Jul 21, 2009 6:48 pm US/Eastern
Money Watch: Hotel Haggling Will Bring Down Prices
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Despite the tough economy, nearly 90 percent of respondents to one recent survey say they're planning a vacation this summer.
But if you don't have as much money to spend as last year, experts tell us you can score some fantastic deals if you know the right strategies.
Budget Travel Magazine recently tested ways to save when you hit the road, especially on hotels, and found that negotiating is the first step in the cost-cutting strategy.
"The world is wide open when it comes to values right now," Nina Willdorf of Budget Travel says. "When you're quoted a price, that price may not be what you have to pay."
Willdorf says that hotels are willing to bring down costs, but travelers have to be willing to do a little research first.
"Find two hotels that are in the same neighborhood that are about the same price and what you do is you sort of get them to play with each other," Willdorf says.
When bargaining, Budget Travel found on average 15 to 20 percent discounts.
The second cost cutting strategy: ask and you shall receive.
"Free parking is one thing, free breakfast, use of the facilities like spa, gym, etcetera," Willdorf says. "Places that really add on all those extra fees will be willing to knock them off and those discounts can really add up."
Another tip: call a hotel directly instead of the chain's 1-800 number for better luck asking for a cheaper rate.
For travelers like Sam Fisher, who has big travel dreams this summer, cost is a concern and he's counting every penny.
"I've always heard good things about Chicago and Orlando," Fisher says.
Fisher tried some of Budget Travel's techniques. He called two hotels in each of the cities he's interested in and was able to get a few dollars knocked off.
"I have talked to a few of the hotels in the area and they've been able to lower those prices to about $20 less than you guys are offering right now," Fisher says while on the phone with one hotel. "Is there any way we can get to those, those rates?"
One hotel offered a steep discount if he booked immediately, and he scored some perks, too.
"Oh, that's not a bad deal. Full breakfast, great," Fisher says.
Hotels are also offering a number of incentives like a round of free golf or stay two nights and get the third one for free.
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