Travel Glossary · Hotels
Rack Rate
Definition
Rack Rate: The rack rate is a hotel’s full published price for a room before any discounts, the benchmark against which corporate, promotional, and package rates are measured.
The term dates from the days when front desks kept room rates on a physical rack, and many hotels posted their maximum rates on guest room doors. Today most hotels price dynamically, so the closest modern equivalent is the best available rate, the publicly bookable price that moves daily with demand.
Few travelers who plan ahead pay full rack rate. Corporate negotiated rates, advance-purchase discounts, member rates, and packages all come in below it, though each carries its own deposit and cancellation rules. The lowest number on a screen is not always the best deal once breakfast, Wi-Fi, flexibility, and resort fees are counted.
Empyrean books through Andavo Travel, a Virtuoso member agency, so stays at Virtuoso partner hotels typically include amenities such as daily breakfast for two and an upgrade when available, usually on the hotel’s flexible rate. Compare inclusions, not just headline prices. Learn how to get hotel upgrades.
Go deeper
- Travel GuidesHow to Get Hotel Upgrades: What Actually WorksHow to get hotel upgrades: elite status, Virtuoso amenities, booking channel, timing, special occasions and paid upgrade offers, and when to just book the room.
- Travel GuidesWhat Is Virtuoso? The Luxury Travel Network ExplainedWhat is Virtuoso? Learn how the luxury travel network works and the hotel perks you typically get, like breakfast for two and upgrades when available.
- Travel GuidesHow to Reduce Corporate Travel Costs Without Hurting Your TravelersHow to reduce corporate travel costs: booking windows, negotiated fares, hotel programs, unused tickets, smarter policy and data, without burning out travelers.
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