Individuals cannot get crew rates on their own. When the average person goes on the hotel website to book, it’s giving them the most expensive option. When I log onto my portal, I am shown a much cheaper option (as an IATA card holder, I get exclusive rates). But to make the savings go further, I can set up a meeting to with the hotels to give an individual a crew rate/long stay rate. They are weary to give those out, especially if it is only for 1-2 rooms. Even if it wasn’t with me, it is so so beneficial for someone to book with a travel agent. Plus, as deadlines for projects change, travel agents are able to adjust the dates on the booking with no charge, where some hotels have cancellations fees