What Is a Hotel Corporate Rate?
Business travelers want to make sure they’re getting the best price possible on their hotel rooms, and often that means paying the corporate rate (also sometimes known as a business traveler rate) for said rooms. This is a reduced price that the hotel either negotiates directly with a large company or offers to business travelers in general. The discount may be ten percent off the regular rate, or sometimes even more.
The Goal of a Corporate Rate Program
Hotels offer lower corporate rates to get more business travelers into the hotel. A business traveler who feels that he or she is getting a good deal is likely to tell fellow employees about it, which brings them more business. It also means that the business traveler will be more likely to return on a future trip, either for business or pleasure, the next time they’re in town. They will also be likely to recommend the hotel to fellow employees, friends, and family.
How to Get the Discount
With many hotel chains, getting a corporate discount is as simple as requesting it. Larger companies that regularly book hotel rooms for their employees usually get a different negotiated corporate rate and you may have to show your employee identification in order to get that lower rate.
Many hotels will honor that corporate rate even if you are not there on a business trip, as long as you show your company ID. Another nice benefit is that the corporate rate is often honored at any of their locations around the world, whether you are traveling for business or pleasure.
If you don’t work for a big corporation, explain that you are there on business and that you may be able to bring future business to the hotel. Most hotels will offer you the reduced rate.
Booking Advice
Don’t forget to read the options carefully if you’re booking online: the discounted corporate rate will often be available from the website. Even if you don’t see one, make sure to ask in person when you’re checking in; hotels will often apply discounts or add upgrades if you simply ask.
If you’re reserving your room by phone, call the hotel’s local phone number instead of the 800 number. If you can speak to someone who actually works at the specific hotel you will be visiting, that employee usually has more freedom to offer discounts than the customer service representatives manning the toll free phone lines.
Getting a corporate rate on your hotel room can be a good way to save a little money. Don’t forget to check out other discount options, though, since promotional rates for seniors, AAA members, or specific dates might end up being less than the corporate rate.