Daddydeals.co.uk has kindly let us in to the World of saving serious Wonga on Hotels and Breaks, which is fab for me as I love a decent hotel, especially if it comes with a decent price tag !
Need a holiday already? Me too.
More holidays are booked in the first three weeks of January than at any time of the year. With Blue Monday the 19th being the peak day. Understandable! So now that we’ve entered February I recommend getting your skates on.
Thing is, most people don’t realise that the websites they are checking are owned by the same two companies, Priceline and Exped
Priceline own: booking.com Kay
It’s a brave hotel or hotel group that doesn’t choose to work with either of them and risk being invisible on the web.
And when they sign up, they have to agree to a Parity Rate Clause which means they aren’t allowed to market a lower rate with another online travel agent, or even on their own website.
Parity Rate Clauses are outlawed across Europe in many countries including France and Germany, but not in the UK. Does that mean that we are victims of price fixing? I don’t know, but a lack of competition is not a good thing. The courts will soon decide.
How To Get The Best Deals On Hotel Rooms !!!!!
Chosen your hotel room? How to get it at the best rate:
- Phone the hotel direct and ask for a better rate. Before you call them make sure you know the rates of other comparable hotels in their local area, to use as a bargaining tool if necessary. Also it’s worth mentioning that you have a friend who worked in the online travel industry (me!) who told you that the commission they pay to these travel sites ranges from 18-30% per booking, so by selling you a room direct saves them money. If they won’t offer you a deal, don’t be afraid to politely say no thanks.
- Phone back the next day and try again. Call at a different time to see if a different receptionist is on, and if the answer is still the same, try getting the evening meal included, a bottle of wine, wifi, late check out, or even an extra night. It’s the same laundry after all.
- Don’t worry, you’re still guaranteed the best available rate.
The above two points usually work for me but if not, of all the sites I’ve listed, I recommend booking.combut be sure to bookmark their Best Price Guarantee page. If you could have paid less elsewhere, they will pay you the difference.
What about if you’re flexible on dates, or maybe you need inspiration?
Check out the daily deals websites. They might not have the exact dates you’re looking for, or even the same hotel, but their rates are incredible, with as much as 70% off.
The best ones to try are:
www.daddydeals.co.uk
Thank you so much for that helpful advise please keep it coming every little helps.
I tend to use booking.com. I like that most rooms are cancellable and I usually check once a week to see if the room has gone down in price. If it has I just cancel and rebook at the lower rate. Saved £50 doing this recently!