Motel/hotel discount

[tonythomson]

On recent tour I used hotels & motels, had I been a member of AAA I could have got a discount - just wondered if anyone has ideas on how to get discounts as coming from UK and not member of AAA I had to resort to fantasy reasons ie senior (actually thats not not a fantasy) being a member of SOLMOB (Silly old man on a bike) even when I explained what it meant and that I was the only member having made it up I did get some discounts.  One time a receptioonist said it didn't matter as long as I was a member!  and being a veteran but not from a USA conflict - we have plenty of our own. 

Seriously does anyone know if we get discounts beinga member of ACA?  If not maybe they could take it up.

[waynemyer]

Everything is on sale, especially in the current economic climate, usually just for the asking.  A smile, warm demeanor, and genuine gratitude go a very long way, as you seem to have already experienced.

I always followup a discount or good service with a reciprocal treat (although watch out: in some areas/cultures, this could be insulting).  In hotels/motels that I have stayed, following up has often resulted in yet another perk: champagne compliments of the manager, discounted/free additional stay, special treatment at a local restaurant, et al.

At the same time, I think there is a time and place for haggling.  I have been offered discounts when I did not think it appropriate or that I should pay the full price.  It's a matter of context and I think it's one of those important social skills.

[staehpj1]

On recent tour I used hotels & motels, had I been a member of AAA I could have got a discount - just wondered if anyone has ideas on how to get discounts as coming from UK and not member of AAA I had to resort to fantasy reasons ie senior (actually thats not not a fantasy) being a member of SOLMOB (Silly old man on a bike) even when I explained what it meant and that I was the only member having made it up I did get some discounts.  One time a receptioonist said it didn't matter as long as I was a member!  and being a veteran but not from a USA conflict - we have plenty of our own. 

Seriously does anyone know if we get discounts beinga member of ACA?  If not maybe they could take it up.

We often got discounts on campsites and while we didn't stay in motels much the one time we did they gave us one.  We did this just by saying that we were riding bicycles coast to coast and asking if they had a cyclists discount.  Even if they didn't have a policy that said they did, they usually offered one anyway.

[daikaregi]

Yea, it happened to me quite resently, on 4 campgrounds in a row I did not have to pay at all- it is on the house - they say. Amazing, as for the AAA discounts - I am german and a member of ADAC - went to a AAA agency and they gave me a confirmation that my membership in germany corresponds to AAA, so I always get the discount.
at the moment I try the warmshowers.org - first time I have contacted a member to stay in a private home. this is very interesting for me since you find people with same interests. really curious how if it works out.

[scott.laughlin]

If you want a discount ask for it.  You don't need a AAA or any other organization to bargain for you.  Always remember the answer is NO until you ask.

[Peaks]

Most places that offer the AAA discount also offer AARP discounts.  You can join AARP starting at 50. 

[tonythomson]

Some good tips thank you all.  Here in UK we have a motoring organisation which has a reciprocal agreement with AAA unfortunately it is the AA so get very odd looks when I ask if there is a discount for members of AA.

But you are right the best discounts are when you have a joke and a smile, or they just feel sorry for you.  Just all part of the wonderful cycling experience.
Tony
 

[litespeed]

AARP will usually get you a discount. It's not as widely accepted as AAA but membership only costs $16 a year.

For a few bucks - $10 when I bought one - you can get a Golden Age Passport that will give you free entrance to all national parks for the rest of your life. Sold at any national park entrance. You have to be 60 or 62 - forget which. Also many state parks have senior discounts.

[johnsondasw]

I was in AARP for awhile, but was refused discounts at private campgrounds twice.  I guess they figured if you are capable of touring by bike, you couldn't deserve a geriatric discount.  I dropped out of AARP when I read that they supported Bush's tax cuts for the rich.

[mikedirectory2]

If you want a discount ask for it.  You don't need a AAA or any other organization to bargain for you.  Always remember the answer is NO until you ask.

I once got a discount because I told the guy I was having a bad day.  It's worth trying. 

[ladytrojan07]

Once we get there in hotel, we got discounts on campsites because we are more than 20, I think. We did this just by saying that we were riding bicycles coast to coast and asking if they had a cyclists discount.  Even if they didn't have a policy that said they did, they usually offered one anyway. My friends says that everything is on sale, especially in the current economic climate, usually just for the asking.  A smile, warm demeanor, and genuine gratitude go a very long way, as you seem to have already experienced.




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Augusta ga hotels

[DaveB]

If you are still employed, many companies have a corporate rate with many hotel/motel chains and car rental companies.  Mentioning your employer will often get a much better rate. 

[Westinghouse]

Cycling in the westerns states on the ST it was usual to come across small  booklets of discount coupons for  motels and restaurants. If you go that route, try looking for these coupons in convenience stores and truck stops and restaurants. I got a motel room for $20.00 a day in Tuscon, AZ with a coupon. They could have had a better heater in my room; it needed it. The room, TV, and shower all worked fine and it was clean.