Why you need to consider more than hotel room rates

As hotel costs climb and employee travel grows more expensive, it’s easy to focus your attention on the cost of hotel rooms. After all, negotiated corporate rates rose by 6 percent in 2006, according to several sources. And similar price hikes were expected in 2007.

But when the power to raise corporate hotel rates seems to be squarely in hoteliers’ hands, it’s time to look at other money-saving factors that can make the difference in your travel budget, and overall travel spend. Don’t forget to calculate the cost of amenities. For example, does the hotel you’re considering provide:

• High-speed Internet access
• Free breakfast
• Free parking
• Free shuttle service to the airport

All of these amenities would cost plenty if you were to pay for them separately. So when scouting out a hotel and considering room rates, you need to make sure you address these factors. It can make all the difference in saving money, or spending more than is really necessary.