American hotels introduce hourly rates

Posted on Saturday 05 March 2011 in Hotels

Travelers who are simply passing through town, whether for leisure or business travel, may need a place to settle for a few hours. Until now, there hasn't been a way in America for these people to find a momentary spot to shower, nap or do whatever they need to do in the privacy of a hotel room without booking a stay for the whole night. USA Today reports that several hotels have begun introducing new rates for hourly stays in an attempt to boost occupancy numbers.

Those who will only be needing their rooms for a couple hours can do so for less than the cost of an overnight stay. Those who experienced severe delays in the United States this winter due to snowstorms could have benefited from these day-rentals, as many were stranded at the airport for multiple hours.

For example, the Hotel Plaza Athenee in Manhattan, New York, has daily rates as low as $250, depending on how many hours a traveler needs the room. This is a fantastic discount, as the Chicago Tribune reports that some suites can cost as much as $6,600 for a one-night stay.

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