Reduced Hotel Rates

The type of rates you get depend on the way you travel.  If you like to pick up at the last minute and go on a trip, you can either get a travel guide (if you're not selective about where you sleep) or check online for weekend rates at your favorite hotel/s.  Being a member of a hotel's reward program is another way to get reduced or even free hotel nights. 

Hotel Weekend Deals
A full hotel, with some reduced-rate guests, is better than an empty hotel with full-price guests.  Which is why many hotels offer "weekend rates" or "last minute deals" for select properties.  Just check the hotel's website to see if there are any specials at the hotel you would like to stay at.  Many times, the best rates are found online (unless you get a travel guide) with something called "Internet Only" rates.  

Travel Guides  - They're Not for Everyone!
If you are traveling by car in the U.S., an easy way to get deep discounts is to pick up a hotel guide at a state rest area, gas station or possibly even a hotel.  These travel guides offer deeply discounted hotel rates for travelers who aren't bothered by not having a reservation.  Most of the time, these coupons are for "walk-ins" only.  What that means is you cannot make a reservation over the phone, you must "walk-in" and see if there are rooms available.  The majority of the time there is no problem getting a room, the only time there may be problems is if there is a convention or during holidays. It's always a good idea to call first to see if rooms are available. A wide range of hotels are usually found in these guides - from the ultra modest Super 8 to the moderately priced Marriott (Springhill Suites/Fairfield) or Hilton chain (Hampton Inn).  If you require posh hotels, this tip is not for you.

Reward Programs

Hotels
Hotels want repeat customers and in order to do that they have incentives.  One of the ways the guarantee you will return is to get your enrollment in their membership/reward program.  Reward programs are offered at many major hotel chains (Best Western, Choice Hotel chain, Hilton, Marriott, Holiday Inn to name a few) and are a great way to get free hotel nights or free amenities like movies.  Others might also give incentives if you use a certain credit card (Visa/MC/AMEX), just go to the hotel chain's main website and look for "special offers" or other promotions.  You will be surprised at what you find!

Another easy way you can get bonus points is for staying at certain hotels or signing up for the chain's credit card.  There's no limit to how many hotels' membership program you can belong to, so sign up at each one and keep track of your membership information!  Just don't forget to use your membership number so the points can be added to your account. We don't recommend signing up for credit cards with each company - use the promotions with discretion!

If you will be staying in the same hotel for several days, check to see if they are running a promotion for a free night with "X" numbers of days.  Some hotels offer promotions like "Stay 2 nights, get the 3rd free" or "Stay 5 nights get a free night."  There is no limit to what you can find - if you just do the search!