Motel Deals and Steals: Getting the Cheapest Motel Rate

Sooner or later, everyone travels. For the inexperienced traveler, finding the cheapest motel rates can be quite a daunting task. Here's how to get the most value for your hard-earned money.

Try to make a reservation, if at all possible. Due to certain events and times of the year, a motel you'd normally pay $50 for may cost you upwards of $150-$200 a night on occasion. Always be prepared for inflated rates and sold-out regions in the event of athletic events, homecomings, concerts, and the like.

1. If you're planning a reservation in advance, decide how certain you are of your arrival time and destination town. This way when the motel clerk asks if you'd like a courtesy hold or a credit card hold on your room, you'll be able to answer quickly. If you're not sure you'll make it as far as the city in question, ask what your options are. It's never fun to be charged for a motel room you don't sleep in!

2. Check online. Contrary to popular belief, online reservations through the big hotel websites are not usually the best deal. Check the fine print; most charge a $25 cancellation fee. Visit these sites to get ideas, then check out the individual motel or hotel's website if they have one. That's where the online deals lie.

3. Get your price quote online, then call the hotel direct. Advise the phone operator you're just checking room rates and availability to find the cheapest motel in the area- don't sound as though you're already sold. Check the phone rates against the Internet rate; if the phone rates are better and you're ready, proceed with the reservation. If you believe you've found a better deal through booking the motel online, kindly thank the operator and end the conversation to book on the Internet.

TIP: Don't call the the national line, should they offer one. Call the direct line to the motel. Phone operators in national call centers have no idea what the individual motel is like.

4. Always ask what the room rates are for the "cheapest room". Hotel and motel clerks generally will quote you the rate for a larger room size without discounts. Some motels have smaller rooms or upstairs rooms with no elevator access they charge less for. Ask if there are any additional fees and taxes or if that is the total price of the room.

TIP: Hospitality taxes are generally much higher than sales tax.

5. Ask about discounts. Common motel rate discount examples are senior citizen, AARP, and motor clubs such as AAA. Ask what discounts are available for that night.

TIP: Don't be pushy. Ask in a casual way, and if there are no discounts available (as oftentimes there are not), don't sound displeased. Thank the person for checking.

6. Ask, casually, if the motel or hotel is privately owned or a corporation. Generally speaking, corporate-owned businesses have more stringent cleanliness policies and are easier to receive a refund from if you're dissatisfied.

7. Know what you need. If you're sure you'll need Internet access, breakfast, or other luxury amenities, ask beforehand if the motel supplies it.

If you don't have a motel reservation and are simply walking in, here are some valuable tips.

1. If the motel looks "iffy" or questionable for some reason, but you're willing to give it a shot, ask to see the room beforehand. If the clerk doesn't want you to check out the motel room, chances are it's not a good idea.

2. To get the cheapest motel rates, always, always remember the desk clerks are people with emotions too. Nothing achieves a good motel price like having a positive, friendly attitude. Kindly ask for the cheapest motel room available; demand it, and chances are you'll be paying a lot more than the other guests!