Where the Hotel Deals Are Now

Hotels are the best place to get travel bargains this year, according to BudgetTravel.com. Hotels are hit hardest in a recession, and they’re wising up after the post-9/11 economy lessons by not slashing the prices up front.

Hotel owners have found that in the past when they’ve done that, consumers are less likely to accept the higher pricing once the economy straightens up. This time around, they’re using sites like Hotwire.com and Priceline.com more and more to offer a portion of their rooms at deeply discounted prices through their “opaque” booking services (consumers don’t know which hotel they’re getting until their credit card is charged).

So their publicly advertised rates remain high, which helps the hotels maintain a higher sense of value in the public’s eye.
With that little economics lesson behind us, let’s look at a few tips to keep in mind when you to make reservations.

• Expedia.com sells the most hotel rooms online and they’re currently holding their biggest hotel sale ever. Book by Aug. 31 for travel through Sept. 7.
• Hotwire.com’s inventory is at an all-time high. Out of the thousands of hotels which are offering rooms through its site, many are 4.5 to 5-star hotels. Check their “Last-minute deals!” section.
• Priceline.com is also seeing a jump in bookings, as hotels are consistently accepting offers of approximately 50 percent lower than their retail rates advertised on their own websites.
  
  BudgetTravel.com says hotel owners are using sites like these as part of a pricing strategy, similar to what Target retail stores do. You see three similar items on the shelf next to each other.
• The goal is for the consumer to buy the mid-priced item and leave feeling like they’ve made the wisest purchasing decision. With that in mind, don’t feel rushed to book a hotel deal right away just because they’re available now. Good hotel deals should be available through the end of the year.
  
  But wait! We’ve got more tips!
• Twitter.com is the new darling of online bargain hunting. Visit their website and type a phrase like “Disney vacation” in their search field and look for online ads for deals.
• Business & pleasure - Since business travel usually sees a permanent drop after recessions – partly due to advances in technology that decrease the need for travel – you might find even better deals for business hotels located in financial districts of cities.
• Recession packages – Special deals and packages are out there, so go hunting! For example, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a variety of hotels are offering an "INNtimate Treasures" package for St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Also included in the package are deals for 50 area attractions and activity coupons, a $50 dining certificate,gift bag, bottle ofrum and more. Package is good for travelthrough Oct. 31. Book through one of the companies listed. Another perk: no passports are required to visit these islands.