Paying the full rate for a hotel room doesn't make sense when there are big money-saving coupons out there that are easily accessible. Whether you're a frequent patron of hotels or just an occasional tourist, you can still score big discounts by doing a little research before you book a hotel room. Coupons can be found online, in traditional publications, or even on the road to your final destination.
Choose your potential accommodations. After you've settled on your destination, choose the area of the city in which you'd like to stay, then locate the hotel chains that have properties in that area. You can do this with the use of a travel guide or through travel websites. Make a list of hotels you're considering and the listed rates.
Contact the convention and visitors bureau of your destination city and order a free visitors' guide, or visit the appropriate website. In many cases, you'll find discounts and specials on hotel rooms in the guide.
Shop for coupons. You can start with coupon sites like hotelcoupons.com or retailmenot.com. If the hotel's booking website has a spot that includes a coupon code, chances are there's a coupon out there to be had. You can simply do a search for a coupon code (for instance, "Marriott coupon code") and your search may turn up the secret code.
Stop along the way if you're driving. Just about every gas station or visitor center (especially those at state borders) have coupons and coupon books that are chock full of discounts. Even if you already have a coupon, you may find a better one at these locations. If you're flying, check to see if the airport has a visitors' kiosk, which may also provide a good source of coupons.
Join the frequent stayer programs of hotels that you patronize. You'll receive regular newsletters with special offers and coupon codes that you can use at a later date. Sign up for emails to alert you of special deals and coupons.
