travel Sales Manager that can negotiate long term rates. Dont go through regular reservations, they arent quite as flexible as sales is. Ive seen a 500 suite for 200 bucks a night for long term stays. Granted, they werent cleaned every night, but still.

Also, staying over 30 days usually defines you as a "resident" and allows you to be tax exempt. However, most programs do not allow you to earn points on these type stays.

As far as stays, Monday to thursday, for 4-6 weeks at a time, they usually arent quite as forgiving. Again, talk with sales, try to get a "corporate" account. These usually carry minimum number of nights, usually 50 or so. Still, it never hurts to try http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif