Find the best deals on hotels
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Summer is just around the corner, and Consumer Reports has just released a survey and some tips on how to find the best deals on hotels.
"Hotels have taken back the night by imposing best-rate guarantees. That is, find an advertised price lower anywhere else and we'll match it plus give you a bonus," said Tod Marks of Consumer Reports.
One tip is to book your hotel and then keep looking for a cheaper rate. You should also follow up on those special deals found on hotel websites.
"Now if you really want to save and get the rock-bottom drop dead low rate, do what I do. Use Hotwire, Priceline's Name Your Own Price program, or use Travelocity's Top Secret Hotels. They don't reveal the name of the hotel until after you've committed to purchasing that room for a given night," Marks said.
Consumer Reports did a test drive on Hotwire. It booked a room in Chicago that turned out to be The James, a high end hotel, for a rate of $133 a night. The best rate the hotel and other travel sites offered was $234.
And while budget hotels are the cheapest place to stay, Consumer Reports says some are not a bargain.
The survey of almost 23,000 subscribers found America's Best Value Inn was the worst. A much better bet was the top rated Microtel Inn and Suits, where rooms can go for as low as $59.
"They offer decent upkeep, they're clean, and check-in, most of the time, it's a snap," Marks said.
Consumer Reports said the average rate for a room this summer will be more than $100.
"Hotels have taken back the night by imposing best-rate guarantees. That is, find an advertised price lower anywhere else and we'll match it plus give you a bonus," said Tod Marks of Consumer Reports.
One tip is to book your hotel and then keep looking for a cheaper rate. You should also follow up on those special deals found on hotel websites.
"Now if you really want to save and get the rock-bottom drop dead low rate, do what I do. Use Hotwire, Priceline's Name Your Own Price program, or use Travelocity's Top Secret Hotels. They don't reveal the name of the hotel until after you've committed to purchasing that room for a given night," Marks said.
Consumer Reports did a test drive on Hotwire. It booked a room in Chicago that turned out to be The James, a high end hotel, for a rate of $133 a night. The best rate the hotel and other travel sites offered was $234.
And while budget hotels are the cheapest place to stay, Consumer Reports says some are not a bargain.
The survey of almost 23,000 subscribers found America's Best Value Inn was the worst. A much better bet was the top rated Microtel Inn and Suits, where rooms can go for as low as $59.
"They offer decent upkeep, they're clean, and check-in, most of the time, it's a snap," Marks said.
Consumer Reports said the average rate for a room this summer will be more than $100.
