Techniques for getting good value hotel rooms

[Cyclogenesis]

I'm looking at booking a trip to Canberra in September to catch up with friends and see floriade. It will be Me + my wife and daughter.

Last time I went to Canberra for my graduation we booked a WotIf Wot hotel and it ended up being the Crowne Plaza and was very nice!

So I am after anyone's tips and tricks for getting the best price for good hotels... am I best off waiting to grab a last minute bargain (going for ~4 days probably) booking far ahead? How about qantas hotel bookings (and then I get FF points)

Any advice gratefully accepted!

 

[fortymilliondaggers]

If parliament's sitting, I suggest booking as soon as possible.

 

[Cyclogenesis]

Great point!
Looking at Parliament of Australia: House of Representatives: Sitting Schedule for 2009
Late Sept early Oct looks ok...

 

[zig]

The general approach I take with most hotel bookings is to book something at a rate I would be happy to pay that can be cancelled. Then I keep an eye on sites such as Wotif to see if anything better comes available closer to the time. If it does, I try to book the Wotif rate directly with the hotel, and cancel the other booking I had. If nothing better comes along at least I have accomodation at a hotel and rate I'm happy with.

 

[docjames]

The general approach I take with most hotel bookings is to book something at a rate I would be happy to pay that can be cancelled. Then I keep an eye on sites such as Wotif to see if anything better comes available closer to the time. If it does, I try to book the Wotif rate directly with the hotel, and cancel the other booking I had. If nothing better comes along at least I have accomodation at a hotel and rate I'm happy with.

I tend to do much the same, although i tend to just look at the hotel websites directly, not wotif. I will use other online aggregators to check other nearby similar hotels and check that their prices havent moved.

 

[oz_mark]

I tend to do much the same, although i tend to just look at the hotel websites directly, not wotif. I will use other online aggregators to check other nearby similar hotels and check that their prices havent moved.

Same. Although, Wotif is good for getting a general feel of the area and sometimes can spot a cheapie that is often on the hotel website as well.

 

[rwatts]

Same. Although, Wotif is good for getting a general feel of the area and sometimes can spot a cheapie that is often on the hotel website as well.

Often the hotel website will have better payment options and conditions as well as cheaper rates. Last year I found a better rate at a Sydney hotel by following up at its website - about $5 cheaper, no booking fee and full payment not required until check-in.

Further, bookings could be canceled until 48hrs before check-in without penalty. Checking the hotel site again a week or two later I noticed the nightly rate had dropped substantially. I was able to simply make another booking and then cancel the first, saving a bundle without the hassles of refunds and admin fees.

Sites like Wotif are great for scoping out likely bargains, but always check the hotel's own site.

Richard.

 

[MDC]

Also don't forget that IHG has their lowest internet rate guarantee. Somethings handy when trying to book into their properties.

 

[zig]

I agree, it is always worth checking the hotel website, as surprisingly sometimes they have the cheapest rates.

 

[laffer]

Wherever Priceline is available for Name your own price I use it. I have had some fantastic deals over the years.

 

[JohnK]

Is it possible to get the Athens Hilton cheaper than ~€230 for 2 nights (Thu, Fri) end of August? Am I being unrealistic in trying to get a lower price for a luxury hotel? It would appear that Hilton is not doing any discounting overseas. I have been trying sites like Betterbidding, Hotwire, Priceline but if you do not know what you are doing it is difficult.

 

[Mal]

It would appear that Hilton is not doing any discounting overseas.

They are. The price you're seeing appears to be a 2nightfor1 deal (including breakfast. Non refundable), so it's about 1/2 what it normally would be.

I'm not sure you'll find anything better at the Hilton.

 

[auriga]

Does priceline bidding work well for Australian hotels?

 

[JohnK]

They are. The price you're seeing appears to be a 2nightfor1 deal (including breakfast. Non refundable), so it's about 1/2 what it normally would be.

I should have realised that it was a 2for1 deal. I would hate to be paying their normal rate. :shock:

 

[albatross710]

Does priceline bidding work well for Australian hotels?

I used Priceline for a recent booking Sydney and ended up at the Sofitel. Final price was only $10 less than the hotel's own website. Their reseverations said they could match any internet rate. In the case of a Priceline deal, you don't know it until you've paid.

Priceline doesn't work for Brisbane, Canberra, Sunshine Coast. Maybe not enough competition options.


Back to the OP, for Canberra two weeks ago I took up a Wotif Mystery Deal and got the Heritage Hotel for $100 twin which they were advertising on the same days for $130.

 

[JohnK]

They are. The price you're seeing appears to be a 2nightfor1 deal (including breakfast. Non refundable), so it's about 1/2 what it normally would be.

I'm not sure you'll find anything better at the Hilton.

I have managed to find the Athens Hilton 2 for 1 deal including breakfast with Hotel Club for €208.80 (including 10% member dollars credit) plus a $65 bottle of Lanson Black Label Non-Vintage Champagne from Dan Murphy's.

Not sure I will find a better deal for the Athens Hilton.

 

[markis10]

If you are keen to stay at the CP agian then I would suggest you book soon, using the family and friends program:

Friends and Family discount at all IHG Hotels - FlyerTalk Forums

This will get you a room at $166 fro most dates in Sept, otherwise have a look at the priority privilege program where you could use the buy one get one free vouchers, it will cost around $250 to join but you do get a $50 hotel credit voucher as well as a free breakfast voucher as well, a good option if you intend to stay elsewhere at a ICHG hotel anytime in the year after you pruchase membership.

 

[MarcB]

As there are few choices of decent hotels in Canberra, I find it is usually easy to work out which hotel is the Wotif Secret Hotel and save a few extra dollars. I personally have stayed at the Diamant which I found to be incredibly comfortable and certainly has more character than the Crowne Plaza. It's my preferred hotel in Canberra. It is in New Acton but only a 10 minute walk to Civic (though I assume you will probably get a car as it is Canberra), close the Lake BG and you can usually get good rates via their website, or hotelclub.com.au or wotif. I have also stayed on the Southern side in the Hotel Realm. Again, a nice hotel - brand new - but a bit cold in terms of the decor etc. Try hotelscombined.com as well.

 

[JohnK]

If you are keen to stay at the CP agian then I would suggest you book soon, using the family and friends program:

Thanks again markis10. I am in Singapore on Boxing Day and I think I will save some money and stay in Geylang for ~A$50 for the night. I just wish my friend will hurry up and decide if he is going so I can make the hotel booking.

 

[albatross710]

Just thought I'd relate that Priceline can deliver some great deals.

I'e been searching for a couple of rooms in Milan and had decided to settle on a bed & breakfast deal at the Milan Hilton due to the value relative to other hotels and its location. On the day I went to book it, the daily rate had gone up from EUR143 to EUR190. Ouch. Given that it was for a couple of rooms over a week, it was adding up, so I went for a wildcard entry on Priceline.

Ended up with the same hotel for EUR60!

Didn't include breakfast but we saved about $800 which will buy a lot of pasta!

Alby