Ugh! Please Help Me With Hotel "Day Rates"
Jul 19th, 2006, 08:31 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ugh! Please Help Me With Hotel "Day Rates"
Good afternoon!
Im wondering if anyone is familiar with the concept of “day rates” at hotels. This is likely a trivial and boring and long-winded post (click away now) but I could really use some friendly advice on this one!
Here is my story:
I made reservations about two months ago for 3 nights. I mentioned that I wasnt yet certain whether I actually needed all three nights or whether I just needed two nights and the third DAY. The agent mentioned that a “day rate” could be applied for third day, however, because I was certain the hotel would eventually be booked for the event I was attending (and it is) and I wasnt yet certain of my plans, I went ahead and booked all three NIGHTS to ensure that I had the room if I needed it.
Fast forward to today:
I am now certain that I only need the day rate for that third day. I called to modify my reservation only to be told that my “group” isnt eligible for the day rate. I asked what if I wasnt with the “group?” She said it would depend on availability. I said, “well, the room is already reserved under my name so I know its ‘available.’” She said I would have to check with the front desk when I arrive and they will let me know whether late check outs are available for my group. I said forget about the group! (Plus, late check out is not the same as day rate but I didnt even address that). I sensed she was tired of talking to me and she said I would just have to check with the front desk when I arrive…
Ok, so the conversation was going nowhere and Im sure Ive left some things out but…whats the deal with day rates? I was told I could get a day rate and now Im told I cant…
Is anyone familiar with general day rate procedures or can anyone provide me with any suggestions on how to proceed? The only thing I can think of is to just wait until I check in and discuss possible day rates at that time. I would sooo much rather have things planned in advance-the less stress for those few days the better (bar exam)!!!!!!
And I should mention that although this email sounds very irritated, and its true that I am annoyed, I was very pleasant and polite with the agent on the phone; Im not annoyed with her, Im annoyed with the situation.
Thank you in advance for your two cents and have a wonderful day!
Im wondering if anyone is familiar with the concept of “day rates” at hotels. This is likely a trivial and boring and long-winded post (click away now) but I could really use some friendly advice on this one!
Here is my story:
I made reservations about two months ago for 3 nights. I mentioned that I wasnt yet certain whether I actually needed all three nights or whether I just needed two nights and the third DAY. The agent mentioned that a “day rate” could be applied for third day, however, because I was certain the hotel would eventually be booked for the event I was attending (and it is) and I wasnt yet certain of my plans, I went ahead and booked all three NIGHTS to ensure that I had the room if I needed it.
Fast forward to today:
I am now certain that I only need the day rate for that third day. I called to modify my reservation only to be told that my “group” isnt eligible for the day rate. I asked what if I wasnt with the “group?” She said it would depend on availability. I said, “well, the room is already reserved under my name so I know its ‘available.’” She said I would have to check with the front desk when I arrive and they will let me know whether late check outs are available for my group. I said forget about the group! (Plus, late check out is not the same as day rate but I didnt even address that). I sensed she was tired of talking to me and she said I would just have to check with the front desk when I arrive…
Ok, so the conversation was going nowhere and Im sure Ive left some things out but…whats the deal with day rates? I was told I could get a day rate and now Im told I cant…
Is anyone familiar with general day rate procedures or can anyone provide me with any suggestions on how to proceed? The only thing I can think of is to just wait until I check in and discuss possible day rates at that time. I would sooo much rather have things planned in advance-the less stress for those few days the better (bar exam)!!!!!!
And I should mention that although this email sounds very irritated, and its true that I am annoyed, I was very pleasant and polite with the agent on the phone; Im not annoyed with her, Im annoyed with the situation.
Thank you in advance for your two cents and have a wonderful day!
Jul 19th, 2006, 08:45 AM
#3
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I suspect that you got a special (cheaper) rate for your room based on being with a group. With a special rate, you might not be eligible for a day rate. If they re-booked you for the rack rate for two nights and the day rate for the 3rd it might actually cost more.
I once almost stayed at a motel that had day rates until I realized that the day rates were meant to attract daytime 'trysts' and similar activities.
I once almost stayed at a motel that had day rates until I realized that the day rates were meant to attract daytime 'trysts' and similar activities.
Jul 19th, 2006, 08:46 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can probably get a late check out and ask about that when you check in. Usually a very late check out is 2pm, and how much later will you need after that? If much later than just use the third night rate, it is probably about the same cost and that way you don't have to be concerned.
Hope this helps at least a little.
Hope this helps at least a little.
Jul 19th, 2006, 09:00 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hotels generally set aside a certain number of rooms that are eligible for a day rate and that is based on occupancy and can change at any time.
It sounds like the hotel has a large check in that day so they will not offer the day rate.
Keep in mind while 'your' particular room may be available, the arrival and departure pattern of guests can make your specific check in and check out unimportant.
What city is this? Vegas?
In Vegas, I just book the room for the last night (we always fly out on the redeye) so we can have the room until 10PM or so.
It sounds like the hotel has a large check in that day so they will not offer the day rate.
Keep in mind while 'your' particular room may be available, the arrival and departure pattern of guests can make your specific check in and check out unimportant.
What city is this? Vegas?
In Vegas, I just book the room for the last night (we always fly out on the redeye) so we can have the room until 10PM or so.
Jul 19th, 2006, 09:48 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,305
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In most hotels, once you've checked in, you cannot shorten your stay without paying a penalty. And, if I understand you correctly, you want to shorten your stay from three full days to two full days and one at a day rate, which amounts to a shortening of your stay. Thus, you probably won't be able to do that without paying a penalty once you arrive.
You didn't mention what the title was of the person you spoke with on your most recent call. I suggest you call back and get the reservation supervisor or some other person in a managerial position and discuss the situation and, hopefully, get it resolved before you arrive.
You didn't mention what the title was of the person you spoke with on your most recent call. I suggest you call back and get the reservation supervisor or some other person in a managerial position and discuss the situation and, hopefully, get it resolved before you arrive.
Jul 19th, 2006, 09:53 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all for your responses! You have definitely helped me to de-stress a bit considering I feel like this 
about now!
kureiff: Hello! I genuinely, genuinely thank you for the positive thoughts!!!
Barbara_in_CT: Hello! You raise a good point and I should have mentioned that, to my surprise, the hotel actually did NOT offer discounted rates for being with a group-how weird is that!? In FACT, the dates surrounding my exam dates were cheaper-as if they increased the rates during the exam!!!! I couldnt believe it! Maybe just a coincidence…
wantsomesun: Hello! My exam ends at 4:30 or 5:00 so, ideally, it would be nice still have the room at that point. Ive got a day rate at a hotel later that same week which allows me access to the room until 6:00 pm, which is wonderful! The day rate for that hotel is half the price of the nightly rate which seems fair I guess?
GoTravel: Hello! Thats a good explanation of how they determine whether they offer the day rate-Ill keep my fingers crossed that they will magically allow me to utilize the special rate! The hotel is in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (although Id much rather be heading to Vegas next week)!
about now!kureiff: Hello! I genuinely, genuinely thank you for the positive thoughts!!!
Barbara_in_CT: Hello! You raise a good point and I should have mentioned that, to my surprise, the hotel actually did NOT offer discounted rates for being with a group-how weird is that!? In FACT, the dates surrounding my exam dates were cheaper-as if they increased the rates during the exam!!!! I couldnt believe it! Maybe just a coincidence…
wantsomesun: Hello! My exam ends at 4:30 or 5:00 so, ideally, it would be nice still have the room at that point. Ive got a day rate at a hotel later that same week which allows me access to the room until 6:00 pm, which is wonderful! The day rate for that hotel is half the price of the nightly rate which seems fair I guess?
GoTravel: Hello! Thats a good explanation of how they determine whether they offer the day rate-Ill keep my fingers crossed that they will magically allow me to utilize the special rate! The hotel is in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (although Id much rather be heading to Vegas next week)!
Jul 19th, 2006, 09:58 AM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 846
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not that this is necessarily relevent but I totally disagree with Howard's statement that "at most" hotels you will pay a penalty for a shortened stay.
I have shortened my stay at dozens of hotels of various types (Marriotts, Hiltons, etc) and have never paid a penalty. Maybe some hotels do charge(resorts, ultra high end, NYC) but I don't think you can say most do.
I have shortened my stay at dozens of hotels of various types (Marriotts, Hiltons, etc) and have never paid a penalty. Maybe some hotels do charge(resorts, ultra high end, NYC) but I don't think you can say most do.
Jul 19th, 2006, 09:59 AM
#9
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't have any advice on the hotel issue, but just want to wish you the best on the bar exam. I took the Florida Bar exam in Tampa 20 years ago this month. Be sure to get plenty of rest and eat healthy foods. GOOD LUCK!!
Jul 19th, 2006, 10:07 AM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
When hotels charge more for groups it is usually during a high occupancy time.
For the most part, you are paying a premium for the hotel to 'hold' a block of rooms.
NatureGirl, wait until you check in to try and switch your third night to a day rate. Don't do it over the phone.
If you try and switch now, you may end up falling through the cracks and not have the day room or the third nights stay.
In case you were wondering, I was in the hotel biz for many years.
For the most part, you are paying a premium for the hotel to 'hold' a block of rooms.
NatureGirl, wait until you check in to try and switch your third night to a day rate. Don't do it over the phone.
If you try and switch now, you may end up falling through the cracks and not have the day room or the third nights stay.
In case you were wondering, I was in the hotel biz for many years.
Jul 19th, 2006, 10:19 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HowardR & saps: Hello! Hmm, I certainly didnt want to be penalized-the last thing I need from this hotel is for them to top it all off with an additional freaking fee! I think Id go ballistic!!!!!! I gave them a call and confirmed that changes can be made to my reservation “fee free.” Whew.
Things that seem so simple sure have a way of becoming a huge pain-sheesh!
gracie: Hello! Belated congratulations to you, haha! And thank you VERY much for the encouraging words and the great advice!! My mom and dad moved to Tampa last year (they love it) and, in an effort to move me down there, they keep forwarding me clerkship/other job opportunities, haha! >sigh< I guess thats just parental love!
GoTravel: a HA! So youve got the inside scoop (being in the hotel biz)! I think youre right-I dont want to fall between said cracks so Ill keep things as they are and hopefully things will work out…
Things that seem so simple sure have a way of becoming a huge pain-sheesh!
gracie: Hello! Belated congratulations to you, haha! And thank you VERY much for the encouraging words and the great advice!! My mom and dad moved to Tampa last year (they love it) and, in an effort to move me down there, they keep forwarding me clerkship/other job opportunities, haha! >sigh< I guess thats just parental love!
GoTravel: a HA! So youve got the inside scoop (being in the hotel biz)! I think youre right-I dont want to fall between said cracks so Ill keep things as they are and hopefully things will work out…
Jul 19th, 2006, 10:30 AM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,305
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
saps, I don't know where you're staying, but most hotels today are extremely reluctant--and in most cases refuse--to allow one to shorten his/her staying time ONCE THEY HAVE CHECKED IN without some sort of penalty payment.
And, please do tell me which Marriotts and Hiltons are so liberal in their policies! I haven't encountered them in any area of the US.
And, please do tell me which Marriotts and Hiltons are so liberal in their policies! I haven't encountered them in any area of the US.
Jul 19th, 2006, 10:37 AM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 23,138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was under the impression that day rates were generally offered by hotels at times when they had higher vacancy rates. Also, their reluctance may come from real staffing issues - most housekeeping staff is gone well before 6 PM and if there are more than a handful of guests trying to check out at 7 PM, it becomes a housekeeping nightmare if hotel is full.
Jul 19th, 2006, 10:52 AM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
I have been in the hotel business for several years. If the hotel is sold out & you try to "shorten" your stay by leaving a day early, they will charge you.
As in all businesses, and hotels are no different, we try to maximize our revenue. Therefore, rates will be higher when the hotel is sold out, group or no group. However, the group rate is generally lower than the transient rate even in a sellout. I have never heard of offering a "day rate" at a reputable hotel (and I'm not going to elaborate on what a day rate really refers to). In fact, I believe that when the agent offered you a "day rate", he/she was referring to a late checkout (generally until 6 pm at 50% of the rack rate and probably more than your overnight group rate).
My advice is to keep your 3 night stay at the group rate and you can check out as late as you like on the 3rd day.
As in all businesses, and hotels are no different, we try to maximize our revenue. Therefore, rates will be higher when the hotel is sold out, group or no group. However, the group rate is generally lower than the transient rate even in a sellout. I have never heard of offering a "day rate" at a reputable hotel (and I'm not going to elaborate on what a day rate really refers to). In fact, I believe that when the agent offered you a "day rate", he/she was referring to a late checkout (generally until 6 pm at 50% of the rack rate and probably more than your overnight group rate).
My advice is to keep your 3 night stay at the group rate and you can check out as late as you like on the 3rd day.
Jul 19th, 2006, 11:01 AM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Sue, Vegas hotels and airport hotels offer 'day' rates.
Vegas offers them because so many of the flights that leave McCarren Airport are Redeyes so people like to keep the room until 6PM or so.
Also, in big international airports, it is common for people to have 10+ hour layovers and a day room is a great place to regroup before a long haul.
Vegas offers them because so many of the flights that leave McCarren Airport are Redeyes so people like to keep the room until 6PM or so.
Also, in big international airports, it is common for people to have 10+ hour layovers and a day room is a great place to regroup before a long haul.
Jul 19th, 2006, 11:15 AM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,305
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Suerich68 and GoTravel, you really aren't disagreeing; it's more a question of semantics!
Many hotels will gladly allow a late checkout of several hours for a fee.
The problem arises and the extra fee is charged, as Suerich68 and I have commented, when one tries to shorten his/her stay once he/she has checked in.
Many hotels will gladly allow a late checkout of several hours for a fee.
The problem arises and the extra fee is charged, as Suerich68 and I have commented, when one tries to shorten his/her stay once he/she has checked in.
Jul 19th, 2006, 11:19 AM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
In NY, we charge 1/2 of rack for a 6 pm checkout. It is impossible to turn a room over to re-sell as late as 10 pm; a one night rate would be charged under those circumstances.
As you stated earlier, GT, when you take a redeye, you book for an additional night, same as anywhere else.
By the way, NatureGirl, you can't "save a space" by booking for a full night to ensure space is "available". And what do you consider a day rate? Later than 6 pm?
As you stated earlier, GT, when you take a redeye, you book for an additional night, same as anywhere else.
By the way, NatureGirl, you can't "save a space" by booking for a full night to ensure space is "available". And what do you consider a day rate? Later than 6 pm?
Jul 19th, 2006, 11:24 AM
#18
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 846
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe I've just been lucky...
YTD - shorten stay after check in - no fee
Marriott - La Jolla
Hilton Torrey Pines - La Jolla
Intercontinental - Kansas City
Crown Plaza - Albuquerque
Good thing I don't travel to NYC!!!
YTD - shorten stay after check in - no fee
Marriott - La Jolla
Hilton Torrey Pines - La Jolla
Intercontinental - Kansas City
Crown Plaza - Albuquerque
Good thing I don't travel to NYC!!!
Jul 19th, 2006, 11:45 AM
#20
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You might want that third night - after finishing the bar exam, you and others may want to relax with a few drinks or dinner. If it was me, I would stay the third night just to relax and have a little fun. Just a thought.
