Seeking Advice on Cost-Effective Hotel Partnerships for Frequent Business Travel

Hi! Please let me know the procedure for establishing tie-ups with hotels. As our staff frequently travel for training and exhibitions outside Mumbai, should I consider obtaining membership with hotels or are there other alternatives? Kindly advise on the best and most cost-effective approach for forming tie-ups.

Regards,
Preeti.

Dear Preetiji,

It is advisable to visit the Hotel Manager first and discuss your entire plan along with the budget size. You can then negotiate with them for a comprehensive package deal. These simple steps do not require the involvement of an agent or middleman, as they may charge you unnecessary fees while essentially providing the same information that the Hotel Manager could give you.

Meeting with the Hotel Manager does not demand any special qualifications or skills. However, you must possess the skills to assess the actual hotel tariffs and negotiate on each item they propose.

Regards,
Partho

Hi Partho,

Thanks for the information. You are absolutely right, but still, you can try out once with an agent because:
a) He definitely has better negotiation power.
b) He can give you good credit that a Hotelier may or may not provide.
c) He will have a wider option in metros and leisure destinations.
d) He has a pre-purchased hotel room.
e) He can make things complimentary.
f) It will be his headache to give you a business itinerary.
g) He has a better product to deliver because of his relations with hotels not only in one city but everywhere.
h) Believe me, gone are the days when AGENTS used to earn a handsome commission.

Just try out once with a good and professional agent; experience and relations matter during negotiation.

Regards,
Sachin