Why shouldn't I ask the customer what their budget is?

• Refrain from asking the customer if they have a specific budget in mind when making a reservation.

• You should give them the impression that you'll find a hotel within their cost range.

• The customer will let you know if the rates are not within their budget.

i.e) Because the hotel is close to where the customer needs to be and other hotel accommodations options have higher rates, you must convey urgency by stating that the price is already fair and affordable. Don't rely on the customer's intention to hold to their budget.

Suggested Spiels

" Since you're needing to stay near the airport on this day, this is the closest and best option I can offer you. Everything else is either further away or more expensive."

"Staying here will save you the hassle of traveling far"

"This hotel has good ratings and reviews, that's why a lot of travelers stay here and rooms book out fast."

As a last resort, when customers say that the rates are out of their budget and you're about to lose the sale, you may say:

"What's going to be your budget then ma'am/sir? Because we're central reservation lines for several hotels and my job is to find you a room that we could get you book here that would fit your budget."