Buy Ahead for Lower Hotel Rates

Two major U.S. hotel chains are following the lead of airlines and offering discounts on rooms paid for at least two weeks in advance.

Marriott Hotels has 14- and 21-day non-refundable, advance- purchase discounts at more than 185 outlets through Sept. 7. Travelers can pay for a room two or three weeks ahead, with the 21-day advance. Discounts, which vary from hotel to hotel, range from 30% to 65%.

The program, which began last year, applies to participating Marriott hotels in the continental United States, as well as two in Toronto and one each in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Barbados, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. It doesn’t include three chains operating under the Marriott banner: Courtyard, Residence Inn and Fairfield Inns.

While the program applies daily, weekday and weekend rates may differ and there may be some blackout periods. Only credit cards can be used when making the bookings.

Some examples: A room at the San Diego Marriott Suites, with 21-day advance purchase, costs $89, against the regular rate of $180; a two-week advance purchase at the same property is $99. A room at the Marriott at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, using the 21-day advance-purchase rate, is $96, compared to the regular tab of $148. It’s $112 if bought 14 days ahead.

Children 8 and under can have hotel meals on a complimentary basis, using the children’s menu, if accompanied by a registered guest.

Hyatt Hotels is using a 21-day advance-purchase rate that offers an average 25% discount off regular rates. The program, which has no cutoff point, is available at 86 non-resort hotels in the United States and Canada. Not included are 17 resort properties in Hawaii, the Caribbean and the continental United States.

As an example, a room at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, which costs $220 at the regular rate, can be booked for $164 using the 21-day advance-purchase rate.

Guests who cancel a reservation will receive a credit from Hyatt for the cost of the room, minus a $25 service charge. The credit is valid for one year from the date of the original booking at any non-resort Hyatt hotel.

Another hotel chain, Days Inns, is continuing its advance-purchase program at more than 1,200 hotels in North America. Called the “Simple Super Saver” program, rooms are available for $19-$59 a night, depending on location, when guests make their reservations at least 29 days in advance of arrival and pay for their first night’s stay within seven days after the booking. Cancellations need to be made at least 14 days in advance of the arrival date to avoid losing the first night’s deposit.

Call Hyatt at (800) 233-1234, Marriott at (800) 228-9290 and Days Inns at (800) 325-2525.