Save Money On Hotel Stays

Finding a great deal on hotel rates can make or break a vacation budget. The same can be true for the business traveler who has to stay within a per diem or pay extra money out-of-pocket.
Regardless of the reason behind your stay, everyone wants to find an affordable rate in a quality hotel to ensure their night is not spent tossing and turning over the price. In this economy saving money is more important than ever. Consider the following money saving tips before booking your next hotel room.

• Narrow your search with travel sites- In this age of technology, instant information is just a click away. When traveling to destinations which boast dozens if not more hotels to choose from, it can become quite time consuming trying to find the best rates in the area. By using websites like Travelocity, Quikbook and Expedia you can quickly compare several properties at one time. If you have many options to choose from you may want to jot down different rates to compare with other booking options.
• Visit hotel websites- Once you have narrowed down your options to one or two top contenders, take a moment to visit their individual websites. Hotel home pages often offer deals or discounts that are not available for purchase elsewhere on the Internet. Many franchise hotels also offer online rates that are not available if you were to call the hotel directly or book through other locations.
• Call the hotel directly- Despite the fact that online booking is easy and convenient there are still benefits to picking up a phone and calling the hotel directly. When doing this, it is recommended to bypass the toll free number that takes you to a call center but rather call the direct line to the hotel. By speaking with a hotel representative you might be able to secure or negotiate a better price than you would find elsewhere. Hotel staff are trained to turn every call into a booked room, therefore they have an incentive to work with you in confirming a reservation.

While these tips can help you find a great rate, the best deal isn't always found with a low room rate. You should also consider what amenities are included in that rate. The hospitality industry is competitive and with each traveler having a slew of properties from which to choose, hotels are adding amenities and perks to entice travelers to choose their location. Other factors that should be considered before confirming a reservation are cancellation and refund policies.
Getting a great rate on a hotel room four months in advance is fantastic but only if you have some recourse should your travel plans change. If you are paying upfront or guaranteeing your room with a credit card you may end up paying for a room you never use. In this situation it pays to pay a higher rate and have the option to cancel or change your reservation.  The key is finding a quality hotel with affordable rates that meet your travel needs, not just finding the cheapest rate.