Travelers are constantly seeking ways to cut costs without compromising on comfort.
Enter a savvy trick that could save you a significant chunk on your next hotel booking – all with just one email.
Jason Higgs, the Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii, unveils a simple yet effective strategy to score a discount on your hotel stay.
What Happens When You Use An Official Booking Website
Booking accommodations through popular platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com has become second nature for many travelers.
These platforms offer convenience, a plethora of deals, and secure booking processes.
However, what many may not realize is that hotels pay a commission fee, typically between 15% and 20% of the booking amount, to these booking websites.
Who You Should Email And What You Should Ask
After making your reservation through a booking website, Higgs advises reaching out directly to the hotel via email. Inquiring whether they can offer a lower rate if you book directly through them could yield surprising results.
Hotels, keen to avoid paying hefty commissions, may be inclined to offer a discount, often around 10%.
The Implications For Your Cancellation Policy
Booking directly with the hotel might not only save you money but could also lead to a more favorable cancellation policy. Some hotels extend more lenient cancellation terms, potentially allowing for a full refund if canceled within 24-48 hours of your stay or even within 24 hours with a valid reason.
Draft Email Template You Can Adapt
To simplify the process, Higgs provides a template for the email you can send to hotels:
[Template]
*Dear Sir or Madam,*
*On [date], I made a booking using [the website you used, e.g., Booking.com]. Here are the details:*
*Booking Reference No.:*
*Check-in and check-out dates:*
*Name/s:*
*No. of guests:*
*Room/s booked:*
*Reservation status: [confirmed or pending]*
*Total reservation price:*
*Additional information:*
*I would like to know whether I could secure a discount if I book my stay directly through you, rather than [booking website]. If this is possible, please provide the new price and instructions on how to proceed.*
*I look forward to hearing from you shortly.*
*Best regards,*
*[Your Name]*
Higgs emphasises that there’s nothing to lose by sending the email, and the potential benefits for both parties are significant. So, next time you’re gearing up for a trip, don’t forget to hit ‘send’ on that money-saving email – it could make all the difference.
