ESSENTIALS - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 554

Brewster's Mountain Lodge halves its rates to $135 in winter, with graduated dis-
counts in spring and fall. Plan on traveling a few weeks on either side of the peak
season, then use hotel websites to check when individual properties are offering dis-
counts. Most accommodations post seasonal specials on their websites well in ad-
vance.
While you have no influence over seasonal pricing fluctuations, how you reserve
a room can make a difference in how much you pay. Book through a central reser-
vations agency or travel agent, or pay for accommodations as part of a tour package,
and you'll pay the full published price.
In some years, getting a room in July and August without advance reservations
is almost impossible. In others, hotels will be selling rooms well into the night for
a fraction of the published rate. Leaving reservations until the last minute is a risky
proposition if you're not prepared to be flexible, but it's a good way to save a lot of
money.
Don't be afraid to negotiate during slower times. Even if the desk clerk has no
control over rates, there's no harm in asking for a bigger room or one with a better
view. Just look for a Vacancy sign hanging out front.
Most hotels offer auto association members an automatic 10 percent discount,
and whereas senior discounts apply only to those 60 or 65 and older on public
transportation and at attractions, most hotels offer discounts to those over 50. Some
chains, such as Best Western, also allow senior travelers a late checkout. Corporate
rates are a lot more flexible than in years past; some hotels require nothing more
than the flash of a business card for a 10-20 percent discount. Finally, when it comes
to frequent flyer programs, you really do need to be a frequent flyer to achieve free
flights, but the various loyalty programs offered by hotel chains often provide bene-
fits simply for signing up.
Backcountry Huts and Lodges
Throughout the backcountry of the Canadian Rockies is an extensive system of 18 rustic
huts managed by the Alpine Club of Canada (403/678-3200,
www.alpineclubofcanada.ca ). Due to their locations around favorite climbing areas, they
are most often used by mountaineers as an overnight stop before assaulting some of the
park's highest peaks, but they are available to anyone who wishes to take advantage of