So you want the best room rate, huh? We don't blame you. There are two ways to get it, the quick way, and the thorough way. Both offer a guaranteed lowest price, but with the more thorough way, you do more work now to make sure you really did get the best rate.
THE QUICK WAY
First, the quick way: Compare the
rates of Travelworm
and HotelDiscounts.com.
Each guarantees it has the lowest rates, and if you find a
lower rate they will refund the difference. The trick is,
if there is a lower rate out there you have to find it, because
they won't tell you about it. Also, you may have only 24 hours
to find a lower rate.
THE THOROUGH WAY
Get a pen and paper because you'll need to write down the different prices we come up with from the following sources:
· Travelworm
· HotelDiscounts.om
· Our Bargain Bin
· The Hotels
· Internet Specials
· Travel Agents
By letting you compare prices, we may not win your business, but this page is our hobby (we appreciate the business, but we have real jobs that pay our bills). We figure that you getting the lowest price is way better than us making a buck and you getting a raw deal. This guide doesn't include every possible source for room discounts, but these are the ones we use and find most reliable for bargains.
Step One - The Online Discounters We'll start by getting prices from the hotel discounters. Click on the following links and get the prices for your vacation dates. Each will give you the names of many hotels and their prices. From those listed, remember the ones you want, either by price range or selection. Don't see any hotels you want? Go on to Step Two.
Step Two - Our Bargain Bin Our Bargain Bin is a place where other readers share their great deals, whether it be through us or somewhere else. You can browse thge deals for the dates and hotels you like and see if anyone got a deal that you want. It's a really cool tool and all we ask is that you share your good deals just like others have.
Step Three - The Hotels Now we'll compare those prices to what the hotels quote you. From the following menu, go to the page for each hotel you're interested in. Call their 1-800 numbers and give their reservation clerks your vacation dates. If you are a member of the slot club at the hotel, call the number on your card, not the general 1-800 number, and see if you can get a special rate through that. Whomever you speak to, specifically ask if they have any specials.
Step
Four - Internet Specials
While you have the pages open for the hotels you're interested
in, click on our link to their web sites. Check to see if
they have any Internet specials or if you can get a room rate
online.
Step Six - Travel Agents If you have a travel agent you like, give the agent a call and see what prices he or she can dig up. Tell the agent exactly what hotel or hotels you want because they might otherwise try to sell you on a hotel that may or may not suit you. Remember that just because you checked with an agent doesn't mean you have to book with the agent. You're just getting a price, and don't let them tell you "it's selling out quick," or "this price is so good you better book today."
Step Six - Who's Cheapest?
So, what was the best price? Now that you know, book it and
feel secure that you got a good rate. If you book with one
of the discounters in Step One, remember they both have a
"low-price guarantee." That means that after you
book a room through them you can still shop for a better rate
for the next 24 hours. If you see a lower rate somewhere,
alert Travelworm
or HotelDiscounts.com
and tell them. If they verify the lower price, then you'll
be refunded the difference. So, come back here and go through
this process and see if the prices have dropped at all. Even
if it's the company you booked through that dropped its price,
you get the refund. But only if you tell them.
What Else Should You Know?
The discounters often will charge at least a $10 cancellation
or change fee.
If you book through a discounter you cannot get your room comped. This is no problem for the vast majority of us who don't gamble the big bucks and get free rooms. But, if you think you'll be getting a comped room (usually for four to eight hours of about $100 per hand gambling action, or four to eight hours of dollar slots or VP), book your room directly through the hotel or a travel agent, then once at the hotel, ask to see a slot or casino host.
Other questions? Just ask. We like e-mail because it makes us feel important.
