'last minute' hotel deals

tres · 6 May 2015 at 20:14

Last minute used to mean teletext holidays and some true bargains.
Now, last minute is nothing more than a brand.

Any where you guys recommend to find some last minute deals for a UK hotel? Fancied going somewhere different this weekend with the missus. But I am only a student after all..

bJN · 6 May 2015 at 20:35

Turn up at the reception of a hotel of your choosing, ask if there's any rooms free and if so, you'll take one at half the normal rate. If they don't agree, politely remind them they don't get anything by turning you away. Win win.

MikeTheNative · 6 May 2015 at 20:42

I googled the phrase ''last minute' hotel deals' and got loads of results from different companies.

Seft · 7 May 2015 at 07:38

Accor group's Happy Mondays promotion can offer quite cheap rooms for the weekend ahead, especially in London.

Mr Jones · 7 May 2015 at 08:34

bJN said:
Turn up at the reception of a hotel of your choosing, ask if there's any rooms free and if so, you'll take one at half the normal rate. If they don't agree, politely remind them they don't get anything by turning you away. Win win.

Have you ever tried that and seen it work?

Hades · 7 May 2015 at 08:36

bJN said:
Turn up at the reception of a hotel of your choosing, ask if there's any rooms free and if so, you'll take one at half the normal rate. If they don't agree, politely remind them they don't get anything by turning you away. Win win.

All that will do is remind them you NEED a room because you have already travelled to the area.

bJN · 7 May 2015 at 12:19

Mr Jones said:
Have you ever tried that and seen it work?

Yes, even done it myself in Scotland.

[TW]Fox · 7 May 2015 at 12:45

Mr Jones said:
Have you ever tried that and seen it work?

Of course it works but it's a fairly daft plan because the 'normal rate' or 'rack rate' as its called is hugely expensive and even 50% off the normal rate usually represents a poor deal.

Most hotels display the rack rate above the fire instructions on the door of your room. Take a look next time you stay, it might surprise you. An average Hilton usually has a rack rate in excess of £300 a night, yet I'd never expect to spend more than £100 a night to stay there unless it's a particularly sought after location.

Hotel pricing is completely dynamic, if there is lots of availability then the price is adjusted through various offers on the hotel groups website and through third party booking agencies.