ccolor, just to clarify, were you using the hotel's OWN internet site (like marriott.com) or were you using an agency site, like expedia or travelocity?

I have also found rooms by calling the hotel when the web said they were sold out. But also found rooms online, when the hotel said they were sold out.

Keith

I hear this all the time, and it absolutely never works with me. Never, not once.

But I don't use Orbitz, or any of the others you mention. I use, if not priceline or hotwire, quikbook or hotels.com and they have never beaten the price I could get there, and in several cases wouldn't even come close (within $20) of matching it. This was especially true for SF, Chicago, D.C.

I just tried it on a resort in WI and no good there either. I also find that long term out always works better than within a month of the stay, and some people say the opposite of that for calling direct, as well.

In 50 stays, and in FL especially I tried it numerous times for 2 different trips. Never happened.

It depends. In planning our upcoming trip to Austin, I did what I usually do:

1) check airlines and hotels independently (I use the hotel websites and I call the ones I'm particularly interested in)

2) check with my credit card travel agency to see what they can do

3) check expedia.

For the Austin trip, expedia was the best bet. The hotel and air combination was within a couple of dollars of what the travel agent could do for me, but expedia also threw in shuttle from and to the airport, so that was a good savings.

The separate hotel/air combination was quite a bit more expensive.

I've had it work out other ways too, though, so I always check all three.

dmlove: Actually I tried it three different ways, the hotel's own website, the national site (Ramada) and then calling the hotel itself. I never did try Travelocity or Expedia because we specify a certain type of room and I don't really know if I can get it through a "third" party.

thanks ccolor, that's interesting that you got a cheaper rate than even the best rate on the hotel/chain's own website.

* When I see a lower rate on a third-party website, I have asked the hotel if they can match it. The answer so far has been no, when I've tried twice with hotels in different countries.
* Once, when I phoned a hotel to get its rate (for the following night), the clerk first gave me the regular rate, then the AAA rate even though I wasn't a member. So it's worth a try if you want to stay somewhere specific. But for that stay, I used Priceline and got a cheaper rate at a nearby hotel.

Otherwise, I aggressively use a mix of the hotels' websites, third-party websites, Priceline, and Hotwire, to get what I consider the best deals for my trips.

I have not always been able to get the same rate from the hotel directly, although I've tried.

And of course, Priceline will result in lowest fares of all but you can't necessarily choose the hotel, just the location and level.

This got me thinking about all our recent stays. Only once in the last several years have I not gotten a cheaper rate by calling.

In Victoria, I checked Expedia and found the place we wanted to stay and Expedias rate was less than the hotels website rate. So I called and they matched it. I was glad as we had to juggle our dates later and I would have been stuck if I had used Expedia.

Did a girls weekend and needed connecting rooms, called the hotel and they gave me to the manager who actually asked what rate we were looking for and gave it to us. This was at a very nice property.

For a college visit I have booked, they have a University rate that is not mentioned on the website. You need to call to get that, and it is cheaper than anything else mentioned. This is for 3 different hotels on our upcoming trip.

These are just a few examples. I think it just shows that you never know where you will find the best rate, but it pays to look at all avenues.

My experience is mixed, and I always check all I can, websites, and call.

In April, we got a great rate online for a hotel in Sanibel on its reservation website. We called directly to check on availability and they did not have that rate available (it was $150+ more per night!) and were, in fact, showing as sold out for the week we wanted. So, at the advice of the receptionist, we booked online while she stayed on the phone and the reservation with the great rate popped up on her screen!

At other times, traveling to other places such as Puerto Rico, Italy and France, we have been able to get better rates with a phone call directly to the hotel.

So, you really do have to explore all your options.

Just did it yesterday for a small boutique (not chain) hotel and got $25 off the lowest internet price.

I'd be wary of the best rate guarantee with Best Western. When I tried to get them to match a rate on Orbtiz, they said it was a "negiotiated" rate. When I tried to book it on Orbitz, the rate had disappeared!

I think other hotel chains aren't as slimy, though.

I've read similar things about the Best Rate Guarantee with Best Western. I'd just book the cheapest rate to start.

I have gotten numerous free hotel rooms by using the Best Rate Guarantee for Wyndham Rewards rooms (formerly TripRewards). The disadvantage is that the rooms are with Travelodge, Days Inn, and Ramada. Several other low-end chains are included in the guarantee as well, but I haven't had occasion to use them. That said, some hotels in these chains are pretty good quality, but others I would not want to stay at even for free.

We've gotten Marriott (no questions asked other than to show them the other rate) to match a lower rate using their best rate guarantee. I think it works so long as its not an "anonymous" hotel website like Hotwire or Priceline.

I haven't found a rule of thumb. Some hoteliers honor their deals with discounters including last minute sites like wotif.com and won't undercut them. Others will with a phone call. I try it all.

Aloha, beatofhawaii.com

I had booked the Omni in SF, CA directly with hotel with a AAA rate. Via Expedia, I was able to book the same room type and save aprox $250 total for 3 nights. I did then spend approx $15 to get the enhanced cancellation policy. I called the hotel directly, but they did not want to match the price.

Yes, I've heard a lot of hotels are tired of paying commissions to the website companies and they prefer to have their customers come direct. If you looking for ideas on hotels you can try a website that doesn't book but lists all the great hotels and their direct website for bookings. This puts them together so you can sort through which ones you like, then contact the hotels direct, try www.myweekin.net but mainly new and trendy hotels

It's a crapshoot! If you call the Hotel Chain's '800' number, you'll usually get the 'Rack rate.' From the Hotel chain's website you may be able to get a marginally better deal, especially if you're staying 3-or-more nights.

What you get from calling the Hotel Direct will depend on who you talk to: Reservations Manager is better than a Reservationist; so you want to call during normal Office hours.

Ask for the AAA or AARP Discount (usually the same amount and not combinable). Always ask if they have any 'Specials.' If you talk to a Manager or THE Manager, get His or Her name and mention it when you get to the Check-in Desk. That personalizes your negotiation and just might get you a better Room or Suite.

Typically, I'll check on Expedia or Tourist at Home websites to see what the "going" rates are. BUT, I always call the hotels directly to see if they can beat/match the online price. 99% of the time they do. (I've had a problem with a bill before, and because I booked it through a travel website, I could not take care of the problem at the hotel. I really like to deal directly with the hotels themselves since then).