I have planned a trip to Las Vegas. For 3 nights in September. I really want to stay at the Cosmopolitan hotel (opened in 2010) and discovered it is expensive. They were bought by Blackstone group this May. Also what people do not know as I discovered too was Marriott Hotel Group owns Cosmopolitan.
My search was very simple and started with google: How to stay at Cosmopolitan Hotel for cheap? Follow these guidelines and steps to getting your best rate. (No trick or scam!)
- I found out that you can book Cosmopolitan under Marriott Hotels.
- Marriott offers "Marriott's Look No Further Best Rate Gurantee". See more information here- https://www.marriott.com/hotel-prices/travel.mi
- Now the hardest part is finding the "cheapest" rate.
Now.... there is no scam to this, the work that goes into it is finding your best rate and believe me I looked around at all the websites, big, small, etc. You will find it even if it takes a couple hours. I actually enjoy doing this research knowing I am saving a couple bucks, to some people it is a drag.
Make sure the room information is exactly the same as the Cosmoplitan room information, make sure your cheaper rate is refundable, not prepaid, not a combined package with flight, car, etc. and no other additional corporate or group rates apply. Also a very important note is that the price has to be advertised, displayed and available to view. (No too low of a rate to list or name your own price crap...)
These are the current rates on the Marriott website for Cosmopolitan for:
3 nights in a City Room- 2 Queens
(I am not going to include tax and resort fee only to keep it simple because price match does not apply to that)
Wednesday- $400
Thursday- $180
Friday- $450
Grand Total- $1,030.00
Note: For a 5 Star hotel that is a standard rate but I know there is always a better deal out there!
Let's continue with the process.
DING DING DING....I found my ultimate hotel deal on Hotelwiz.com
For 3 nights in a City Room- 2 Queens
Total- $870.59
Now HotelWiz will not say what it is per night they just do a total for the 3 nights I was looking for. (Marriott's price match guarantee rep. can figure that out)
I started a chatroom with a representative just to make sure the room description was exactly the same.
The room was exactly the same. Now they try to act like it is sold out to get you to commit to the deal but no need to book because all you need to do is process the "Best Rate" claim through Marriott website.
I booked the full non-discounted rate through Marriott. Then I submitted the claim. Make sure you know the exact rate, website information and any other additional information they made need to know.
Sit back, relax and wait to hear a response back, usually less than 24 hours.
People there is "NO RISK" involved in trying to get a lower rate. You can cancel your hotel reservation at anytime for a FULL REFUND unless you decide to cancel 4 days before your check-in date then you are charged. Even if you get the better rate, you can still cancel.
So, I wait patiently, I am able to go to sleep that night knowing someone out there in the Marriott World is confirming and matching my better rate and giving me an additional 25% off.
I wake up to the anticipated email that my claim was approved!! YAY.
New revised rate.
For 3 nights in a City Room- 2 Queens
Wednesday- $217.65
Thursday- $180.00
Friday- $217.65
Total- $615.30
That is a Savings of $414.70!!!
Now the additional charges are:
Resort fee- $25
Estimated taxes, etc.- $27.61
NO DISCOUNT ON THE ABOVE CHARGES, HAVE TO PAY REGARDLESS.
Wow, so for 3 people it will cost each of us about $85 a night to stay at the Cosmopolitan but even for 2 people this is a great deal.
I am happy and hope this will help you find your best rate. You do not have to share this deal with people, again this is no secret, you have to make an effort to do your research.
Marriott does the price match + additional 25% off to keep the rates "in check" so to speak. They obviously want to stay competitive but do not mind rewarding people like me for doing the extra research.
Happy Travels!
P.S- This also works for another 5-Star Hotel- Bellagio. Stay Tuned for the post!
This is a really great advice. I usually book really cheap with reservationcounter.com but this way is quite good as well. Thanks for that post.
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