When negotiating a discounted rate for a hotel room, persistence pays off. My sister learned this first hand this while booking a room for her family’s spring break trip to Santa Barbara.

She checked rates online then called the hotel she wanted to stay at and asked if she had enough points to get a deal.

Nope.

Next she asked if they had any deals going on. No again.

So she kept pushing by saying things like:

“I’m really looking for a lower rate than that.”

“Do you have any rooms that are discounted?”

“Is there any way we could lower that rate?”

“I don’t need an ocean view or prime space.”

“Can you do better?”

She kept the tone friendly and was very patient. Somehow, they eventually found a lower rate! She ended up saving $100 a night for the first night, and $80 a night for the second and third nights.

The true savings are even greater because hotel taxes are based on the nightly rate. And when you book directly through the hotel you are more likely to earn points or club rewards.

There is a certain psychological approach to haggling that is particularly important. I put science to work and embarrassed friends by asking for a discount on cupcakes.

Cheap things to do, eat, and see in Santa Barbara

Thanks, Sarah!