Okay, say you went on vacation and found this really nice place and you enjoyed staying there and the hosts were nice and you’d like to return sometime, but well… the cost is kinda high (155.00 a night) and you’re on a budget.
If the hosts have an empty room for say, a weekend, why wouldn’t it be possible for them to drop the rate for you to something more affordable? I mean, the room’s going to be empty anyway, right? So why not offer the room at 90 bucks a night to someone who (like me) is very flexible?
Have y’all ever done this and what is the etiquette involved in asking? Also, is there any reason why the hosts would rather have the room be empty rather than drop the rate and make some money?
Are you within a reasonable driving distance to the B&B? Perhaps you could let the owners know that the “rack rate” is a little high for you but you’d be willing to take the room at the last minute for a discounted rate.
Give them your name and number and tell them to call you if they happen to have a cancellation. Ask them what a reasonable rate would be for a last minute booking? (on they’re end). I can’t imagine that they’d be offended be this. They would most likely be happy that the room if occupied.
I know from recent experience that simply asking for a discount works.
Knead: “I noticed on your web site that you had a special last month. Any chance you’re running one again next month?” Innkeeper: “We’re not running a special, but how about if I let you have it for [advertised price minus $50], instead of the usual [advertised price].” Knead: “Sold.”
I can’t believe I’m using a “term of endearment” with someone I don’t even know, and she can’t even kick my butt, 'cause it’s her nickname!
Well, I’m about 300 miles away from Tybee Island (5 hour drive). What concerns me is the fact that I might get them to do this, but by the time I get down there, they may have already rented the room at the “rack rate”. I mean, what’s their obligation to me? Nothing, right?
Still, I’m gonna go ahead and send an e-mail. The worst that could happen is that they’ll think I’m a cheapskate and won’t answer, and if they do and don’t, then I’ll know.
Thanks, er … Honey
PS: Knead, these folks never run specials. They have a set fee. Although it does go down somewhat in the winter months, it’s still too high for the Quas’. So why did I choose to stay there in the first place? I wanted to “splurge” a bit.
