Saturday, April 20, 2013

Where can I get hotel discount codes for Tuscaloosa Alabama?

Q. Do anyone know where I can get hotel discount codes or website discount codes for hotels? My mom is in the ICU in Tuscaloosa Alabama and I am trying to go there with my kids and be able to visit her. Since ICU have strict hours I want to be able to stay the night in Tuscaloosa. Thank You

A. I am not sure, but u can try this site :)
http://goodtraveloffers.com

Does Sam's Club have a hotel discount code for super 8 motels?
Q. We are members of Sam's Club and remember seeing somewhere a coupon code for Super 8 motels. Does anyone know what that is? Or could anyone provide other hotel discount codes for Sam's Club members? Thanks!

A. Look if you want to stay at a Super 8 check online reviews first. While many are absolutely lovely there are also scary icky ones because low prices attract, well, less than reputable people.

My advice for travelers based on years of experience in the hotel industry:


Most flights are cheapest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so when you plan try to figure in flying out on those days. Next, look into which seasons are less expensive for the flight.

Expedia and Travelocity work like large groups for a hotel. Since so many people use them, hotels give them a discount to these companies. The 3rd party sites (eg. Expedia) mark up the prices that they sell the rooms for and that is the price you pay. Hotels like them- because you can't cancel the reservations- so the hotel makes money even if you don't show up and so do the 3rd party websites.

Now, what they don't tell you... Hotels, have a hard time with these sites because:
The reservations come in for the wrong room types
Guests get upset and confused when they can't cancel the reservation
The number of nights cannot be changed
If you wanted to pay to upgrade to a suite- you can't
Many people who book through those sites tend to be the cheapskates and give hotel staff a hard time- being polite when a reservation was screwed up by the 3rd party site can occasionally land you with freebies (breakfast, 2 drinks, movie, etc.) Be polite and ask if the hotel can compensate you for the error. You may end up in the wrong room type, but a hotel will do its best to work with you.

What hotels do- if you are trying to beat the 3rd party prices, call the hotel directly. Most hotels will beat that price. But, please, don't lie about the price you found. The staff sees the rates for 3rd party sites- we have an idea as to what you're paying and if you lie the hotel won't give you a better rate.

The big name hotels- Hilton, Choice, Westin, Wyndham, etc. all have desk staff 24-7. The hotels that tend to close doors early are extended stay or discount chains. Definitely check with a bed and breakfast about check in times if you are coming late.

Check in time is 3 pm, because on sold out nights no rooms would be available for early check in. The big hotels you can check in between 3pm and 2am without worrying about loosing your room, unless you have a specific time hold. (A 6pm hold means that your room is only held until 6pm on the day of arrival)

Early check in can be requested in advance, but it is best to call the hotel before arrival to verify that a room is available early. If it isn't many times the hotel can hold your luggage for a while until it is ready.

Arriving after 11 pm is not always in your best interest. If you know that you are arriving after 11 pm, call the hotel earlier in the day and confirm it with the staff. This is because on busy nights, hotels will oversell their rooms- typically a hotel gets 1-3 no-shows per night so they account for this with a slight oversell. If you get to the hotel and they are out of rooms- you get a complimentary night at a different hotel- that your original hotel chooses. (Usually, it is comperable or better)

AAA what discounts are they talking about?
Q. I just got triple AAA mainly because my car is old and I know that they are pretty good to have in case of emergency. There are more perks to the card supposedly but I don't see it. As far as hotel discounts, I've tried several and it is cheaper actually to book directly with the hotel. Airline travel is the same. Where is the benefits when it comes to travel? Anyone?

A. The primary discounts I have found are at hotels and car rental agencies. Go to the hotel or rental agency website (or call them by phone) and check the AAA rate. Sometimes, they do offer a better rate than the AAA rate.




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