How to Get Corporate Rates at Hotels: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of overpaying for hotel rooms when traveling for business purposes?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: To get corporate rates at hotels, you need to negotiate rates with the hotels or use a corporate travel booking platform.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to get corporate rates at hotels, including what corporate rates are, how to negotiate rates, and the benefits of using a corporate travel booking platform.

What are Corporate Rates?

If you are a business traveler, you have probably heard of corporate rates. Corporate rates are special rates offered by hotels to companies and organizations for their employees and clients. These rates are usually negotiated between the hotel and the company and can offer significant discounts compared to regular rates.

Definition of Corporate Rates

Corporate rates are discounted rates offered by hotels to companies, organizations, or individuals who frequently travel for business purposes. These rates are negotiated based on the volume of business that the company or organization will bring to the hotel. Corporate rates are usually lower than regular rates and can include additional benefits such as complimentary breakfast or upgraded rooms.

Benefits of Corporate Rates for Businesses

Corporate rates offer many benefits for businesses, including:

• Cost savings: By negotiating corporate rates, companies can save money on hotel expenses for their employees and clients.
• Consistency: Corporate rates offer consistent pricing across different locations and hotels, making it easier for companies to budget for travel expenses.
• Convenience: Corporate rates often come with additional benefits such as free breakfast or upgrades, making travel more comfortable for employees and clients.
• Relationship building: Negotiating corporate rates can help companies build relationships with hotels, which can lead to additional benefits such as loyalty rewards or personalized service.

According to a survey by Business Travel News, companies that negotiate corporate rates save an average of 20-30% on hotel expenses.

How to Negotiate Corporate Rates

If you’re a frequent business traveler, you know how important it is to secure the best hotel rates possible. Negotiating corporate rates is a great way to save money and establish a relationship with your preferred hotels. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to negotiate corporate rates.

Identify Your Company’s Travel Needs

The first step to negotiating corporate rates is identifying your company’s travel needs. Determine how often your company travels, the destinations, and the number of employees that will be traveling. This will help you negotiate a fair rate that meets your company’s travel budget.

Research Your Preferred Hotels

Researching your preferred hotels is crucial to getting the best corporate rates. Look at the hotels’ websites and online travel agencies to compare prices and amenities. Consider proximity to airports, public transportation, and your business meetings. Check the hotels’ reviews on websites like TripAdvisor to ensure they meet your company’s standards.

Reach Out to the Hotels and Negotiate Rates

Once you’ve determined your company’s travel needs and researched your preferred hotels, it’s time to reach out and negotiate rates. Contact the hotels’ sales departments and introduce yourself as a representative of your company. Explain your company’s travel needs and ask for corporate rates and any additional perks they may offer. Be prepared to negotiate and compare rates with other hotels.

Sign a Corporate Rate Agreement

After you’ve negotiated the best corporate rates, it’s time to sign a corporate rate agreement. This is a contract between your company and the hotel that outlines the negotiated rates and any additional benefits. Review the agreement carefully before signing to ensure it meets your company’s needs and budget.

Negotiating corporate rates can be a time-consuming process, but the savings and benefits are worth it. Remember to be prepared, negotiate, and review the agreement carefully. Happy travels!

Benefits of Using a Corporate Travel Booking Platform

Corporate travel booking platforms are becoming increasingly popular among businesses that want to manage their travel arrangements more efficiently. These platforms offer a range of benefits that can help companies save money and time, while also improving the travel experience for employees. Here are some of the key benefits of using a corporate travel booking platform:

Access to Exclusive Corporate Rates

One of the main benefits of using a corporate travel booking platform is that it gives you access to exclusive corporate rates. Hotels and airlines often offer special rates to corporate clients who book through a corporate travel agency. These rates are typically lower than the rates available to individual travelers, which can result in significant cost savings for your business.

In addition to lower rates, many corporate travel booking platforms also offer perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, and other amenities that can make your business travel more comfortable and enjoyable.

Simplified Booking and Payment Process

Another benefit of using a corporate travel booking platform is that it simplifies the booking and payment process. With a corporate travel platform, you can easily search for flights and hotels, compare prices and amenities, and book your travel arrangements in just a few clicks.

Many corporate travel platforms also offer integrated payment solutions that allow you to pay for your travel expenses all in one place. This can save you time and eliminate the need for manual expense reports.

Centralized Travel Management and Reporting

Finally, using a corporate travel booking platform can help you manage your travel arrangements more efficiently. With a centralized platform, you can keep track of all your travel reservations in one place, making it easier to make changes or cancel reservations if needed.

You can also generate reports to track your travel expenses and identify areas where you can cut costs. This can help you make more informed decisions about your travel budget and ensure that your business is getting the most out of its travel expenses.

Top Corporate Travel Booking Platforms

When it comes to booking corporate travel, using a dedicated platform can save you time and money. Here are some of the top options:

Expedia

Expedia is a well-known platform for booking flights, hotels, and rental cars. Their corporate travel program, Expedia for Business, offers exclusive discounts and perks for corporate travelers. They also offer a centralized billing system, making it easy for companies to manage expenses.

Orbitz for Business

Orbitz for Business is another popular platform that offers corporate discounts and rewards. They also have a user-friendly dashboard for managing bookings and expenses, as well as access to a 24/7 customer support team.

Travelocity Business

Travelocity Business is a comprehensive platform that offers everything from flights and hotels to rental cars and meeting planning services. They also have a mobile app for easy booking on-the-go.

Priceline for Business

Priceline for Business is a great option for companies looking to save money on their travel expenses. They offer exclusive rates on flights, hotels, and rental cars, as well as a rewards program for frequent travelers.

Booking.com for Business

Booking.com for Business is a popular choice for small businesses and startups. They offer a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. They also offer a simple booking process and 24/7 customer support.

Tips for Maximizing Savings on Corporate Travel

Travel expenses can quickly add up for companies, but there are ways to save money on corporate travel. Here are some tips for maximizing savings on corporate travel:

Book in Advance

One of the best ways to save money on corporate travel is to book in advance. Many hotels offer discounts for booking early, so try to plan your trips as far in advance as possible. This will also give you more options for hotels and flights, which can help you find the best rates.

Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

If you have some flexibility in your travel dates, you can save money on your hotel stays. Try to avoid peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, as hotels tend to be more expensive during these times. Instead, consider traveling during the week or during off-peak seasons.

Join Hotel Loyalty Programs

Many hotels offer loyalty programs that can help you save money on future stays. These programs often offer perks like free nights, room upgrades, and other rewards. Make sure to sign up for these programs and use them whenever you can to maximize your savings.

Use Rewards Programs and Credit Cards

In addition to hotel loyalty programs, you can also save money on corporate travel by using rewards programs and credit cards. Many credit cards offer rewards for travel-related expenses, such as hotel stays and flights. Make sure to use these cards whenever possible to earn points or cash back. You can also use rewards programs, such as those offered by airlines, to earn free flights or upgrades.

By following these tips, you can save money on your corporate travel expenses and maximize your savings. Remember to always be on the lookout for deals and discounts, and take advantage of any rewards programs or credit cards that can help you save money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting corporate rates at hotels is possible through negotiation or using a corporate travel booking platform. By following our comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to save money on business travel and enjoy the benefits of corporate rates, including exclusive discounts and simplified booking processes.

Remember to identify your company’s travel needs, research preferred hotels, negotiate rates, and sign a corporate rate agreement. Consider using a corporate travel booking platform for access to exclusive rates and centralized management and reporting.

We hope this guide has been helpful in your quest for affordable and efficient business travel.