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How successful are you? I assume that the person picking up the phone does not care about the extra booking, nor do they have the authority to offer spot deals.

Maybe I am wrong and this is a common tactic?

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Not the op, but it's the opposite, at least in the UK. I worked in hospitality as a yoof, was manager of a small hotel and a receptionist in big (independent) 5 stars. I absolutely did care about extra bookings because I got a big commission on walk-ins and a smaller commission on phone bookings. I also had leeway to discount rooms on a sliding scale down to "barely covers the cleaning costs" levels on the night. As a booker if I have the time I still call places up and can usually get a decent discount if they have availability, especially off season or last minute.

I estimate 50% success. I find it more successful when emailing the sales person, or the manager directly.

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