What a Deal!

The hotel business has been enjoying increasing demandand rising prices this past year. In fact, accounting firmPricewaterhouseCoopers predicts the rates businesses pay for hotelswill rise by an average of 4 percent in 2005 from last year.Here's advice on keeping your hotel tab down.

• Negotiate volume discounts. If you're staying at ahotel for an extended period, or have several colleagues staying aswell, ask for a volume discount. Instead of the reservation desk,deal with the hotel sales director.
• Ask for extras. If you can't negotiate a decentprice break, ask for value-added items, like free breakfast,high-speed internet access or parking.
• Shop around for freebies. If you're not required tostay in a big downtown convention hotel, check out some newerhotels in the suburbs. You'll find lower rates andall-inclusive prices-many rates include free high-speed internet,local and/or long-distance calls, breakfast and parking. Askwhat's included and what's not.
• Ride the rails. Many large U.S. cities have extensivesubway systems that reach well into the suburbs-look for hotelsnear these stations. This way, you'll avoid steep downtownprices and high parking fees, as well as commuter traffic.
• Take a chance. Don't care where you stay? Check outPriceline.com or Hotwire.com. Pick the area of the city you wantto stay in and the hotel service level. Only after you choose yourprice (on Hotwire) or make a bid (on Priceline) and submit yourcredit card number will you know the name of your hotel-andyou'll rarely be dissatisfied.