Tips on obtaining a hotel discount - EASY - ASK THEM. as for their best: rack rate: of the day.
I have personally stayed in some of the best hotels in the world for a fraction of the price. Take last year Christmas time - 18th Dec till 24thDec and I stayed at the Fairmonth Chatau in BANFF canada for only$189 per night. And I was on the top floor with a full view of the lake in front of me. I asked for the best rate and I wanted it right that night for 4 nights. Some times they are full, but hey, if you dont ask you wont recieve. PS Stay at the Fairmont hotels if you can - they are the best.