What Is the Easiest, Most Fool Proof Way to Book a Hotel and Compare Rates?

Most of the times, the best rates I've gotten have been my calling the hotel directly and asking or negotiating. If you're looking at a major brand, don't call the 800 number, call the actual location. The location has a lot more wiggle room in the price than the call centers. Good luck!

We travel a lot and I use a lot of different hotel chains. I would go to hotels.com and kayak.com They are good at comparing. Sometimes if you know a particular hotel chain that you like, they will post internet only rates. Good luck

I book hotels all the time for hubby's work travel and our pleasure.

I deal directly with the hotel site, namely the Hilton family of hotels and Marriott.

You can plug in a site you want to be close to and it will pull hotels closest to your location. You also have an option on Hilton, to compare up to 4 hotels at a time.

An economical route is Hampton Inn. Nice, clean usually the least expensive of all Hilton's. Another thing if you find a rate you like, call the hotel you want and ask them to match the rate. MANY times they will do this to fill their rooms. Ask what the rack rate is as well.

SO many times I have gotten discounts just by calling the hotel directly and asking for a price match.

I don't know anything about the area where you are going so I can't help there. Have fun!!

I've always used hotels.com, NOT to book, but to read the reviews. Gives you a good idea about the 'area' the hotel is in. After I find one that sounds o.k, I will then go to that hotels website and book, or call the hotel and book. Have fun!

I agree with Kristi. Those websites are the ones I use.

I also call the hotels in the area that may not have internet rates. I also have gone to the area with no reservations and gone to "hotel Row", read their outside signs and gone inside to bargain with them. The last time I did this I talked Regal 8 into letting me stay in their "suite" for $65 a night for one night. They origionally wanted $95. A regualr queen bed room was $60.

What you do all has to do with how brave you are and how willing you are to bargain with the hotel night managers. I've done this forever. I was taught by my mom. I never knew how valuable this skill was until I was on my own.

Good luck to you and yours.

I don't know what your budget is, but have you considered a bed-and-breakfast type place instead of a hotel? Something like www.lareservebandb.com...15 minute walk (through Rittenhouse Square, which is lovely) to the museum. I've never stayed there, so I can't vouch for anything - just did a Google search on Philly BandBs...

I'm out in the 'burbs and don't go into Center City too often so don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure that any of those hotels in that area (especially right around Rittenhouse Square) will be within walking distance to the museum. Unfortunately, being in Center City will cost you a pretty penny.

Whatever you decide, I hope you find your perfect cheesesteak and have a fabulous trip!

Troy has always had good luck with priceline.

do you have aaa????/ or an entertainment book??? you can find some good deals there.

Ask a local. Any Philly moms reading this? I've had bad luck with travel websites. Not with safety or quality of the hotel itself, but it seems that cheap = inconveniently located.

I never book a hotel or visit a restaurant or entertainment venue out of town until I check TripAdvisor first. Their reviews have always been spot on.

Can you Google Map where you want to go then go to Cheaprooms.com...that is the one I always use...you get a whole list of rooms and get to see addresses and pictures of the hotels/rooms.

I always wait til the last minute and get great deals through that website!

~I personally do not like Priceline because you don't get to actually choose or see the hotel or room you end up with...at Cheaprooms.com you get a list with prices and you get to choose yourself!

I have a friend who is in a travel mlm, Rovia. I used that to book a hotel and saved almost half what it would have cost otherwise. There are no member dues.
I also checked TripAdvisor for ratings. That was very helpful.

Just do a Google search for "comparison websites for booking hotels."

I LOVE Hotwire for finding cheap accommodations - especially in big cities! You can narrow your search to the area of town you want to be in and we've had amazing luck and stayed in beautiful places!

Try using Expedia, Hotwire or Priceline. There are a few others out there too. Also check out any reviews on the hotels too.

Price line bid ur own! We use it all the time n normally pay 50 per night just try n get in the area you want

R.:

Media, PA is just outside Philly...look in the suburbs for a hotel instead of IN Philly. When I used to go up and visit my former In-laws, I would stay at a hotel just outside of Philly.

I will call or e-mail you the name of the hotel I stayed at. There is also hotels about 15 minutes north of Philly by the airport and stadium (Eagles) that are cheaper than Philly itself.

Hi, R.:
Check out the Days Inn on Roosevelt Blvd. in Philly.
Don't know what it's near to.
Good luck.
D.