The excess of accommodation in Bangkok means that, generally, the supply of
accommodation outstrips the demand for it. Though there is an exception to this
during the tourism high season (roughly Nov - Feb, and August), for much of
the year discounted rates are often readily available. During the high season,
hotels raise their prices and advance booking for popular places is recommended
(at other times, it's not really necessary). Since reservation clerks may have
problems with English, it's much better to make a reservation via email, fax,
travel agents or on the hotel's website if possible rather than by telephone.
Though it might sound illogical, you very often get rooms with any 3* or
better hotel much cheaper if you book through a travel agent than booking
directly with the hotel. There are now a multitude of internet travel agents
booking hotels in Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand, and the rates they can
get are generally very good. Travel agents in Bangkok offer rates that are
comparable, but not really any better, than ones you can get from the internet.
An increasing number of hotels now accept reservations direct via their own
website, and a few only accept reservations directly. While rates obtained
like this are still likely higher than a travel agent could get, negotiating
via email with them is worthwhile. Often you can get extras included in the
price - e.g. try and get free airport transfer / breakfast / late check-out
/ room upgrade included. If you flew to Thailand with THAI, they often have
pre-negotiated good deals on hotels on your behalf - ask your travel agent
at the time of booking. For example, the Amari Airport hotel cuts it's rates
in half for holders of a THAI ticket. For budget accommodation, booking in
advance is frequently virtually impossible as many refuse to take reservations.
It's not much of a problem though, as budget places are generally clustered
together - so if one is full, just try next door. You'll always find somewhere.
For the cheap guesthouses, (mostly) standard prices apply and chances of a
discount are generally slim, unless they have a particularly low occupancy
rate.
If you do end up as a walk in at a 3* or better hotel, as a general rule
it's never necessary to pay the first price asked. This doesn't necessarily
mean that haggling with the receptionist is the way to go, but simply asking
for a discount (or if they have any 'special prices' at the moment) will very
often yield results, and reduced rates are almost always available for stays
of 3 or more days. It might sound somewhat strange, but the richer and more
powerful you appear, the better your chances of getting a big discount are.
Dressing smartly and showing your business card will invariably lead to being
offered a 'corporate' discount should you ask. Chances are best if you can
speak in Thai, though unless you are reasonably competent in it the receptionist's
English is likely to be superior to your Thai.
