If you are planning a last minute vacation, you will need a last minute accommodation that is cheap or at least reasonably priced.
There are several steps in getting last minute accommodation deals that are not overpriced. A hotel will want to tell you that because you are making the accommodation last minute you should be charged more, but you should remain strong and not give in.
Read the steps below to help you find last minute accommodations that will make your last minute vacation complete.
Start by searching the internet
The first step to finding cheap last minute accommodations is to search the net and look up current prices and availability. But this is only the first step - read on!
Don't rely solely on the internet
Even though the internet is known for having the most up-to-date information, many, if not most hotels, do not have a dedicated staff to inform their website or the hotel directory of their last minute rate changes and availability.
Call up the hotel
Call up the hotel and find out if there are room available. Be persistent as they might not answer your question right away or they might give you the runaround. If they have vacancies then continue with them. If not, go on to a different hotel.
Remember, hotels want their rooms filled
If there is a vacancy, then you have bargaining power. Hotels will want their rooms to be filled. Remember this as you bargain with the hotels for the best last minute accommodation rates.
Don't sound desperate
The last thing you want to do is give the hotel the impression that you are desperate and have no where to go. Sound calm and confident when you talk to them. Don't let them know how badly you want their room.
Reason with hotel staff
Explain to the hotel staff that if you don't take the room, it will be left empty and they will lose money. See how they react. Do they budge at all? Do they sound like there is a possibility? Don't give up!
Ask to speak to the supervisor
If you can't get the rate you want, ask to talk to the staff supervisor. This might convince the staff to give you what you want because they might not want to get the supervisor involved. It might convince the staff you are serious. If you do speak to the supervisor, continue to stay confident and use your reasoning skills.
Try a different hotel if the hotel is not responsive
If you see you are not progressing, go on to a different hotel. Eventually, if you use this method, you will be able to get cheap last minute accommodation deals.