I have a question. In the US I would never just pay the 'rack rate' for a hotel. There is always a way to get a discount. Yet, in Europe, I just go with what is on the website or quoted to us. Is there room for negotiation on hotel rooms in Europe?

Hi rbn,

>Is there room for negotiation on hotel rooms in Europe? <

Of course. Especially in the off-season.

However, if you are planning on a smaller hotel in season it is highly unlikely.

"There is always a way to get a discount..."

Really? ALWAYS?????

Hey, bottle this, Baby, put it on the internet and you'll make millions.

Simply contact the hotel and ask them to give you their "best" rate. Whether or not you end up negotiating or the hotel lets you THINK you are "negotiating" is anyone's guess.

For small family owned hotels, contact them directly and tell them you'll pay ca$h, it's gotten us some good discounts.

Unfortunately, we are going to Rome and Amalfi in high season, so I'm guessing the quoted rate is the going rate. I DID ask if there was a discount for booking two rooms. The Due Torri claimed that 190E IS a discounted rate. Maybe......

You can certainly try. Last September (a busy time in Bologna) we asked the Hotel Baglioni if we could have the weekend rate for the additional three non-weekend nights we wanted to stay. (The weekend rate was 50% of the regular rate.) To my astonishment they agreed to what I thought was an outrageous request.

rbnwdln

I have been told the same thing by the Due Torri: that 190 E is a discounted rate! I love the location, but it seems high to me for that hotel.

I have begged the Portoghesi for "best rates" as a returning customer, bring friends, recommending them, etc. We are always quoted the "rack rate."

I just haven't had luck in Italy getting any discounts. I did ask the Hotel de Varenne in Paris to include the breakfast, which was extra, in our rate, and they agreed.

A few years ago I had a job that required me to travel a lot so I started playing a game to see if I could talk my way up to first class or get a better rate at the hotel. I figured that the worst that could happen to me was I ended up paying the same rate or sitting in the same coach seat.

To my surprise I ended up flying first class about a third of the time, I got many hotel upgades and even a few free nights. Not bad just for asking with a smile.

And here I didn't even know that racks had rates. Unless..... well, never mind.

--Marv

I recently got 8 nights for the price of 6 in the Dolomites.

Many hotels give a discount there in low season.

Steve