There are a numerous methods that I like to share with my readers on getting great deals at hotels.

First compare hotels and decide where you want to stay. I typically use expedia.com or tripadvisor.com to research hotels and resorts. This is a good place to start but not always the best way to get prices.

Once you find a few hotels or resorts you like, check with the hotel's main website if they have one. There might be a special online that other websites are not aware of. By all means, pick up the phone and contact the hotel directly. I certainly don't mean contacting the hotel's toll free number, this will typically get you a reservation service, which actually charges a higher fee than the hotel. Instead, try calling the individual hotel or resort directly. Ask about prices for the dates you want, and once they give you a price, ask if it’s the best price they have as normal procedure is to provide a rack rate first and they only provide discounts if asked.

If you are a member of motor club, association, you work for a large corporation, you have a military ID or you are over 65, ask about any specials that could apply to you.

If however, you really need to stay at a certain property and its sold out when you call direct. Check with the big online travel sites such as expedia.com or orbitz.com Many times they have rooms available when the hotel is sold out as rooms are bought in bulk.

The best deals are found by users and posted on Skoovy.com so make sure you check this site frequently.

Hotwire.com and Priceline.com are good alternatives for hotels when you are trying to get the lowest price possible, but only work if you are truly flexible.