Getting higher quotes than website rack rate!
 

My husband & I will be in Paris from March 22 thru March 26. I believed this was low season or winter rates? Well I have emailed a half a dozen hotels that I am interested in, stating only that we would prefer a large bed and a shower ensuite. Most (except 1) of these hotel are emailing me back with their high season rates or rates that are higher than their posted rack rate on their website! What's the deal? I thought dealing with the hotels direct was going to get me the best rate? I'm a little annoyed right now and would appreciate some advice. Am I wrong? Is March now considered high season? I mean a lot of these hotels had much lower rates posted as a *summer special*? Is anyone else running into this problem? Thanks for any info, help, advice :)

Many times the hotel's quoted price by email or phone is higher than you can get through other means. You could try to negotiate them down, but I think my preference would be to just use those other web sites.

Paris in the spring it's meant to be one of the most romantic things to do. I did go once in spring and it was cold, and very busy.

I've found the second fortnight of March is high season in many hotels in Paris (I was looking for hotels for a couple of friends), many others begin their high season in April with the Holy Week.

I think a lot of the fashion shows take place in March or April. That may be one reason why you're getting higher rates. Also, as others have pointed out, Paris is generally very busy in the spring.

Another possibility is that they have standard rooms and deluxe/superior rooms, and are offering you the superior room rate. You can respond by asking if they have anything less expensive, or just use their booking form on their website to request the room at the rate you prefer.

Actually, March 15 sometimes marks the beginning of the higher season, and you may also be looking at dates that compete with a salon (trade show) week. If that is the case, book while you can as rooms can be diffcult to find in that situation.

If they ARE offering a room other than a standard room that should be made known.

If you are finding rates lower on the website and are certain about which level of room (standard, superior, whatever...) is being offered I would go ahead and use the website to book.

Have you considered e-mailing back and asking WHY the rates you are being offered are different from those shown on the website. The reason could involve the possibilities folks here have suggested or something noone has thought of.

Hi L,

I think that you are looking at 2006 rates on the website and being quoted 2007 rates.

((I))

Possibly the school children are on holiday then? You could try a cheaper hotel:


http://www.paris35.com/

March is not low season for Paris hotel rates. Many Paris hotels don't even have lower winter rates, let alone in March. So, if that's your only complaint, just accept that it is not low season (if you are looking at websites and expecting to get low season rates, which are usually August and then perhaps Nov-early Dec and late Jan-Feb). I've never seen a Parisian hotel with low season rates in March myself.

Most hotel websites I've seen are very specific as to the dates for low season rates. If you are being quoted rates higher than their own website for the exact same dates shown on the website (including year), then certainly ask them what's up with that.

Hi Lisa, I used to work for a hotel and the best deal is normally the internet deals & packages. The closer you get to the travel date the better the deals can get if they have too many rooms to sell. I hope this helps!
Of course if there is a special event during those dates there won't be any deals. good luck

Worth checking on Laterooms.

Many hotels reduce prices when rooms are available.

Peter

Like the other posters mentionned (Paris being a business city much more than a holiday resort) high season is september/october and march/may - july/august being low season.