Maximize your hotel budget with these tips and tricks
By Betty W. Stark
There has been a significant resurgence of business travel in the last couple of years and while this might be good news for the lodging industry, it can be bad news for company travel budgets. In fact, American Express just predicted an increase in hotel rates this year of three to eight percent.
Bottom line, it is costing business travelers considerably more to stay overnight in a hotel at almost all major business destinations, especially those on the east and west coasts. And it will be a year or two before new hotels currently in the construction pipeline emerge in the market to soften the upward price trend.
With a little bit of effort you can:
1. Establish rewarding relationships with key hotel groups.
2. Find credit cards that will boost your hotel point currency.
3. Use geography to your advantage.
4. Stay in a suite for the price of a room.
5. Use the package approach to reduce hotel costs.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Scout out lower hotel rates on the Internet The Internet shines when it comes to tracking down the best deals on hotels. It’s important to compare rates from one site to another (including the hotel’s own site) because rates can vary dramatically from site to site for the same room on the same date.
I recommend: Check out Hotels.com, Hotwire, and Quikbook for best-available rates at thousands of properties. For speedy searches of multiple Web sites, let SideStep and Kayak do the work for you. Online travel agencies Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz all have good hotel search tools.
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs First, define what type of hotel room is most important. If price is a major consideration, sign on with a moderate-priced hotel chain where you’ll get a simple, clean room, internet access and locations in safe areas. Do you entertain clients, hold meetings, or want to impress? Choose a full-service chain. The Marriott group, for example, has higher-end properties like Marriott and Renaissance Hotels, and main stream and extended stay properties like Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, Spring Hill Suites and Towne Place Suites.
I recommend: Enroll in the Cendant TripRewards program to earn when you stay at Days Inn, Super 8, Travelodge, and other moderate properties. Join the Marriott Rewards or PriorityClub Rewards programs to earn points and miles from their broad-ranging family of brands.
Carry the plastic that will boost your point stash Why not let your credit card work for you too? There are several that will give you a fast track to free room nights, upgrades and special hotel deals.
I recommend: Check out CreditCards.com for a lengthy list of rewards credit cards. If you’re a frequent guest at a large chain, look into their credit card programs.
Stay away from the mega-centers and save Hotel rates in major cities are skyrocketing, but there are values to be had if you stay in suburban areas away from city centers. This might require flying in to an alternate airport, which can also save you money if you chose a discount carrier. Most online travel booking sites offer the option to “check alternate/nearby airports.” Use it! It’s a quick-and-easy way to find out if by driving a little you’ll save a lot.
I recommend: For speedy searches, let Quikbook, SideStep or Kayak do the work of scanning multiple hotel Web sites. Be sure to click the “show nearby airports” option if you’re using the site to search alternate airports too!
Consider extended stay properties too If you’re on a lengthy assignment, a homey suite will give you more space and usually the Internet hook-ups you’ll need to work after-hours. There are new players and venerable oldies in the budget extended stay arena. Features and geographic locations vary.
I recommend: Check out details at Value Place, Extended Stay America, Studio6 (the extended stay affiliate of Motel 6) and Crossland.
Book your trip as a “vacation” package and save When you get right down to it, there is little difference between a business trip and a vacation when it comes to the basics like an airline ticket, a hotel room and a rental car. Major tour packagers (including the airlines themselves) carry the clout to get lower fares and rates on all three---just what you’re looking for!
I recommend: Check out packages to your destination city on Northwest Airlines, Continental, United, American, Midwest Airlines, Southwest, as well as SideStep and Kayak, Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
* Some Internet sites require prepayment to secure the lowest room rate, and others have a no-refund policy. Be cautious about booking on restrictive hotel sites if you anticipate making changes or needing to cancel.
* If a hotel does not have a contract agreement with an Internet booking site, they might refuse to honor your booked rate at check-in.
* Be sure to check the hotel Web site too. Often there are deals and specials that don’t make it to the aggregator sites.
* Print out and carry all hotel confirmation information with you, and don’t delete your e-mail correspondence for the booking until your trip is complete and your credit card has been charged.
* Take advantage of hotel discount rates if you are a member of AAA, AARP or any number of professional organizations.
* When comparing the overall value of a room rate, factor in no-cost extras like breakfast, cocktail hour, free Internet access, free parking, etc.
* If you plan to book your business trip as a vacation package, be sure to ask about penalties if you have to change any component of the package.
* If you and your traveling staff book a lot of room nights at the same property or hotel chain, look into negotiating a corporate discount.
* Consider city and room taxes when booking a hotel room. Taxes in major metropolitan areas can be much higher than a comparable room “just across the river” in a suburb.
Showing posts with label agencies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label agencies. Show all posts
Guide to Bus and Charter Vehicle Dealerships
Find the best way to research charter buses for sale
By Laurel Brown
While there are many bus dealers around the country, they are not as common as standard automotive dealerships. The largest bus dealerships maintain websites with information about purchasing, available models and financing. These dealers can sell any sort of charter vehicles, including buses, minibuses, school buses, double-deckers, trolleys, and vans. With so many options available from a charter bus dealer, you must shop around. Online charter bus dealerships offer many advantages such as customization, delivery of vehicles and financing.
It's additionally important to make sure that the bus and charter vehicle dealerships provide you with the right sort of information. A good bus dealer can advise what regulations are required to run your bus.
Keep the following points in mind when looking for a bus dealership:
1. Research the specific buses you want ahead of time. Many charter bus dealerships sell only certain buses.
2. Consider both new and used buses -- some used bus dealers will refurbish and customize buses to meet your company’s needs.
3. Shop both bus dealerships and bus manufacturers to get the best prices.
4. Make sure you know the government regulations concerning your buses before you invest.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Compare vehicles by using the websites of large bus and charter vehicle dealerships With an interest in selling their products nationally as well as locally, most larger bus dealerships advertise their stock online and offer shipping to any location.
I recommend: Bus Group offers both new and used buses for sale. They also provide specific information on purchasing buses for churches, child-care uses and assisted-living facilities.
Consider purchasing directly from bus manufacturers Many of the largest manufacturers of charter vehicles make their products available for direct purchase. You can often get better pricing this way, cutting out the middle-man.
I recommend: Daimler and Champion are two of the largest manufacturers of charter vehicles. Both companies offer direct sales.
Lease charter buses if you are not prepared to buy them Most larger dealerships have leasing options and information.
I recommend: Bus Group and Nations Bus offer financing for leasing buses and purchasing loans.
Decide if used buses and charter vehicles can meet your needs as well as new vehicles The cost of new buses and other charter vehicles make it difficult for many businesses to afford such a large investment. Some of the costs can, however, be reduced by purchasing used and refurbished vehicles. Keep in mind that many companies offer either no warranty or only limited warranties on such purchases.
I recommend: CR Buses is a charter bus dealer that specializes in refurbishing used buses to meet the customer’s specific needs. They also offer a three month warranty on all sales.
Educate yourself about regulations before making a purchase from a charter bus dealer. The government has detailed regulations about purchasing and operating charter buses, and it is the responsibility of the purchaser to know these regulations
I recommend: The Federal Highway Administration's Office of Motor Carriers lists information about regulations, licensing and safety on their website.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
* Shop several bus dealerships before you make a charter vehicle purchase and evaluate all your options before committing to such a major expense.
By Laurel Brown
While there are many bus dealers around the country, they are not as common as standard automotive dealerships. The largest bus dealerships maintain websites with information about purchasing, available models and financing. These dealers can sell any sort of charter vehicles, including buses, minibuses, school buses, double-deckers, trolleys, and vans. With so many options available from a charter bus dealer, you must shop around. Online charter bus dealerships offer many advantages such as customization, delivery of vehicles and financing.
It's additionally important to make sure that the bus and charter vehicle dealerships provide you with the right sort of information. A good bus dealer can advise what regulations are required to run your bus.
Keep the following points in mind when looking for a bus dealership:
1. Research the specific buses you want ahead of time. Many charter bus dealerships sell only certain buses.
2. Consider both new and used buses -- some used bus dealers will refurbish and customize buses to meet your company’s needs.
3. Shop both bus dealerships and bus manufacturers to get the best prices.
4. Make sure you know the government regulations concerning your buses before you invest.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Compare vehicles by using the websites of large bus and charter vehicle dealerships With an interest in selling their products nationally as well as locally, most larger bus dealerships advertise their stock online and offer shipping to any location.
I recommend: Bus Group offers both new and used buses for sale. They also provide specific information on purchasing buses for churches, child-care uses and assisted-living facilities.
Consider purchasing directly from bus manufacturers Many of the largest manufacturers of charter vehicles make their products available for direct purchase. You can often get better pricing this way, cutting out the middle-man.
I recommend: Daimler and Champion are two of the largest manufacturers of charter vehicles. Both companies offer direct sales.
Lease charter buses if you are not prepared to buy them Most larger dealerships have leasing options and information.
I recommend: Bus Group and Nations Bus offer financing for leasing buses and purchasing loans.
Decide if used buses and charter vehicles can meet your needs as well as new vehicles The cost of new buses and other charter vehicles make it difficult for many businesses to afford such a large investment. Some of the costs can, however, be reduced by purchasing used and refurbished vehicles. Keep in mind that many companies offer either no warranty or only limited warranties on such purchases.
I recommend: CR Buses is a charter bus dealer that specializes in refurbishing used buses to meet the customer’s specific needs. They also offer a three month warranty on all sales.
Educate yourself about regulations before making a purchase from a charter bus dealer. The government has detailed regulations about purchasing and operating charter buses, and it is the responsibility of the purchaser to know these regulations
I recommend: The Federal Highway Administration's Office of Motor Carriers lists information about regulations, licensing and safety on their website.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
* Shop several bus dealerships before you make a charter vehicle purchase and evaluate all your options before committing to such a major expense.
Guide to Saving Money on Your Business Travel
Travel can cost your biz a bundle. Here's how to rack up big travel savings.
It's harder than ever to save money on business travel. Airfares range from low to ridiculously high, depending on where and when you book your travel. Meanwhile, skyrocketing hotel room rates shout "sellers market," and the cost of renting a car is accelerating across the country.
Savvy small business road warriors know there are tricks of the trade that can whittle down the many costs business travel. Money-saving ideas and internet resources can help trim the fat out of your travel budget. Add a few of these to your carry-on and watch the savings add up.
Do your homework before you hit the road and you'll be able to:
1. Score free tickets, upgrades and more by tapping into airline "soft dollar" programs
2. Maximize hotel discounts and build loyalty benefits
3. Capitalize on rental car tie-ins
4. Bump up bonuses with business-focused credit cards.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Tap into airline perks First, pledge your loyalty to just a few airlines that fly the most extensive routes AND go where YOU need to go. Then tap their perks programs specially designed for small businesses. Snag free tickets, upgrades, airline club memberships and more. You'll earn frequent flyer miles on qualifying flights in addition to business bonus points.
I recommend: Most airlines offer special benefits to business travelers. United Airlines does it through its “PerksPlus” program. Look for Northwest’s BizPerks, Delta’s SkyBonus, American’s Business ExtrAA. The discount carriers do it too: check out AirTran’s a2B, Frontier’s Business Travel Program (BTP) and JetBlue’s TrueBlue frequent flyer program.
Choose hotel partners and then stick with them Loyalty is the key to maximizing benefits from hotel stays. If your annual room nights warrant it, negotiate a chain-wide contract with a national sales account manager. Otherwise, cut your deals locally where you stay most frequently.
I recommend: Look for volume-driven programs at Best Western's Best Business Worldwide, Intercontinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards, (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites among others) and the Marriott chain's Marriott Rewards program
Maximize benefits from your rental car programs Choose one or two car rental companies that serve more of your locations and offer special programs for small business.
I recommend: Check out Budget Rental Car's Budget Business Program , the Hertz Business Account Program, the Avis Corporate Awards Program, Enterprise's Corporate Class Business Rental Program and Advantage Rent a Car's Easy Corporate.
Pick credit cards that offer the most You've pledged your loyalty to a few airlines, hotels and rental car companies. Now you need a credit card that gives you a competitive interest rate, miles and points, and is widely accepted.
I recommend: Check out these websites for card programs offered by airlines (apply if you want to rack up miles on a single carrier) or cards offering points that can be redeemed on multiple carriers (this will give you more flexibility and options), like the Chase Travel Plus Platinum Visa Card and the Capital One No-Hassle Card for Small Business.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
* Book your air travel as far ahead as possible and then don't make changes. If you do change, most airlines will charge you a $100 fee plus any fare increase.
* Booking fewer than seven days in advance can cost as much as 152% more than fares booked at least seven to fourteen days out.
* Check fares from alternate airports within an hour or two from your home base. Fare savings can be significant.
* Schedule meetings with your client at airport conference rooms to save the cost of overnighting at an airport hotel. Make sure the room is OUTSIDE the secured area.
* Introduce yourself to the manager at hotels you frequent. This can get you reduced rates and no-cost upgrades for future visits.
* Check over your rental car for dings and dents before you leave the lot AND when you return it. Otherwise, you might get charged for damage you didn't cause. (By Betty W. Stark)
It's harder than ever to save money on business travel. Airfares range from low to ridiculously high, depending on where and when you book your travel. Meanwhile, skyrocketing hotel room rates shout "sellers market," and the cost of renting a car is accelerating across the country.
Savvy small business road warriors know there are tricks of the trade that can whittle down the many costs business travel. Money-saving ideas and internet resources can help trim the fat out of your travel budget. Add a few of these to your carry-on and watch the savings add up.
Do your homework before you hit the road and you'll be able to:
1. Score free tickets, upgrades and more by tapping into airline "soft dollar" programs
2. Maximize hotel discounts and build loyalty benefits
3. Capitalize on rental car tie-ins
4. Bump up bonuses with business-focused credit cards.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Tap into airline perks First, pledge your loyalty to just a few airlines that fly the most extensive routes AND go where YOU need to go. Then tap their perks programs specially designed for small businesses. Snag free tickets, upgrades, airline club memberships and more. You'll earn frequent flyer miles on qualifying flights in addition to business bonus points.
I recommend: Most airlines offer special benefits to business travelers. United Airlines does it through its “PerksPlus” program. Look for Northwest’s BizPerks, Delta’s SkyBonus, American’s Business ExtrAA. The discount carriers do it too: check out AirTran’s a2B, Frontier’s Business Travel Program (BTP) and JetBlue’s TrueBlue frequent flyer program.
Choose hotel partners and then stick with them Loyalty is the key to maximizing benefits from hotel stays. If your annual room nights warrant it, negotiate a chain-wide contract with a national sales account manager. Otherwise, cut your deals locally where you stay most frequently.
I recommend: Look for volume-driven programs at Best Western's Best Business Worldwide, Intercontinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards, (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites among others) and the Marriott chain's Marriott Rewards program
Maximize benefits from your rental car programs Choose one or two car rental companies that serve more of your locations and offer special programs for small business.
I recommend: Check out Budget Rental Car's Budget Business Program , the Hertz Business Account Program, the Avis Corporate Awards Program, Enterprise's Corporate Class Business Rental Program and Advantage Rent a Car's Easy Corporate.
Pick credit cards that offer the most You've pledged your loyalty to a few airlines, hotels and rental car companies. Now you need a credit card that gives you a competitive interest rate, miles and points, and is widely accepted.
I recommend: Check out these websites for card programs offered by airlines (apply if you want to rack up miles on a single carrier) or cards offering points that can be redeemed on multiple carriers (this will give you more flexibility and options), like the Chase Travel Plus Platinum Visa Card and the Capital One No-Hassle Card for Small Business.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
* Book your air travel as far ahead as possible and then don't make changes. If you do change, most airlines will charge you a $100 fee plus any fare increase.
* Booking fewer than seven days in advance can cost as much as 152% more than fares booked at least seven to fourteen days out.
* Check fares from alternate airports within an hour or two from your home base. Fare savings can be significant.
* Schedule meetings with your client at airport conference rooms to save the cost of overnighting at an airport hotel. Make sure the room is OUTSIDE the secured area.
* Introduce yourself to the manager at hotels you frequent. This can get you reduced rates and no-cost upgrades for future visits.
* Check over your rental car for dings and dents before you leave the lot AND when you return it. Otherwise, you might get charged for damage you didn't cause. (By Betty W. Stark)
Helping you find air travel, hotel accommodations travel agencies and more
Booking business travel is a process fraught with rapid change and pitfalls for the unwary. Business owners often look to the Web for convenient ways to compare options and book quickly at the best rates. But there are many categories to consider – including air travel, ground transportation, limousines and shuttles, train travel and others – so you'll want solutions geared to business in general and your business in particular.
"Some of the business travel solutions you'll find here include extended stay and corporate housing, train travel and charter buses for your business."
Need travel arrangements fast, on a budget? The Business Travel Channel can help you:
1. Find places to quickly book your own travel 24/7, or professional travel agencies who will do it for you. Many business owners are discovering that it's more efficient to use a travel professional. A good business travel agency can search for low fares and offer travel concierge services.
2. Navigate the maze of business travel choices, whether you need bus transportation, rental cars or frequent flyer program details.
3. Control your costs with travel expense management software, credit cards, online services and other tools you need to track your money and keep costs in line.
Bottom line: Targeted business travel resources, contacts and solutions can help you save money and get more out of your business travel dollars.
"Some of the business travel solutions you'll find here include extended stay and corporate housing, train travel and charter buses for your business."
Need travel arrangements fast, on a budget? The Business Travel Channel can help you:
1. Find places to quickly book your own travel 24/7, or professional travel agencies who will do it for you. Many business owners are discovering that it's more efficient to use a travel professional. A good business travel agency can search for low fares and offer travel concierge services.
2. Navigate the maze of business travel choices, whether you need bus transportation, rental cars or frequent flyer program details.
3. Control your costs with travel expense management software, credit cards, online services and other tools you need to track your money and keep costs in line.
Bottom line: Targeted business travel resources, contacts and solutions can help you save money and get more out of your business travel dollars.
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