How I Get the Best Room Prices on Hotels and Motels for Families

My readers and friends know that I travel a lot. Most of this is work related but the rare vacation pops in too. Guess what almost everyone asks me? It's how I get the best room prices on hotels and motels.

Finding deals isn't hard. It does take some persistence and leg work. You can try websites like Travelocity and Orbitz but I very seldom make reservations through sites like these. While they are useful for comparing prices between chains I've been able to get the best room prices on hotels and motels using other tools.

Budget travel is something that I do well. Here are my favorite tips. They are tried and true techniques to help you get the best deal possible.

Tip #1 Choose your destination and begin researching your costs then. Don't just check for the best price but scope around for the best value. At first glance, that $60 a night no frills motel room may look tempting.

One of the ways I get the best room prices on hotels and motels is to look for value. A hotel that offers a full buffet breakfast may cost $10 - $15 dollars more but may eliminate your breakfast costs. Some of these offer manager's receptions with free snacks which will reduce your costs further. If the upcharge offsets other costs I'll book it almost every time.

Tip #2 Look online and call the hotel directly. Some chains put low prices online and then offer unadvertised rates. The only way that you'll find out about these specials is to either walk in or phone ahead and ask.

Tip #3 Travel during the off season. This often suggested travel tip is true. You get the best prices when fewer travelers are in the area. Plus, you have shorter lines and less congestion to deal with.

I get the best room prices on hotels and motels just after or just before peak travel season. The weather is often perfect and the trip costs are much more reasonable. If you talk with a desk clerk ahead of time she or he can usually steer you into the right time frame for your needs.

Tip #4 Automobile club memberships and warehouse club memberships can help reduce room costs. Again, be sure to phone ahead to verify that these prices really are less than any specials the hotel may be running.

Tip #5 Contact the Visitor and Convention Bureau and Department of Tourism. These great resources can help you tap into hidden values that you might otherwise overlook. Ask if they have a coupon book they can send you. Some hotels and motels have special rates that are only available through the tourism advertisements.

Tip #6 Being flexible is one of the ways I get the best room prices on hotels and motels. This means being flexible in dates and in amenities. Just because the kids clamor for a swimming pool doesn't mean that it's always worth $20 a night extra.

Tip #7 Double check before you check into the hotel to see if any specials are available. Room prices are based on demand. If business is slower than anticipated the prices may be reduced. When this happens the clerks are usually told to keep mum unless asked. Asking has helped me get the best room prices on hotels and motels several times.

Tip #8 Cut the fluff. If you know you won't need an exercise room, business center or breakfast don't stay at a high priced hotel. Opt instead for a basic room at a discount chain. This tip can save you 50% or more.

Tip #9 Another way that I get the best room prices on hotels and motels is to negotiate. If you see another hotel advertised for a lower price mention it to the clerk when you arrive. As long as you arrive before the cancellation time the clerk may lower the rate to match. If not, you have the option of either staying at the hotel you booked or going to the one with the lower rate.

Tip #10 Be genuinely nice to the front desk clerk. By far and away the biggest thing that has helped me to get the best prices on hotels and motels is to be nice to the desk clerk. Just because you ask about a special doesn't mean that you are going to get it. Being nice goes a long way.