Are you a frequent business traveler looking to save money on hotel stays? Getting corporate rates can make hotel rooms significantly more affordable for those traveling for work. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing hotel corporate rates and discounts.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: You can get corporate rates by having your company negotiate deals directly with hotel chains, booking through a travel management company that has negotiated rates, or leveraging rate discounts offered to members of certain organizations like AAA.
Have Your Company Negotiate Directly with Hotels
One effective way to get corporate rates at hotels is by having your company negotiate directly with the hotels. This can be a win-win situation for both parties, as hotels often offer discounts to secure long-term business from corporate clients.
Here are a few steps you can take to make this happen:
Identify Hotels You Frequent for Business Travel
The first step is to identify the hotels you and your employees frequently visit for business travel. This could include hotels near your company’s headquarters or cities where you have regular business meetings or conferences.
You can establish a strong relationship with these hotels and negotiate better rates by focusing on them.
Inquire About Corporate Rates With Sales Managers
Once you have identified the hotels, reach out to their sales managers to inquire about corporate rates. The sales managers are the key decision-makers who can provide you with information about any existing corporate rate programs or negotiate new rates specifically for your company.
Be prepared to provide details about your company’s travel patterns and the business volume you can bring to the hotels.
Leverage Volume for Better Discounts
One of the advantages of negotiating directly with hotels is the opportunity to leverage your company’s volume for better discounts. If your company has many employees who frequently travel, you can use this as leverage to negotiate for lower rates.
Hotels are more likely to offer discounts when they know they will receive a consistent stream of business from your company.
It’s important to note that negotiating corporate rates with hotels may not be possible for every company, especially for smaller businesses. In such cases, exploring other options, such as utilizing travel management companies or booking online platforms offering discounted rates for corporate travelers, maybe more practical.
Negotiation is a skill; securing the best corporate rates may take time and effort. However, your company’s potential cost savings and benefits can be significant.
So don’t hesitate to explore this option and take advantage of the opportunities that negotiating directly with hotels can provide.
Book Through a Travel Management Company
Booking through a travel management company (TMC) can be a great option if you want to secure corporate hotel rates. TMCs specialize in managing corporate travel and can help you find the best rates and accommodations for your business trips. Here’s how you can go about it:
Research Travel Management Companies
The first step is to research and identify reputable travel management companies that cater to corporate clients. Look for companies with a strong track record and positive reviews from other businesses.
Websites like business.com can list top travel management companies to consider.
Find One That Has Negotiated Corporate Rates
Once you have a list of potential TMCs, check if they have negotiated corporate rates with hotels. These negotiated rates can often be lower than the publicly available rates, helping you save money.
You can find this information on the TMC’s website or by contacting them directly.
Ask Your Employer to Get Set Up for Bookings
If your employer hasn’t already partnered with a TMC, it’s worth discussing the benefits with them. Explain how booking through a TMC can save the company money and provide better control and visibility over travel expenses.
Your employer can then contact the chosen TMC to get set up for bookings.
Booking through a travel management company can streamline your business travel arrangements and ensure you get the best corporate rates at hotels. It’s a convenient and cost-effective solution many businesses use for travel needs.
Leverage Organizational Discounts Like AAA
If you want corporate rates at hotels, leveraging organizational discounts like AAA is one of the most effective ways. AAA, also known as the American Automobile Association, offers its members various benefits, including discounted hotel rates.
By taking advantage of this membership, you can enjoy significant savings on your hotel bookings.
Check if You Qualify for AAA Membership
Before accessing the AAA discount code, checking if you qualify for AAA membership is important. AAA membership is available to individuals and families, and the requirements may vary depending on your location.
In most cases, you must be a licensed driver and own a registered vehicle to be eligible for membership. However, some AAA clubs also offer associate memberships for non-drivers.
If you’re unsure if you qualify for AAA membership, visit the official AAA website or call their customer service hotline for more information. They will be able to provide you with the specific requirements for your area and guide you through the membership application process if you are eligible.
Register for the AAA Discount Code
Once you have confirmed your eligibility for AAA membership, the next step is to register for the AAA discount code. You can do this by visiting the AAA website and completing the membership application form.
The form typically asks for your personal information, such as your name, address, and contact details.
After applying, you will receive a membership card and a unique AAA discount code. You will use this code to access discounted hotel rates when booking accommodations.
Input Code When Booking Online or Over the Phone
Now that you have your AAA discount code, you can start enjoying the benefits of corporate rates at hotels. When booking your hotel accommodations online or over the phone, input your AAA discount code in the designated area.
If you’re booking online, you will typically find a field that says “Promo Code” or “Discount Code” during checkout. Enter your AAA discount code in this field to apply the discount to your booking.
If you’re booking over the phone, simply provide the AAA discount code to the hotel representative, who will apply the discount.
It’s important to note that not all hotels participate in the AAA discount program. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check the AAA website for a list of participating hotels or call the hotel directly to confirm their participation.
Additionally, some hotels may have blackout dates or other restrictions for AAA discounted rates, so check the terms and conditions before making your reservation.
By leveraging organizational discounts like AAA, you can enjoy significant savings on your hotel bookings. So, why pay more when you can take advantage of these exclusive rates? Start exploring the benefits of AAA membership today!
Use Corporate Hotel Booking Sites
One of the easiest ways to get corporate hotel rates is by using corporate hotel booking sites. These websites provide discounted rates for business travelers and can help you save significant money on hotel bookings.
Compare Rates on Sites Like Hotel Engine and Lola
Comparing rates on different platforms is important when using corporate hotel booking sites to ensure you get the best deal. Sites like Hotel Engine and Lola offer various hotels and competitive rates for corporate travelers.
By comparing rates on these sites, you can find the best possible price for your stay.
Create a Business Traveler Profile
Many corporate hotel booking sites allow you to create a business traveler profile. This profile includes your company name, travel preferences, and loyalty program memberships.
By creating a profile, you can access exclusive corporate rates and enjoy additional benefits such as free Wi-Fi or room upgrades.
Book Discounted Corporate Rates Through Their Portal
Once you’ve compared rates and created a business traveler profile, you can book discounted corporate rates through the portal provided by the booking site. These portals are designed for corporate travelers and offer a seamless booking experience.
Simply enter your travel dates and destination, and you’ll be presented with a list of hotels offering discounted rates for corporate travelers.
Remember, corporate hotel booking sites are a great resource for finding affordable and convenient accommodations for your business trips. Take advantage of these platforms to get the best possible rates and amenities for your stay.
Ask For Discounts When Booking Directly
When getting corporate rates at hotels, one of the most effective strategies is to ask for discounts when booking directly. By doing so, you can potentially save a significant amount of money on your business travel expenses. Here are some tips on how to go about it:
Inquire About Corporate Rates When You Call to Book
When you call the hotel to make a reservation, don’t hesitate to ask about corporate rates. Many hotels offer special discounts for business travelers, and by simply inquiring about these rates, you may be able to secure a lower price for your stay.
It’s always worth asking, as you never know what kind of discounts may be available.
Mention Your Company and That It’s for Business Travel
When speaking to the hotel representative, mention that you are traveling for business purposes and provide your company’s name. This can help establish your eligibility for corporate rates and increase your chances of receiving a discounted rate.
Hotels often have partnerships with various companies or industries, and by mentioning your company, you may be able to take advantage of these special rates.
Negotiate a Lower Rate if None Are Automatically Offered
If the hotel does not automatically offer you a corporate rate, don’t be afraid to negotiate for a lower rate. Be polite but firm in expressing your desire for a discounted rate, and provide any relevant information that could support your case.
For example, if you are a frequent traveler or your company has a history of booking with the hotel, mention these factors to strengthen your negotiating position.
Not all hotels may have corporate rates available, but it’s always worth asking. Also, rates can vary depending on location, time of year, and demand.
It’s a good idea to compare prices across hotels and booking platforms to ensure you get the best deal.
For more information on corporate rates and negotiating discounts at hotels, you can visit websites such as business.com or entrepreneur.com. These resources offer valuable insights and tips to help you navigate the process and maximize your savings.
Also Read:
How to Successfully Sell Hotel Rooms to Corporates
Do Hotels Check Corporate Discounts? – Everything You Need To Know
Can Anyone Use Hotel Corporate Codes?
Conclusion
By leveraging company-negotiated rates, travel management companies, organizational memberships, specialized booking sites, and negotiating directly, you can save substantially on your hotel stays for work travel.
Doing a bit of research beforehand on available corporate rates can also make the booking process smoother. Follow the tips outlined above, and you’ll be well on your way to cheaper hotel rooms for your next business trip.
