How to Book Cheap Motels

Motels are some of the cheapest places to stay at when you are traveling, but why pay full price if you don't have to? You can often get a much lower price than the advertised rate by exploring your options online. All it takes it a little determination, patience and commitment to scoring a great deal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Computer Internet connection Credit card
Computer
Internet connection
Credit card

Step 1

Check out a site like Expedia to determine what motels in the area cost. You may want to check several areas within a city or town to get the lowest price.

Step 2

Go to Priceline and see if you can bid on a motel to get a lower price. The starting bid price for economy and two-star hotels (where motels would be located) is very low and you could end up with a very good deal. Just remember that you won't know the name of the motel before you book.

Step 3

Take a moment to check your e-mail if your Priceline offer fell through. You may have a second-chance offer waiting for you that is only a little higher than what you bid. You also have the choice of bidding again, but you must raise your minimum bid and must also choose an additional star rating or location within the city or town.

Step 4

Try to find a better deal by using Hotwire. As with Priceline, you won't know the name of the motel before you book, but you will be able to see the star rating, amenities and final price before you choose a particular motel.

Step 5

Visit the websites of the motels that interest you. They may be having a special deal or have special prices for business travelers. You may also choose to just show up at the motel and ask if they have any last-minute deals on rooms.

Step 6

Make sure that you book the room if you get a price that you like. You can do this online or at the motel itself, using a credit card. If you have gotten the deal through Hotwire or Priceline, you may not get the same price the next time you bid.

Tips & Warnings

Travel with two to four people, get double beds and split the cost of your discounted room to sweeten the deal.

Some motels and hotels charge extra for the second, third and fourth adult in a room. Because of the low cost you might find, this may be more than getting additional rooms. Check to see how many free adults are allowed (usually one or two) and make sure the extra adult charge is less than a night's stay before deciding to share.

Article Written By Christopher Cross

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