Are you a travel manager or a busy professional juggling travel arrangements for your company? Unlocking exclusive hotel corporate rates and hotel deals is a game-changer. 

In this article, we’ll dive into powerful strategies to secure the best hotel corporate rates, ensuring your company maximizes savings on every trip.

What are hotel corporate rates? 

Hotel corporate rates are specially negotiated discounts offered to companies for their business travel needs. These rates are typically lower than standard room rates, providing significant cost savings. Along with discounted prices, corporate rates often include perks like complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, late check-out, and access to business centres—making travel more convenient and comfortable for business travellers.

Securing corporate rates allows companies to manage travel expenses effectively and ensure consistent accommodations for employees. These rates usually come with flexible cancellation policies and streamlined billing processes, making it easier to handle changes and manage expenses. Employees often earn loyalty points or rewards, adding an extra incentive for both travellers and the company.

Strategies to secure corporate rates

1. Direct Negotiation with Hotels: Contact hotels directly to negotiate corporate rates. Discuss your company’s travel volume and potential for repeat business to secure discounts or special rates. Here are a few resource sites to get on the famous loyalty programs available:

• The Points Guy (TPG) – The Points Guy provides detailed guides and reviews on hotel loyalty programs, helping travellers understand the benefits and how to maximise their rewards.
• Loyalty Lobby: Loyalty Lobby focuses on hotel loyalty programs and provides news, promotions, and detailed analyses of different programs, helping travellers stay informed about the best options.
• Million Mile Secrets: Million Mile Secrets offers guides and tips on earning and redeeming hotel loyalty points, along with comparisons of different hotel loyalty programs.
• AwardWallet: AwardWallet tracks your loyalty program balances and provides insights into various hotel loyalty programs, including news, reviews, and program comparisons.

2. Leverage Travel Management Companies (TMCs): Partner with a TMC to access pre-negotiated corporate rates. TMCs often have established relationships with hotels and can offer competitive pricing due to larger booking volumes.

3. Use Corporate Booking Tools: Utilize corporate booking platforms that have hotel partnerships to secure discounted rates and special offers.

4. Join Hotel Loyalty Programs: Enroll your company in hotel loyalty programs to access corporate rates and additional perks like upgrades, free Wi-Fi, and late check-outs.

5. Commit to Volume Bookings: Committing to a certain volume of bookings can incentivize hotels to offer corporate rates, ensuring discounts for a steady stream of bookings.

6. Network at Industry Events: Attend industry events and trade shows to build relationships with hotel representatives, leading to favourable corporate rates and exclusive deals. A roster of events and conferences happens year-round across all parts of the globe. Here’re a few famous ones to start with:

• The Hotel Show Dubai: One of the largest hospitality events in the Middle East, featuring exhibitors from various sectors and offering networking opportunities, industry insights, and the latest products and services
• HITEC (Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference): A premier event focusing on hospitality technology, featuring educational sessions, workshops, and an extensive exhibition hall showcasing cutting-edge technology solutions.
• AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association) Annual Conference: A key event for hotel owners, operators, and industry stakeholders in the U.S., offering networking, education, and advocacy.

Additional tips for securing hotel corporate rates

• Benchmarking and Research: Regularly benchmark rates and research hotel pricing trends to negotiate better deals.
• Join Consortia Programs: Access negotiated corporate rates by joining consortia or travel alliances, pooling the buying power of multiple companies.
• Annual Reviews: Review and renegotiate hotel agreements annually to ensure competitive rates and identify new savings opportunities.
• Utilise Feedback and Data: Collect traveller feedback and analyse booking data to identify preferred hotels and leverage this information during negotiations.

Get the best rates at TruTrip!

Securing corporate rates can be tricky, but that’s where we come in. At TruTrip, we specialise in helping you navigate the complexities of corporate travel. Our expertise goes beyond just securing corporate rates—we aim to get you the best deals possible. Consult with our experts today, book a demo, and sign up for a free trial!