vaindioux

Hi

We were looking at booking a hotel room with laquinta in St-Petersburg FL. The rate had been $39/nightly as long as you book for 7 consecutive nights. I went to book it today and the rate is now $49 a night for a week stay for the same September dates.

Is this normal, I am not used to book hotel rooms that often?
Do rates go up and down, we usually book directly from the laquinta site as it guarranties the cheapest rate (And we choose laquinta as we have a large dog and they accept them with no fee)?

Thanks

Patrick

J62

Rates change all the time based on supply & demand. I usually book my hotel rooms well before flights knowing that I can cancel or change at any time.

If I want to lock in savings I'll consider a prepaid rate, but that usually means locking in the dates without any cancellation option as well.

I'd book the $49 rate and keep watching. If the rate drops to $39 again grab it. Or consider calling the hotel directly and see if you can get the cheaper rate.

nytraveler

You found a hotel that will take a giant dog and you're worried about $10 a night. A kennel along would be about $30 a day.

vaindioux

J62

I booked the room, that was a great idea to book then watch for a potential price drop.

Thanks so much

Patrick

happytrailstoyou

Great advice from J62.

NewbE

Yes, rates change without warning. As an indecisive booker, I find myself stymied occasionally when a rate I've been watching goes up instead of down. I agree, book the room, but also call now to ask if they'll give you the $39 rate--doesn't hurt to ask! If they won't, keep an eye on it to see if it drops on its own. Good luck!

(nyt, why so rude? $10 is $10!)

spirobulldog

I book with LQ often(usually in Dallas). They are almost always more if I book on weekdays. If there is a big event going on(state fair, football games, etc) the price can be more than double. If you look on the website they have a "last minute deal" that is usually the best price. Sometimes you can ask for a AAA rate and be honest with them and tell them you don't have an AAA card and they still might honor it. I find that I have better luck with this calling the hotel directly. You can always book the AAA rate and they probably won't ask you for the AAA ID card anyway. If you or a traveling companion work for a state or national government agency the rates are normally about 50% off at LQ with proper ID.

A lot of LQ's have 39,49, and 59 weekend or last minute deals.

vaindioux

Hi

Lots of good answers I really appreciate it (spirobulldog thxs for the detailed post.)
NewbB I agree with you $10 is $10 and when you multiply x 7 nights that's $70 I have to pay extra. What's wrong with trying to save $70????

Thanks to all

Patrick

spirobulldog

One other thing. If you stay with LQ often, sign up for their frequent rewards membership. Can't remember exactly what they call it.

vaindioux

Hi

I already subscribe to their reward program but thanks anyway.

Patrick