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How to Get the Best Room Rate

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Comparison-shop on the Web

Browse hotels by price, location, and amenities on sites like hotels.com—but don’t pay up just yet. Most hotel chains now promise to match (and sometimes undercut) Web rates that are lower than their own.

Call Directly

Dial the hotel’s local number to make the reservation—off-site operators don’t have the authority to nego-tiate, but those on-site do, especially when they’re facing vacancies. Mention the rate you found online, and ask about added costs, such as city, state, and occupancy taxes. Reservationists just might cut you a deal.

Seek Special Rates

Part of an association like AAA? Traveling en masse? Staying for more than one night? You probably qualify for a discount.

Migrate By Date

Avoid inflated rates by staying at hotels in tourist- trodden locales on weekdays, when the crowds are thinner, and in business hotels (near convention centers) on weekends.

Don’t Get Gouged

Before you hand your car keys to the valet, ask where else you can park. There’s likely a spot nearby that’s cheaper—or free.

Join Rewards Programs

They don’t cost anything, and perks include smoother check-in (no need to dig out your credit card), later checkout, and room upgrades (how about that view?!). As the points rack up, you’ll earn free nights—and sometimes even flights.

Copyright © 2008, American Express Publishing. All rights reserved.