How to get that Mumbai hotel discount

Getting a Mumbai hotel discount isn’t as difficult as you might think. Entire floors are closed in many hotels, executive suites are empty and good deals abound -- if you know where to look and what to ask for.

CNNGo asked an industry expert -- who didn't want to be named -- who works for one of Mumbai’s premier hotels for some insider tips on how to land that hotel discount.

• For leisure travel, book on weekends. Mumbai’s hotels are frequented by business travellers, which means rates are higher on weekdays.
• For weekend trips, book on a Friday. Management will be under pressure to fill rooms and more willing to haggle then, especially in the afternoon.
• Never walk in the door to book -- staff will think you’ve got nowhere else to stay and won’t budge on the price. So always call.
• Insist on speaking to a manager. Staff may be reluctant to let you speak to their boss because they’re afraid they’ll get in trouble. Keep asking until you’re on the phone with the person in charge.
• Always ask for perks -- a food basket, vouchers for discounts at hotel restaurants, a room upgrade, free internet, complimentary breakfast, access to the club lounge or later check-out times.
• Say you frequently travel to Mumbai and usually stay at the same hotel but want to try out a new one. You’ll book again when you’re back in a couple of weeks if they give you a deal.
• When booking in advance, search rates online. Travel sites will always have a cheaper rate but never offer perks. Call the hotel and ask for this rate and something free. Or check the rate offered on the hotel’s website (the “rack rate”) and bargain for a price that is 40 to 50 percent less.   
• Threaten to go to another hotel, like the one across the street, which has already offered you a better price.
• When booking the day of, call in the afternoon and ask for the “walk-in rate” -- it probably will be cheaper than what you can find online.