How do I get those slashed rates?
 

I have decided take my prescheduled (pre 9/11) trip to New Hampshire. I have not been able to find lodging at any rate but rack rates. I have used the internet and phone. How do you negotiate those low rates that I hear about?

When are you planning to travel? During october and the December holidays, there probably won't be any bargains. Have you tried Hotwire?

I am arriving at the coastal area Oct 6. I invisioned mass cancellations in Sept and Oct. I certainly will pay the going rate as I wouldn't feel comfortable taking advantage of the situation, but I was just curious. <BR>With all the hype over low occupancies in tourist areas, I would have thought it would have been easy.

You're going to New Hampshire during peak time - foliage season. Many people who are going usually go by car. Most inns, etc. are usually booked one year in advance for this season.

I ran into the same situation.I needed a room for just last night in Providence, RI. I tried priceline, hotwire, expedia, last minute travel, etc. and even called the hotels. There were no discounts and the hotels told me they had plenty of rooms. I finally got to use my entertainment discount yesterday morning at a Holiday Inn. I don't understand it.

It doesn't appear that hotels in the New England area are lowering rates one bit, perhaps because it is mainly a driving destination rather than flying. I am making reservations for the Vineyard for next weekend, which is Columbus weekend, and despite being a holiday, have found many available rooms. Even though they are available, they are not discounted. The average price I've been quoted is $ 250 a night.

Well, I called in the professionals today (travel agent). I told the agent anywhere on the NH coast or southern Maine coast. She said "Oh no, you have to give me only one city" I said "okay, but that might be challenging". It took several hours before I got a call back with and the Marriott Courtyard for $159, no deal there! I really thought that the coast wouldn't be as crowded as the White Mountains, I guess I was wrong.