Anyone negotiating accomodation rates for upcoming trips?

You should absolutely negotiate. Even if you don't get a better rate, you still might get a better deal--bigger room, more included extras, etc.

The worse thing that can happen is they say no.

I would definitely give it a try. We got a 30 euro reduction at an Italian hotel, no reduction at all in two hotels in Poland, and we're waiting on our two Dutch hotels.

Prague is also wide open this summer. The 5* Prague Marriott was on sale about 1 week for 80 Euro per night per double room. It seems the bigger posher hotels are very willing to negotiate. I used the Marriott price to negotiate with the K+K Central Prague and also the Hotel Josef. I got reductions in price and upgrades to superior rooms with views and balconies. Most definitely you SHOULD negotiate.

Great question. I've been giving this some thought as well. This is not exactly the information you asked for, but rather some negotiating advice: In general, when you ask for a discount offer something in return--even if it's not significant. You will feel better about it and it gives people more dignity. That makes it makes it easier for them to both accomodate you and easier to say "No" without being awkward. Also, it opens the door to counter-offer with terms that really do work for them.

Specifically, how to apply that to Europe is to say "I am on a budget, do you offer....blank...."

Then find an appropriate offer such as: "Do you offer a cash discount?" "Do you have an off-season discount for April?" (If it's their busy season they'll tell you.) "Can I get a discount if I get the room without breakfast?" (Maybe they would be happy to sleep in...) "Do you offer a discount if I stay for four nights?" "Do you have a less expensive room, perhaps one without a view?"

I too feel uncomfortable asking for discounts, but if you do so respectfully I'm sure they won't offer a deal they can't afford. If they really want to fill the room, they'll make you a deal and everyone is happy.

I just wrapped up reconfirming my hotel reservations for my upcoming trip. I originally made my reservations back in October 08. I'll be staying in eleven different hotels/cities in Germany & Austria. Six out of the eleven agreed to reduce the rate charged per night an average of 10 euros. All of them agreed to wave the cost of breakfast which averaged 8-10 euros. All in all, I'd say it's worth negotiating - especially with the current world economy and the recent decline in the value of the dollar.

I agree...you should ask. My motto is: you never know what you can get until you ask for it. In 30 years of travel I have received some unbelievable reductions by negotiating.

My last was a free upgrade from bottom deck to top deck with a balcony at no charge. Worth about $500.
And the hotel manager on the cruise moved all my luggage for me.

I have a question. How do you handle the negotiation? email or telephone?

Great Topic,Richard I would would email! then keep a copy just in case they forgot what was said. With the bad economy over there I can't see where it hurts to negotiate a better deal. Hope this helps! Take care, Monte

I agree that email is the best for now....and if you don't get a satisfactory answer, ask when you arrive. If the hotel is empty, and the owner knows hotels in the area are empty, he won't want to lose you (assuming you're staying more than one night.)

I always ask....even if they won't budge on the rate, I've been given upgraded rooms, free meals, bottles of wine, etc. If they want your business, they'll show it.

It never hurts to ask. At the very least we often got a decent discount for cash. After reading this and a similar thread the other day, I was energized and got 10% off my annual cable bill because I started to negotiate. Of course, the magic words " I'm thinking of switching to another company " always helps when dealing with my cable guy but I'm all for trying.