Hassle-free hotel stay: a simple phone call can save you time and money.Today's busy traveler is looking higher-quality hotels than in years past, and hoteliers are providing what they want. From luxurious beds draped drape v. draped, drap·ing, drapes v.tr. 1. To cover, dress, or hang with or as if with cloth in loose folds: draped the coffin with a flag; a robe that draped her figure. with rich, velvety vel·vet·y adj. vel·vet·i·er, vel·vet·i·est 1. Suggestive of the texture of velvet; soft and smooth: velvety skin. 2. linens to hotels around the country are offering more, not less. However, quality comes at a price. The average cost of a double room among the 1,011 U.S. hotels surveyed for Zagat's Top US. Hotels, Resorts & Spas 2007 is $361.08 per night. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the survey, "All of these prices are higher than the room rates charged only Two years ago and unless occupancy rates Noun 1. occupancy rate - the percentage of all rental units (as in hotels) are occupied or rented at a given time pct, per centum, percent, percentage - a proportion in relation to a whole (which is usually the amount per hundred) decline, room prices are likely to stay high." But possible to stay in the best for less? The answer is yes. IF YOU FOLLOW THESE TIPS, YOU'LL ENJOY LUXURY AT A DISCOUNT. * Research the hotel online, then call. The Internet is a great place to start. Go to Websites such as www.hotels.com, www.travelocity.com, and www.cheap tickets.corn, "then buy directly from the hotel, because in some cases you can get a better rate from the hotel," says Joe McInerney, president of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (www, ahla.com). By calling the hotel directly and speaking with a reservation agent, you can learn about current and upcoming specials, which may include spa packages or complimentary meals. * Inquire in·quire also en·quire v. in·quired, in·quir·ing, in·quires v.intr. 1. To seek information by asking a question: inquired about prices. 2. about the occupancy rate. Upon arriving at the hotel, ask a reservation agent or the hotel manager if there are rooms available. If there are, inquire about a room upgrade for a minimal or negotiated cost. If you don't have a reservation and you plan on arriving after the scheduled check-in time, Joel Widzer ''This article or section is being rewritten at The creator of this article, or someone who has substantially contributed to it, may have a conflict of interest regarding its subject matter. , author of The Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel." The Art of Cultivating Preferred Customer Status (Traveler's Tales Guides; $14.95) suggests negotiating for a reduced rate, "since it is unlikely the rooms will be filled that night." * Hake hake: see cod. hake Any of several large marine fishes (genus Merluccius) usually considered part of the cod family. Hakes are elongated, large-headed fishes with large, sharp teeth, two dorsal fins (one notched), and a notched anal fin. the most of frequent guest programs. Many hotel chains are part of a larger conglomerate. Use this to your advantage. For example, by staying at a Courtyard, you can earn points toward stays at a Ritz-Carlton. "Sometimes luxury doesn't cost more," adds Widzer. "I've stayed at a Four Seasons and it can cost as little as a Marriott or Hilton." * Traveling during the down season. McInerney also suggests traveling during shoulder months, which are the down season, for additional savings. Keep in mind that down periods can include days or months and vary by location and hotel. |
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