How to find cheap rates for hotels

[marlaine]

We're putting together a quick 3 day trip for my mom to go back to her hometown. I've always heard of using hotwire or priceline or kayak to get a room a little cheaper than just calling the hotel direct.
I've never used one of these sites. How do you start?
There will be 5 adults and 2 kids (and a puppy). We'd like to get 2 rooms that are connecting.
Could anyone help with the basics?
TIA

 

[mrsklamc]

The services you mentioned will not let you get that specific. You would be able to request things like attached rooms but not guarantee them. If that's a dealbreaker I would try calling the hotels directly and asking them for their 'best rate.' Say something like 'I was thinking of using priceline but I thought I would see what you could do for me first." Priceline gets a cut so it it to the hotel's benefit to make a deal with you.

I am unaware of any hotels that take puppies.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I've used priceline but never for a Disney trip(just because I've always stayed with family). I've not had any troubles getting the room I wanted and once was even given a suite upgrade because the room was un reserved and it was late check in.

I'd probably try calling direct like pp said. Doesn't hurt to try.

 

[31Buzz]

You could also try hotels.com...try getting a AAA rate...most places don't check for your card, but if you travel a good deal its worth it

 

[LadyBeBop]

You could also try hotels.com...try getting a AAA rate...most places don't check for your card, but if you travel a good deal its worth it

...or AARP if anybody in your party is old enough (50+).

 

[abmitch01]

I'd check out Travelzoo for last minute deals, I've done great on there

 

[Nayan]

The puppy part is the big factor as not all hotels will allow animals. You'll have to contact them personally to see if they will accept animals, especially a puppy (most will not accept puppies) and pay a deposit for it, usually $100 or more, depending on the hotel. Here's a link for traveling with pets and hotel chains that allow them. Bear in mind, it is up to each chain owner to allow them or not, so you will have to call and confirm.

http://www.petswelcome.com/

 

[Bete]

The puppy part is the big factor as not all hotels will allow animals. You'll have to contact them personally to see if they will accept animals, especially a puppy (most will not accept puppies) and pay a deposit for it, usually $100 or more, depending on the hotel. Here's a link for traveling with pets and hotel chains that allow them. Bear in mind, it is up to each chain owner to allow them or not, so you will have to call and confirm.

http://www.petswelcome.com/

In fact, there's usually a slight upcharge for the room, too for an animal. You cannot leave the animal alone in the room, either even if it's crated. That's a big no-no; because, usually the dog will howl due to separation anxiety. That's not fair to other paying guests. In addition, those rooms may not be on the auction block at the sites mentioned. They don't have much problem getting those dog rooms to be full; so, they are not available for bargain prices. Usually, there's a small percentage of animal rooms available--it's not all the rooms, any room. I know; because, we have travelled with our dog. You could run into more problems with having a puppy trying to get a room. You don't want to be sorry once you get there and they say no to your dog. Also, there are restricted areas where the dogs are not allowed like food areas or pools, etc. Most people will kennel a dog and as a puppy it's the best time to start breaking them in for this part.

 

[lastminutemom]

Or get a friend to watch your dog.

With the size party you have, I would avoid the bidding sites for hotels.

Last year, I used Priceline and got a great deal on a 4* hotel. I was given a room with a king size bed and that was that, I had to pay for a cot for my son.

The suggestions you have been given are the best ones, but travelling with a dog means you will be limited to the hotels that accept pets, which will limit your flexibility in terms of pricing.