And hoteliers today are some of the more creative thinkers in pricing and marketing their products. They see the wisdom of selling in a variety of ways, as well as the bartering of their space.

Here’s a quick look at the different ways they move their inventory:

+ More hotels are using the same “yield management” marketing strategy the airlines use. They’re offering simple super-saver rates for those making reservations at least 29 days in advance.
+ “Corporate” rates typically are discounted 10% to 50% when you show a company ID, or even a business card.
+ Discounts are given to members of clubs, organizations and other national affiliations (frequent flyer plans, auto or oil-company travel clubs, AARP senior citizens).
+ Special “week-end guest” rates. These are due to higher week-end vacancies in the big city hotels that cater to business travelers Monday through Thursday.
+ Tour operators that offer “free accommodations” when you hustle up four or more paying travelers for their tours.

Laventhol & Horwath, the accounting firm for the hotel industry, reports that it’s rather easy to get a better hotel rate than the standard posted price or “rack” rate. All you need to do is ask.

(Discounts of 20% or more were available for the asking at a third of 270 luxury hotels surveyed by the accounting firm.)

For members of Bartercard, often the easiest and best “bottom line rate” for hotel rooms are those acquired with your Trade Bahts.

That’s because you earned them at your variable cost of doing business—which probably is lower than any of the rates we’ve just covered.
 
 Vietnam Government Understands Value of Barter
An international group of developers is proposing a $4 billion resort and casino in Vietnam. The first phase will feature 10 restaurants, a Greg Norman designed golf course, an 8-acre swimming pool, 1,200 hotel rooms and an 80,000 square foot Las-Vegas-style table games casino.

The project has been in the works for three years. Developers say they have a 50-year lease from the government on the 3.5 kilometer long beach front site.

Vietnam is now on the map with its improved international stature since its admission as a member of the World Trade Organization in January.

While the Vietnam government will generate money through the land lease, and a cut of the gambling revenues, the big payoff will come about through their bartering the use of the land. Decades from now these valuable assets (built by Asian Coast Development Ltd. of Toronto and Fontainebleau Resorts) will be turned over to the Government with the expiration of the lease.