How do you bargain down hotel prices?

[chatkeow 28]

How do you go about that, mate? Pay what they ask? Or is their room for bargaining?

 

I dont think its a good idea to be standing in reception with your bags trying to obtain a discount-you're on a sticky wicket especially perhaps after a 24 hour trip or more....

 

I always email the hotel direct (after ALWAYS finding out the correct name of the person to deal with) asking for best price-its very rare that I can subsequently find it cheaper via the booking sites...

 

As I only tend to stick to at most 4 hotels they tend to know me and when I make a reservation they know I'll be there..

Edited December 22, 2011 by chatkeow

[Obsession 571]

It is not rocket science how to get decent rooms at a discount rate.

During your trip you keep your eyes open for a new hotel opening.

You go in and tell the people when you will be back on your next trip.

If you like the place tell them you like it but it is a bit too expensive and ask them if they can give you a discount for a longer stay ... always look disappointed with their discount and say that you would love to stay but it is too expensive ... they usually make you a good offer.

Lets say the rack rate is 1400 baht and they finally offer you 1100 you then say I can only pay 1000 ... most places will agree but you most likely will lose out on the free breakfast before 11.00am ... who gets up for breakfast.

Make sure you have 5 or 6 options.

Hotel rooms never look as good as the pictures on the website ....the hotel room brokers wont get you a cheaper rate unless you are a shit negotiator .

I bargain for almost everything in Thailand ... Thais are shocked at people that pay their original asking price.

Too many empty rooms to be paying the asking price.

 

Thanks for the advice. It was you I was hoping would let us in on how you got some of the nice rooms I've seen in your posts, at good prices.

It is rocket science to me mate. I'm a typical Brit at bargaining.

Last time I tried was in NanaTai hotel, when all soi 4 hotels were full. A BM said he paid 900 baht last time and just to offer that. I looked at the room. It was utter shit. I lied that I had paid 900 last stay, as he advised, and was looked on like I had cocked my leg and farted. I hope your not setting me up for another embarrassing retreat lol?

What are you paying in AC for a room?