How to book one night stay prior to RS tour.

You will see a lot of variability for hotel prices. I typically check a number of websites, figure out the lowest price, and ask them if they'll meet it. Most do. Some places will also give a discount if you mention that you found them through Rick Steves. You might also tell them that you're going to be with the tour -- that way, maybe you won't have to change rooms.

Ann,

Here is a thought...
Since you're going on this RS tour, I'd think you can contact RS travel agent to help you with this.

Maybe they added the tax in on the original quote?

They should offer a discount if you are staying in the same hotel as the tour.....what hotel is it? Rick lists hotels in his book that offer the discount.

You book the hotel in exact the way you book any hotel - here or there. Go to the web site and reserve one room. It makes no difference if you are just staying in the hotel for one night while passing through or one night to meet a tour. Or use a booking web site. Not difficult.

When I stayed in the tour hotel in Berlin for a couple of nights prior to the RS tour, I told them that I was going on the RS tour. This had a bearing for them as it changed what room I would be in. I was told I got a RS rate. The room was an issue as I was a single who would then be rooming with someone once the tour started which meant that they put me in a double room.

Pam

Book the room with the cheapest rate you can find.

If you are a single and getting a single room on tour, I suggest the following:

A few days before you arrive, send an email to the hotel with your reservation number should you have one, and explain that after the one night stay you will be joining an RS tour at the hotel and ask if you can stay in the same room for both reservations.

I've done this in similar situations, not tours but conferences, where it was two separate reservations. Then, when you arrive, mention it again if they don't. Most hotels will try to accommodate you.

If you're are going to share a room on tour, then you will most likely have to move.

Some hotels will extend a discounted rate to our tour members and others do not. I understand you're just trying to get a consistent rate. But do let them know your are part of the Rick Steves tour starting on a particular date, so that they will try to keep you in the same room.

I usually email the hotel notifying them that I will be staying there with the RS tour. I tell them the exact date and how many extra days I would like to stay at their hotel prior to/after the tour. I ask them how much a single room will be and I specifically ask them if they provide a discount for RS tour members. Most of the time I get a small discount. Or if I like the rate offered on the hotel website, I book it online but leave a note in the comment section that I will be part of the RS tour. Most of the time, I am allowed to stay in the same room which is convenient.

ann,

I've always used the method that Laura mentioned, and indicated to the hotel when booking that I was with the tour. I'm assuming they always gave me the "tour" price, but never was too concerned about it.

I agree with Ken and Laura - We have always emailed the hotel and told them that we would be joining a Rick Steves tour and would like to book extra days. We have always gotten a better rate than what is listed on their website. Good luck and I am sure you will enjoy your tour.