Trap for new players? Different day rates for different days over the same period

[Moopere]

Hi Folks,

I suspect this is well known, but as a relatively new player, or at least one who only recently started paying attention (thanks AFF!) I have noticed the following:

Using the Hilton website to book a room 24/12 - 2/1, 9 nights.

Day rate on the quoting engine is $250, standard room

Noodling around a bit though I see this:

24-29, $156/n, same room, 5 nights
29-31, $156/n, same room, 2 nights
31-2, $295/n, same room, 2 nights.

Despite 24-29 and 29-31 both being quoted at $156/n as separate bookings, if you try to make a booking 24-31 the price jumps to $212/n ... mmm ... something must be going on at the hotel level that I just don't understand as this seems illogical to me.

Anyway, 3 separate bookings covering off the dates above comes to $1682, whereas booking the whole period as a single booking 24-2 is $2250. Difference = $568

If I decide to make separate bookings and save 500$, presumably I'm open to being moved around the hotels different room for my different bookings? The reason for the 500$ larger fee for the single booking is, I assume, because single room availability over the period is unavailable/deemed a premium?

I haven't mentioned the hotel because it doesn't seem to matter. I've seen the same effect across Australia and SE Asian hiltons.

 

[serfty]

...
If I decide to make separate bookings and save 500$, presumably I'm open to being moved around the hotels different room for my different bookings? The reason for the 500$ larger fee for the single booking is, I assume, because single room availability over the period is unavailable?. ...

Well known that a multi night booking will charge the highest per night rate for all nights, even if other nights within the period maybe less expensive.

I generally book individual nights in these cases. Never had to move rooms yet. I do endeavor to inform the hotel in the days leading to arrival and also ensure I have printed copies of each booking with me on check-in.

 

[straitman]

Re: Trap for new players? Different day rates for different days over the same perio

Moopere,

Do as serfty says and book via the most cost effective rate and tell them prior or at checkin. I've never had a problem doing it this way.

It really is a con though.

 

[Moopere]

Re: Trap for new players? Different day rates for different days over the same perio

Thanks for the advice. Yes, booking single back-to-back nights across the whole period would seem safest (with printouts).

 

[NM]

Re: Trap for new players? Different day rates for different days over the same perio

Well known that a multi night booking will charge the highest per night rate for all nights, even if other nights within the period maybe less expensive.

I generally book individual nights in these cases. Never had to move rooms yet. I do endeavor to inform the hotel in the days leading to arrival and also ensure I have printed copies of each booking with me on check-in.

Some other hotel chains (e.g. Holiday Inn) will change the rate throughout the stay and quote the average daily rate. So this way you are only paying the highest price on the days when the lower price is not available. It would be nice if all hotels did that.

 

[straitman]

Re: Trap for new players? Different day rates for different days over the same perio

Some other hotel chains (e.g. Holiday Inn) will change the rate throughout the stay and quote the average daily rate. So this way you are only paying the highest price on the days when the lower price is not available. It would be nice if all hotels did that.

A much better system IMHO.

 

[ShaneN]

Re: Trap for new players? Different day rates for different days over the same perio

Some other hotel chains (e.g. Holiday Inn) will change the rate throughout the stay and quote the average daily rate. So this way you are only paying the highest price on the days when the lower price is not available. It would be nice if all hotels did that.

As NM says, ICHotels (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza) certainly change rates throughout the stay. I am booked at a Holiday Inn in Melbourne in January - the rate is $203 for the first night and $230 for the following two nights. I have had the same in Chicago and Boston earlier this year.

I think Accor is the same, but not certain - recent stays mostly with IC.

 

[serfty]

Another benefit of booking individual nights is that if you have 'flexible' bookings and need to trim your stay by cancelling one night or two nights, it is very easy. Compare to having a multi night booking and needing to reduce it at a few days notice - most chains will happily do so but at much higher nightly rate.