Travel Channel

Looking for Cheap Last Minute Hotels?

Do not book your hotel or anything else before you book your airline tickets! Package deals offered by the airlines and their partners have lots to offer you. Preexisting bookings make it more difficult to take advantage of the ‘bundled’ savings that could come your way.
Be flexible with your itinerary. Having flexible travel dates can open up a much wider array of options.
With cheap last minute hotel rooms, you do not need to settle for anything less than you would with longer lead times. As most last-minute travelers discover, hotels are rarely booked to capacity. There are always some rooms available in most cases. It is up to you to ASK. No one is going to volunteer these discounts upfront. Ask when booking, when confirming and again at check-in! No harm, no foul. The worst thing that can happen is they can say NO or that nothing is available.
I heard a story once about a traveling salesman who tried to check into a hotel after pulling in off a long day on the road. The desk clerk informed him that there was “no room at the inn.” The salesman asked the clerk, “If the President of the United States walked in, would you have a room for him?” “Of course!” the clerk replied. “Well, I’m pretty sure the President isn’t going to make it, so how about giving me his room?”
Actually, the less money you spend on a hotel, the more ready cash you have for enjoying the rest of your trip! Always ask yourself how much time you will really spend in the hotel room itself.
What good is a spa, swimming pool or fitness club if all you intend to do is sleep? If you can get a clean, quiet room to snooze the night for less money, why pay for things you won’t use?
One factor that can make a difference is the availability of a free breakfast in the morning. Many hotels offer coffee, rolls, cereal, even hot waffles as part of the package. A similar breakfast at the chain restaurant down the road can easily cost $10.00.
Opt for what is most important to you and then spend your hard-earned travel dollars there.
This article is part of a chapter in The Last Second Traveler’s special report “Last Minute Vacation Deals: How to Travel More and Spend Less.” For the rest of the story, and more great time- and money-saving tips on booking your dream vacation, family trip or romantic getaway, go to
http://www.LastSecondTraveler.com/