Does it really pay to haggle with hotels? Yes, says a new Consumer Report.
It found just over a third of respondents tried to negotiate for a better deal but the ones who did got a lower rate or a room upgrade 80 percent of the time.
“The hospitality landscape has changed a lot since our last survey in 2006. Low occupancy and other factors are forcing some chains to cut back on services, but it also means consumers have an opportunity to find a great deal on some highly rated hotels,” said Tod Marks, sr. project editor at Consumer Reports.
Highlights of what Consumer Reports found:
– It pays to haggle. And those who called ahead to do their negotiating were even more successful than those who tried to negotiate in person.
– The booking method doesn’t affect satisfaction. There was no correlation between respondents’ happiness with their hotel stay and how they booked it.
– Suites have advantages. For approximately the same price as a regular room, the lodgings in an all-suite hotel give a more spacious, homey feeling. Respondents singled out Homewood Suites and Drury Inn & Suites as well-maintained and exceptional values.
– Some beds are better than others.
– Most “bargain” hotels aren’t. Respondents who stayed at a budget hotel said they were drawn by cheap rates. But except for Microtel, budget hotels continue to earn the lowest scores for value, upkeep, and ease of checking in and out. They also generate a disproportionate percentage of complaints about bedding, lighting, decor, and heating and air conditioning.
By David Wilkening
