Lux Living for Less

Many travelers seeking luxury and optimum comfort count on four- or five-star hotels as their sanctuary. Not many, however, are willing to pay full price when they know that they can pay much less if they consult the new-age oracle - the Internet.

Traditional booking methods (walk-in or telephone) are still preferred by some travelers. However, online hotel reservation is increasingly popular because many web sites offer added-value over competitors in the marketplace to entice customers. Customers, therefore, get extra benefits while paying the same or even lower amount of money.

Travel agents are able to offer such benefits because hotels offer them discounts when booking at large number - something individual travelers do not normally do. These hotels also offer free nights based on travel agents' productivity, which means they can "earn" free nights based on how many nights they sell.

Online reservation holds many benefits. First of all, you can have an idea on what to expect from the hotel by looking at the pictures. Most hotel web sites offer "virtual tour" options in which you can see the hotel from different angles. You can decide by comparing between different discount hotel rates, hotel amenities and go for the best deal that meets your needs.

Online hotel reservations are much faster than traditional booking methods since they allow you to book a hotel room way in advance. Besides that, most hotels offer cancellation policies on your hotel reservations that give you flexibility when you want last minute cancellation or room changes.

Because everything is so easy, it is also easy for things to get messed up and misunderstood. There is no guarantee that your online reservation will not get messed up, but there are ways to make sure you've done your part right. Check the rates for extra person, whether the rate is inclusive of breakfast, airport pick-up services, complimentary services and so on. Do not forget to check and carefully read the cancellation policy just in case. Last but not least, make sure your hotel reservation is confirmed and print the confirmation page out. Papers are much more tangible than e-mails, after all.

With luxury being juts one click away, it is no longer necessary to risk paying extravagant prices. Conventional travel agents, of course, are able to find some great deals for you, but the Internet opens up a whole new selection of travel deals.

If you can afford last-minute changes, it is suggested you wait a little more. Hotels, eager to keep rooms from going unsold implement the flexible pricing system known as yield management. The system allows hotels to trim prices swiftly when a full house isn't expected. So, it is better to visit the hotel web sites or call them to check for discounts before you make a reservation since outrageous discounts are often a last-minute management decision.

Other ways to cut down the expenses for your trip are as follows:

- If possible, travel during the off-season months because that's when major discounts are offered.
- Call the hotel and personally ask about discounts and promotions available at that time.
- Be aware of your rights. If you hold some credit cards or membership cards, chances are you are entitled to great discounts, so be sure to check first. Also, if you are a student or a senior citizen, ask if they give discounts to you.
- If you know someone important, do name drop. Refer to your friend or family if they are "somebody" in the hotel.
- Keep evidence. If you negotiate on the phone, write down the agreed deals and do not forget to ask the person's name just for reference. If you negotiate via e-mail, print the relevant e-mails out and carry them with you.

Finally, make sure there is no hidden agenda underneath the great discounts you are about to agree to. Read all the agreements and information thoroughly before you make a decision. Once you have paid, it is very unlikely for you to get all your money back if you want to change your mind. Also, only pay when you are sure the web site is reliable enough because there are cheaters out there who are out to get your money and give you nothing back.

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