How To Book Cheap Hotels

Whether you are going out of town on vacation or a business trip, you can save money by booking a cheap hotel.  Guests at hotels need a bed to sleep on, access to food and a clean environment.  With these basic needs fulfilled, many cheap hotels can offer more amenities for one low price.

1. Browse online websites that can help find a cheap hotel.  These sites include Hotels.com, Priceline.com, Hotwire.com Orbitz.com and Travelocity.com.  You can usually get a good idea of the costs for a hotel in the destination area.


2. Click on the hotel that offers the most amenities for the lowest price. 


3. Get contact information for this hotel.  It should be listed on the website where the price is located.  If not, open another search engine window and find the phone number for the specific hotel you wish to book.


4. Call the hotel directly and ask for discounts.  You can tell the representative the prices you found online and ask if prices can be matched.  Sometimes you are able to get better deals by calling the specific hotel.  Do not call 800 numbers or corporate booking agencies.


5. Place a bid on a hotel room.  This can be done through Priceline.com and Hotwire.com.  You may have to wait until the last minute to get the price you want, but sometimes bidding on a hotel room will be cheaper than you expect.


6. Determine which option will offer you the cheapest price:  online, phone call or bidding. 


7. Fill in the required information including your name, address and contact information if you wish to book the hotel online.  You will need to provide a credit card number to hold the room until you arrive.


8. Tell the representative you wish to book a room.  You will need to know the day you will be checking in and the day checking out.  The representative may or may not ask for credit card information to hold the room; however, he will always ask for your name, address and contact information.


9. Follow the steps for bidding on a hotel room.  Each site has a slightly different process, but you will be required to state a price you are willing to pay at a particular hotel or area.  If your bid is accepted, your credit card will be automatically charged.


10. Obtain confirmation of your hotel reservation.  This may be provided by email or with a number supplied by the representative.  You will need this confirmation number to confirm your price and room once you arrive to the hotel.