Is it appropriate for a hotel clerk to comment on the rate you paid?

[ozbeachbabe]

I wouldn't be too fussed about it. I would take it as a compliment that you've done well with securing that rate. I wouldn't want other guests checking in to the hotel to overhear the conversation though.

I've read on another thread that people who've stayed in certain hotels booked through www.priceline.com have been given a coughpy room when normally with their Elite status with the particular chain they've got a room upgrade. When they've complained the hotel's said "well as you booked it through Priceline" etc etc in other words don't even think of asking for a room upgrade you cheapskate!

 

[JohnK]

So, what is your take. Appropriate or not? Do you get it as well, and I'm especially curious if you've ever had a "WOW. Why did you pay *that* much for the room".

I think you and I have discussed this previously.

Personally I do not think it is appropriate although if engaged in conversation I may comment on it.

 

[blueflamenco]

I've never experienced this, but I also haven't ever been lucky enough to find a deal worth commenting on!

I don't think its professional to make comments on the rate. I don't see what purpose it serves.

 

[drron]

I've had it happen several times with hotels and rental cars.I take it as a compliment that i have been able to snag a great rate.Always in the USA from memory.

 

[proskyneo]

We had <$30 / night for a Pullman and you could just tell he wanted to say something... not our fault the place was empty, we booked the night before! I've never heard it and would think it generally inappropriate however could imagine it occurring in an Australian service setting. Culturally it's okay here, would imagine it could make people of other cultures quite awkward.

Now if it's a true mistake fare and you know it, you probably have it coming!

I had a mistake fare for a 3 night booking where the system gave me 3 nights for the price of 1. They definitely commented on it and wanted to charge me the full 3 nights but I had print-outs and all the right documentation, so they had to honour it and took it up with the booking system!

Enjoyable stay.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I had a mistake fare for a 3 night booking where the system gave me 3 nights for the price of 1. They definitely commented on it and wanted to charge me the full 3 nights but I had print-outs and all the right documentation, so they had to honour it and took it up with the booking system!

Enjoyable stay.

So if you do get one of these seemingly to good to be true deals definitely take a hard copy of the confirmation with you.

If reception staff are full of "wow, how did you get that rate" questions you could always plead ignorance & respond with "my PA does all my bookings for me".

You don't want to plead too ignorant though in case the hotel think they can get away with not honouring the room for the cheap rate.

 

[proskyneo]

So if you do get one of these seemingly to good to be true deals definitely take a hard copy of the confirmation with you.

If reception staff are full of "wow, how did you get that rate" questions you could always plead ignorance & respond with "my PA does all my bookings for me".

You don't want to plead too ignorant though in case the hotel think they can get away with not honouring the room for the cheap rate.

Pretty much just said I've booked using the system many times (pre-paid rate) and it quite clearly stated how much per night (at the cheap rate), so it wasn't a fault of mine. If they didn't honour it, I was prepared not to stay there though, so not too fussed. Although if that happened, I would've probably said that they should be thanking me for finding a mistake so they can correct it..

 

[Blackadder]

There have been a few times I've stayed at hotels (normally during 50% off type sales or other super discounted periods) where the check-in/check-out staffer basically says "Wow, that's a low rate" or "How did you get that rate" type comments.

In the interaction metric, I don't think it's an appropriate question. On one hand, the staffer could be generally impressed and going "Wow, congrats", on the other it could be "How did you cheat to get that rate".

So, what is your take. Appropriate or not? Do you get it as well, and I'm especially curious if you've ever had a "WOW. Why did you pay *that* much for the room".

Get it a fair bit when I stay at the Orange County Hyatt Regency due to knowing someone that works their, and as a result getting the friends and families rate.
Personally don't mind it, when they ask who I know there I feel the staff are more willing to help/give extra benefits seeing I know someone who works there.

 

[JessicaTam]

So if you do get one of these seemingly to good to be true deals definitely take a hard copy of the confirmation with you.

If reception staff are full of "wow, how did you get that rate" questions you could always plead ignorance & respond with "my PA does all my bookings for me".

You don't want to plead too ignorant though in case the hotel think they can get away with not honouring the room for the cheap rate.

I have a Sydney CBD apartment next week for $22 booked on last minute. Other nights were $242 so possible mistake rate. I will carry hard copy of confirmation (thanks Oz), and will plead ignorance if challenged: "Last minute always have great deals".


Sent from my iThing.
Why, because iCan.

 

[Simo]

I have a Sydney CBD apartment next week for $22 booked on last minute. Other nights were $242 so possible mistake rate. I will carry hard copy of confirmation (thanks Oz), and will plead ignorance if challenged: "Last minute always have great deals".


Sent from my iThing.
Why, because iCan.

That is a awesome rate,

Maybe it is a special rate for 2 nights or something like that.

 

[JessicaTam]

That is a awesome rate,

Maybe it is a special rate for 2 nights or something like that.

I don't think so; It is a one night booking in a 5 bed 'deluxe family room' incl breakfast. LM is showing $242 again, so just a one off. Plenty of room if someone needs a bed!


Sent from my iThing.
Why, because iCan.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Never happened to me before I must be getting ripped off!

Yes, same thought when i used to do the pays and no one complained!!!

Actually there is some merit in paying a higher rate, you do usually get upgraded before some other poor sod. the saying you get what you pay for remains largely true here as well.....

beware of advance fixed rates as well, if your plans change they usually dont. It cost me dearly in the states last time, i thought i would be smart and save a few bucks...well what a folly that turned out to be.

 

[QF1]

I have a Sydney CBD apartment next week for $22 booked on last minute. Other nights were $242 so possible mistake rate. I will carry hard copy of confirmation (thanks Oz), and will plead ignorance if challenged: "Last minute always have great deals".


Sent from my iThing.
Why, because iCan.

You mean last minute have great mistakes!!!

 

[JessicaTam]

You mean last minute have great mistakes!!!

Shhhh!


Sent from my iThing.
Why, because iCan.

 

[drron]

I may well get another comment on this next trip.As always a week from departure I check all bookings that are not prepaid.In Dallas a junior suite with full brekkie for 2 came up cheaper than the basic room on advance purchase.Dont need my SPG SNAs on this one.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

It might be uncomfortable if there's someone next to/behind you that has paid rack rate...

 

[Mal]

If reception staff are full of "wow, how did you get that rate" questions you could always plead ignorance & respond with "my PA does all my bookings for me".

Actually, I used that line at one hotel I stayed at. The rate I was getting was way below rack, and the clerk said "Oh you should book this on the hotel site to get the cheapest rate". My response was basically - "It's booked by work, it's some corporate booking". (Truth was that I was getting 18% cashback on the retail rate - there was no way the website even came close).