"How to Find that Hotel Room for Your Vacation,"
by Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach
Having just gone through this for an upcoming vacation in
Santa Fe, one of the priciest places for accommodations in
the US, I want to pass on what I've learned.
Once you've decided where you're going and are ready to find
a hotel, it will pay for you to look around. Hopefully
you're planning in advance, and will have a month or so. If you're after bottom-dollar, most places (even Santa Fe) have a Super 8, and also the more affordable chains, such as La Quinta. However, if you want more of the local flavor and have some money to spend, but not all the money in the world, and/or like to get value for your dollar, here's a method that works.
First of all, make a list with three columns. In the first
column, put what you must have. We wanted a place with an
outdoor pool and hot tub, a full-service spa, a shuttle, and
a central location with a McDonald's and attractions nearby. You might want room-service 24 hours, parking place for your car, exercise room, something out in the country, or a room
where you can walk out the door and be outside. Just list
it and don't assume they all have.
In the second column, put what you'd like to have, but isn't essential.
Then make a column of what you don't want. This may be a multi-storied hotel or a place with a children's program, or a place that has an on-site spa.
With this list in hand, start researching on the Internet. First go to places like hotels.com, expedia.com, and orbitz.com. They will tell you what hotels are available. Investigate their rates. Make sure the following questions are answered for you, whether you ask them or whether they appear on the website:
1. Find out what they bill your credit card immediately.
Some will bill the entire amount at the time you make the reservation, others will bill the first night's stay, others will bill a deposit, and others will just take your credit card number.
2. Find out what the cancellation policy is. How far in
advance, if ever and what charges apply? If they say "72
hours in advance" ask them to tell you when that would be,
in your time zone, and then take the name of the agent who
told you this. You'd be surprised what "72 hours" can mean.
3. Find out the total price of your stay. Ask specifically
for the total with all charges included. Many places quote
the price without adding on the extras, which aren't
"extras" because they aren't optional. This can include a resort fee ($14 a day), a parking fee (another $14 a day), and whatever else they have in mind that you need to know before you book.
With this information in hand, call the hotels themselves
and talk with their reservations' agent. Mention any
discounts you might have access to, such as AARP, AAA, USAA,
or something in conjunction with your visit – i.e., for
Santa Fe, ask if they offer "an opera special."
The hotel will not – I repeat not – offer you these
discounts unless you ask for them specifically. This can
mean 10% or more off your bill, so it's definitely worth inquiring. You can also ask them what other discounts they give. If you get the right agent, they will tell you; or if you use the right tone of voice and establish a mini-relationship first. (Use your EQ!)
Take this information, and then call the place again in a
day or two, making sure you talk to someone different. I
once was able to book a single-person rate on a cruise this way. The first person told me they didn't offer a single-person rate. I found someone who did! They may offer you a better deal.
You can also ask to speak to the concierge, and tactfully
ask him or her about specials. If you get someone who's
really chatty, you may even get information from them about places that would suit you better.
If you're going to an event you're buying tickets for, and
the ticket office is in the same location, you can inquire
from that person what accommodations they would recommend. Since we were getting opera tickets, I asked the young lady who took my call what place she recommended. She paused for a moment and then told me not to stay at a certain place, and gave me her reasons why.
Of course if you know anyone who lives in the area, ask them too. They can tell you things no one else can.
Using this method, I was able to get hotel rooms at the
place I wanted for less than the discount sites offered.
©Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . Coaching, Internet courses, and ebooks around emotional intelligence for your personal and professional development. I coach and train EQ coaches – fast, affordable, comprehensive, no-residency program. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for information, and for free EQ ezines.
