by Ronni Dee

Created on: January 02, 2009   Last Updated: December 26, 2009

In the age of the internet one's first thought when it comes to saving on hotel costs is to visit sites like Priceline, Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz. In the case of upscale hotels, say 4 and 5 stars, the internet may be a good way to save. The everyday traveler has better options.

During travel many people find themselves in need of an 'in between' stay. For instance, traveling from home in North Carolina to spend a week in Connecticut one might stay in Pennsylvania for a night. This is where discount travel sites are normally not going to help you save; in fact, booking online could cost you more.

I am a Front Desk Agent for a chain hotel. I have seen countless times where a guest has booked their one night stay on a website and ended up paying more than what our rate actually was for that night.

Why? The General Manager at a hotel changes the rate based on the season, availability, the likelihood of the hotel 'selling out', and sometimes even the weather. When a traveler books their hotel online four months in advance they have a high probability of getting a rate far ahead of the true rate for that night. The rates are updated approximately two months in advance, with changes for area events such as car shows. The higher the probability of selling out for that night, the higher the rate will be.

There is hope for the one night stay over! Travel websites are not aware of all discounts one in particular hotel will offer. Hotels offer a wide variety of discounted stays for a variety of reasons. While some are known to travel sites, travel agents, and even corporate office; some are definitely not. Corporate office will offer some discounts, but most hotels have their own individual discount rates that are set by the management.

Take for instance a smaller chain hotel located right off an interstate or highway. Over time the manager will see that a nice percentage of their stays are truck drivers or other guests with a Commercial Driver's License. They drop their rate for these guests because word of mouth makes up much of the hotels advertising. The hotel now has a lower rate for CDL holders, often one of the steepest discounts available.

Are you a member of AARP? Many hotels will offer a discount for showing your AARP membership card, or other proof that you are a member.

Do you pay for roadside assistance? Here the general roadside assistance is AAA, or Triple A. Many hotels will offer a discount to those members who show their membership card or other

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