Jawboning Hotel Rates

Bargaining

tactic:

When you're booking a hotel room,you will often find good rates at onlinetravel sites, such as Travelocity orExpedia. But with a little more effort, youmay be able to obtain an even betterdeal. The first line of approach is to callthe hotel directly, not through an 800-number. Talk to the general manager, notthe reservations clerk, and haggle for abreak on the online price, which is usuallymarked up by 20% or more. If you're going to make a lot ofphone calls, ask for a flat per-diem phonerate. Many hotels will give it to you, butyou must ask.