Apply the Upgrade Mindset to get a five-star hotel, a suite upgrade, AND pay up to 30% LESS than the cost of a regular room
We’ve often talked about The Upgrade Mindset and how to apply it to all facets of life. So what makes a double upgrade? In this case, it’s getting a better class of accommodation (Upgrade 1) for less money (Upgrade 2). That’s two ways to upgrade your baseline.
As an ex-baseball player, I love a good double play. But these days, I adore a double upgrade in travel! Let’s get to it.
Hotel Hijinks and Low Room Rates
Everyone likes a nice hotel, but we’ve seen post-lockdown prices climb faster than the elevator at the Shanghai Tower (the world’s fastest at almost 50 mph, now that you ask).
This brings me to a favored hotel strategy that regular readers may have seen here, here, and here, and that you newbies will flip your fluffy white bathrobes about.
It’s simply becoming a member of the ABA, the American Bar Association. You don’t have to be a lawyer or a judge or have any “legal” connection for that matter. Anyone can join this lucrative association to take advantage of its quite spectacular discounts at premium hotels such as the Four Seasons, Luxury Collection, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, St. Regis, W Hotels, and many more.
They’re able to offer these discounts because they’ve negotiated special rates with many luxury hotels around the world.
Plush, but Not Perfect
An ABA membership doesn’t guarantee a great price every time. But given that the investment is only a $150 annual membership fee and the five minutes it takes to join, I think it’s well worth it. Especially when you consider the discounts you can score amidst the high hotel prices we’re seeing.
For example, we recently found savings of up to 30% on some great hotels.
An Example
The screenshot below shows prices for the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. The price for a standard king guest room before the ABA membership discount is $764 for one night. Compare that to a suite for just $533 after the ABA membership discount is applied. That’s an upgrade and a savings of $231, or 30%.
The Ritz-Carlton, standard king guest room screenshot before the ABA membership discount…
…and after the ABA membership discount rate.
More Examples of ABA Membership Discount Opportunities
Upgrade to a suite for less than the cost of a regular room and up to 30% savings as seen in the chart below.
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Elevator Going Down: Bad News First
ABA membership rates are not available at all hotels. Nor is it available on all dates, and some dates have better deals than others. We’ve just highlighted the best savings we recently found to give you an idea of how good it can be. To give you an idea, I use this strategy about three to five times a year.
Elevator Going Up: Good Can Get Great
When the ABA membership strategy does work, it works awesomely! With Marriott.com (St. Regis), for example, it only takes a moment to get a rate. Add another few minutes if you search for a range of different dates.
If you’re up to speed with our booking backwards strategy, you’d choose the dates of your trip based on when the ABA membership rate was available at a good discount. If you start with specific dates, your savings may not be as high.
In addition to the preferred rate discounts, ABA membership offers exclusive quarterly promotions at certain properties, such as special negotiated rates, fixed rates, upgrades, and other benefits.
Note for Guests
For some hotels such as the Fairmont, Jumeirah, Mandarin Oriental, Savoy, and Shangri-La, ABA membership discount rates are not available online. You’ll need to call or email the hotel directly to book using the ABA membership discount.
I love the ABA membership strategy. A measly $150 that can save you literally thousands at top-rated luxury hotels. Check me in!