Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Remember the law of supply and demand.
Business-oriented hotels are busiest
during the week, so you can expect discounts over the weekend. Leisure hotels are
most crowded and therefore most expensive on weekends, so discounts may be
available midweek.
•
Visit in the winter.
Boston-bound bargain hunters who don't mind cold and
snow (sometimes
lots
of snow) aim for January through March, when hotels offer
great deals, especially on weekends. The Convention & Visitors Bureau's “Boston
Overnight! Just for the Fun of It” winter-weekend program targets suburbanites,
but out-of-towners benefit, too.
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Look into group or long-stay discounts.
If you come as part of a large group,
you should be able to negotiate a bargain rate. If you're planning a long stay (at
least 5 days), you might qualify for a discount. As a rule, expect 1 night free after
a 7-night stay.
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Avoid excess charges and hidden costs.
When you book a room, ask whether the
hotel charges for parking—almost every hotel in Boston and Cambridge does. Use
your cellphone, prepaid phone cards, or pay phones instead of making expensive
calls from hotel phones. If you know you'll be online a lot, seek out a hotel that
includes high-speed or wireless access in the room rate (a surprising number of
places do; some older properties and hotels that do a lot of expense-account busi-
ness don't). And don't be tempted by the minibar: Most hotels charge through the
nose for water, soda, and snacks. Finally, ask about local taxes, service charges, and
energy surcharges, which can increase the cost of a room by 15% or more.
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Book an efficiency.
A room with a kitchenette allows you to shop for groceries
and prepare your own meals. This is a big money saver, especially for families on
long stays.
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Consider enrolling in hotel “frequent-stay” programs,
which court repeat cus-
tomers. Frequent guests can accumulate points or credits to earn free hotel nights,
airline miles, in-room amenities, merchandise, tickets to concerts and events, and
discounts on sporting facilities. Programs are in force not only at many chain
hotels and motels (Hilton HHonors, Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred
Guest, to name a few), but also at individual inns and B&Bs. Many chain hotels
partner with other hotel chains, car-rental firms, airlines, and credit-card compa-
nies to encourage repeat business.
For tips on surfing for hotel deals online, visit www.frommers.com.
BED & BREAKFASTS
A bed-and-breakfast can be a good alternative to a chain hotel. B&Bs are usually less
expensive than hotels and often more comfortable. Most are near public transporta-
tion. Because most B&Bs are small, they fill quickly. An agency can save you a lot of
calling around and can match you with a lodging that accommodates your likes and
dislikes, allergies, tolerance for noise and morning chitchat, and anything else you
consider important. Reserve as soon as you start planning, especially if you hope to
visit during fall foliage season.
Expect to pay at least $85 a night for a double in the summer and fall, and more
during special events. The room rate usually includes breakfast and parking, but be
sure to ask. Many lodgings require a minimum stay of at least 2 nights, and most offer
good winter specials (discounts or third-night-free deals).
