Motel Deals and Steals: Getting the Cheapest Motel Rate

Sooner or later, everyone travels. For the inexperienced traveler, finding the cheapest motel rates can be quite a daunting task. Here's how to get the most value for your hard-earned money.

Try to make a reservation, if at all possible. Due to certain events and times of the year, a motel you'd normally pay $50 for may cost you upwards of $150-$200 a night on occasion. Always be prepared for inflated rates and sold-out regions in the event of athletic events, homecomings, concerts, and the like.

1. If you're planning a reservation in advance, decide how certain you are of your arrival time and destination town. This way when the motel clerk asks if you'd like a courtesy hold or a credit card hold on your room, you'll be able to answer quickly. If you're not sure you'll make it as far as the city in question, ask what your options are. It's never fun to be charged for a motel room you don't sleep in!

2. Check online. Contrary to popular belief, online reservations through the big hotel websites are not usually the best deal. Check the fine print; most charge a $25 cancellation fee. Visit these sites to get ideas, then check out the individual motel or hotel's website if they have one. That's where the online deals lie.

3. Get your price quote online, then call the hotel direct. Advise the phone operator you're just checking room rates and availability to find the cheapest motel in the area- don't sound as though you're already sold. Check the phone rates against the Internet rate; if the phone rates are better and you're ready, proceed with the reservation. If you believe you've found a better deal through booking the motel online, kindly thank the operator and end the conversation to book on the Internet.

TIP: Don't call the the national line, should they offer one. Call the direct line to the motel. Phone operators in national call centers have no idea what the individual motel is like.