How to Get a Great Deal on Hotel Accommodations Bharat Lall

Introduction• Physician Bharat Lall, MD, practiced medicine for two

decades after earning his degree from the University of Glasgow, Scotland. Changing careers in the early 1990s after acquiring his first hotel property, Dr. Bharat Lall is now President and CEO of Pinnacle Hotels USA.

Getting the best price on a hotel room is tricky, as the industry is always in flux and what works today may not fetch as great a deal as another method in a few months’ time. Since there is not one simple answer for savings, you may need to try different methods each time.

•A good starting point is to check prices on a discount website such as Expedia, Orbitz, or Priceline.

Hotel Accommodations• Look for hotels in your desired location, and then comparison

shop for prices on the specific hotel you select. Also, consider smaller hotels that may not be on the discount websites, or for extended stays, renting a privately-owned apartment or house.

Call the hotel before booking to see if they will match or beat the online price. Be sure to ask about what is included in the price, as services such as Internet access, breakfast, parking, or using the fitness equipment may not be bundled into the price of the room. When calling, also ask about discounts for members of clubs and professional organizations. Don’t be afraid to negotiate politely. If you are a frequent traveler, joining a loyalty program can also save you money.