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Step 1
Know how you intend to use the room. Decide if its purpose is to change clothes and to sleep, or if you want something more luxurious. If you are traveling with someone else, decide if you would be more comfortable in a king size bed or two double beds. Determine the amenities you expect, like a restaurant at the hotel, pool and an Internet hook-up. If you decide these things before you shop for a room, you are more likely to find a bargain. Also, you will have some basis for comparison.
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Step 2
Understand that all package deals do not represent a bargain. Many airlines are quick to offer to make your other reservations, like hotel rooms and rental cars. Let's say that airline “A” can reserve a room that is 10 to 15 percent below the hotel's “rack rate,” the figure quoted by the hotel. Unbeknown to you, airline “B” can make the very same reservations and charge you several hundred dollars less. That's simply because they have be able to negotiate a better rate from the hotel. Don't forget that a room whose “rack rate” is $200 a night will receive nothing if it is unoccupied.
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Step 3
Use your imagination to find the best hotel rates. For example, a coupon book like "Entertainment" has access to over 45,000 hotels around the world that offer at least 50 percent off their “rack rates.” Or else, obtain copies of the local daily newspaper, because some hotels may be offering a special deal to its local market.
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Step 4
Go to the many websites that specialize in discount travel. Websites like Travelocity.com, hotels.com, expedia.com and discounttravel.com can provide you more information about discounted hotel rooms than you ever dreamed (see Resources below).
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Step 5
Call your credit card company. Frequently, they enter into partnership with hotels to promote travel in specific parts of the country. Typically, you're only required to pay for your hotel room with their card.
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Step 6
Call the hotel or chain directly. Often, they'll have a discount room rate that applies only to their area. Also, if you talk with them about a package deal that you are about to purchase, they might be able to beat that price if you book the room directly with them.
