Comparing Hotel Rates
By Chris Joseph
Don't spend more of your hard-earned money on hotels than is necessary during your next golf vacation. By taking the time to compare, you can find the hotel that suits your needs at a price you can afford. Keep in mind that hotel rates can fluctuate widely, so do not accept the first rate you come across as the final rate you must pay.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Determine the type of hotel at which you'd like to stay. If money is tight, you probably will want to look for hotels offering budget accommodations. If your trip is a once-in a-lifetime golf dream vacation, you might want to consider a posh golf resort or a luxury hotel near a top golf course. Whatever your budget, be sure not to exceed it.
Find a Web site that allows you to compare a number of rates at one time. Sites such as Hotels.com and HotelsCombined.com will search several hotels for you and present you with the best rates. You will also gain access to features such as reviews from prior guests and possibly pictures of the hotels and rooms.
Compare hotel amenities to be sure that you are getting the best value for your money. One hotel might be slightly cheaper than another, but it might not have a desired feature. For example, you might be willing to pay slightly more for a hotel that is adjacent to a golf course as opposed to one that requires a 30-minute drive to the nearest course.
Take advantage of all possible discounts when making your comparison. If one hotel offers a student or senior citizen discount and another does not, it can make the difference as to which one is cheaper. If you belong to a travel club or organization such as AAA, be sure that you are entering their discount code into your Internet search tool.
Contact the hotels directly once you have narrowed your choices. By talking to the hotel manager you might be able to negotiate an even cheaper rate, especially during the slower times of year. If you are on the fence as to which hotel to choose, this process can be a deal-maker or breaker.
Tips & Warnings
The further in advance you book your accommodations, the lower the rate you are likely to get.
About The Author
Chris Joseph is a freelance writer residing in Pennsylvania. He has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and the Internet on a variety of topics, including several on golf for GolfLink.com. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from York College of Pennsylvania.
