Used to book hotels through Expedia every time, now I call the front desk directly

I saved $85 on a room in Nashville last month just by asking if they could match the online rate minus the third-party fees. Has anyone else had luck with that trick at smaller chains?

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1 Comment

ross.jason1d ago

Front desk agents actually have a secret little advantage (they call them "discretionary credits") that can beat any online deal. The trick is calling during the slow shift like 2-4pm when the manager might be bored and willing to haggle. I've gotten free parking added and even a suite upgrade on a standard room rate just by saying "hey, I'm looking at your competitor right now but would rather give you the business directly." The smaller boutique hotels are usually the best for this because they don't have corporate algorithms watching every booking. Plus you can ask about local discounts they might have (like AAA or a neighborhood card) that aren't listed anywhere online. Just be cool about it and don't act entitled - they'll remember you and might hook you up next time too.