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Marc Lockley is the Negotiator. This week he looks at how to get the best deal on a luxury hotel
The bank holiday may be over, but I'll wager you are already thinking about the next opportunity to get away from it all. And although household belt-tightening means the tourism industry has been hit hard by the recession, with Butlins proving an exception to the rule, there are plenty of us who would still like to take a break – at the right price.
If you don't fancy a weekend with the red coats, however, there are ways to tailor a break at an affordable price. Through negotiation I have managed to get money off hotels, been upgraded or both. I have even managed to organise an anniversary celebration at a prestigious stately home for half the advertised price, including champagne and chocolates. Follow these tips and see if you can save money.
Set out your preferences
The negotiation often begins at home as you debate what facilities you want included at your weekend escape. Once you have a list that suits everyone it is time to start searching. It is worth looking at LateRooms.com and moneysupermarket.com as these can often give you a good comparison of prices.
Even if you have narrowed it down to one you would like to book, choose at least one more. Make a list of amenities, prices, special offers and so on. Similar rules apply to guest houses and bed and breakfasts, which often have fantastic accommodation for cheaper than a hotel, although it is worth remembering their profit margin is usually smaller so there is less room for negotiation.
Look for special offers
Special offers tell you what a hotel is prepared to do to gain your custom. Hotels usually use them as an incentive when business is traditionally quieter. You might find offers of two nights for the price of one in May, or free dinner when you book three nights, for example. But if you want to go away in June and the hotel is quiet you may find it is willing to extend these types of offers.
Pick up the phone
Start by speaking to your second choice. Say you are considering a two-night break and are choosing between this hotel and another – your number one hotel. Ask for quotes for three separate days saying you will fit in with the hotel's availability in return for the best price. Once you have a quote, use your research to your advantage and drop into the conversation a version of: "I have seen that Hotel Sur La Mer offers free gym and spa. Despite these additional benefits their price is very similar to yours. I'm on a tight budget; would you be able to offer two nights for £150 including dinner and bed and breakfast?"
Once you have reached an acceptable quote, suggest you may be able to stay three nights if they could offer a better deal, but make it sound like a natural afterthought rather than a premeditated trick.
When you have an answer say you will think about it. Armed with this information, speak to your number one choice. Follow a similar line but let them know about the great deal you've been offered at the other hotel. Emphasise you would prefer to stay with them if they could offer a similar or better deal. To gain those extra valuable pounds say you are still in two minds, but if they offer the three nights for £195 you will book now.
If you have a special reason for choosing that hotel, hide it for now. Fight the urge to kick off the conversation with something like: "We stayed with you five years ago when we got married and were thinking of having a second honeymoon. Could you give us your best suite for the price of a standard room?"
Instead, a great time to add in the sentimental reason is when you have virtually agreed the deal. At that stage, say it's your anniversary and ask if they could offer a free upgrade. You may be lucky, and at the very least you might end up with a free bottle of champagne!
Additional money-saving tips
Type in terms such as "2for1 meals", "free wine" and so on into a search engine. Try MoneySavingExpert.com to print off vouchers from restaurant chains that can save you extra pounds on dinner. You can do the same for theme parks and museums which often promote special offers to drum up business.
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