Negotiating Weekly Hotel Rates

NedRN · Sep 18, 2016

Ask for monthly rates. But it would be cheaper and likely much more comfortable to rent an apartment or house share. If your thought is to just stay (and pay) two or three nights a week and go home, you will not be eligible for the full tax free housing and per diem. The agency may well pay you like that but it is then up to you to declare the excess as income. Better to get receipts for the full period, then you are covered with the IRS.

But if that is really what you want to do, start your assignment and see if a staffer wants to rent a room. Pretty ideal situation for both, especially if opposite shifts.

Dassit82 · Sep 19, 2016

Where do you plan to start traveling? I had a HELL of a time finding a decent priced apartment in Minneapolis for my first assignment, which I'm currently in at UofM. Until I found the apartment, I stayed at a hotel (Candlewood Suites) and got the monthly rate. Like Ned said, make sure you plan it properly as to avoid IRS issues, but definitely lean toward the idea of renting an apt or room share because you will save much more in the end. Don't be afraid to scope out Craigslist - there's a lot of savings to be had there. Also, if you are comfortable having a hotel for when you arrive and then begin putting "feelers" out during orientation, that's perfectly fine and common.

This is my first assignment, but the greatest thing I learned is to just kick back, welcome the adventure, and be VERY flexible. This is supposed to be fun, right?! Good luck!

wayemika · Sep 20, 2016

AirBnB is a good option too in some places. I'm in Lebanon Pa and was able to find a good one for $1154 a month

wcbembe · Sep 20, 2016

Thanks to NedRN, Dassit82, and wayemika for the advice. All great ideas I hadn't thought about before. I'm going to look into those possibilities. Much appreciated.