Where do you find the great (not Disney) hotel rates for summer?

[alicenwonder99]

I'm booking our summer trip to DL and I'm not having luck finding any great rates. In fact, the hotel's website had CHEAPER rates than Expedia and Travelocity.

Is it just a fact that I'll have to pay practically rack rates in July?

We're thinking of staying at the Anaheim Desert Inn.

TIA

 

[samkj]

Booking as early as possible and keeping an eye on rates is usually the way to go. There are not usually specials in July, when most of the hotels will be near capacity. Hotel websites are often cheaper than Expedia and Tavelocity, in fact many guarantee they offer the lowest possible rate. You can also try Get Away Today (not sure if your hotel is on their site or not) for lower cost packages.

 

[bclydia]

I think that the Anaheim Desert Inn is always cheapest when booked directly through their own website. At least, that's what I've been seeing.
Many hotels are. That is a busy season for the good neighbour hotels. The only extra discounts I might expect to find would be with the entertainment book or maybe AAA. I've actually booked with Alaska Airlines and found my package with hotel to be cheaper than booking the airfares (same flights) alone. Check out the packages offered through Costco.com and AAA and do some comparisons.
Lydia

 

[tracer]

I too recommend:
get away today
costco
AAA
or you can go through each hotel's website and find pretty good rates. here is a link to walking distance hotels.
http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/maps/dl_area/dl_walking_distance_map

 

[ter-moo]

I'm booking our summer trip to DL and I'm not having luck finding any great rates. In fact, the hotel's website had CHEAPER rates than Expedia and Travelocity.

Is it just a fact that I'll have to pay practically rack rates in July?

We're thinking of staying at the Anaheim Desert Inn.

TIA

I always go directly through the hotel--it's generally cheaper. If you find something cheaper on another website, you can usually call the front desk and see if they'll match it. That way, you know you've got a reservation and you can deal direct.

Ask about AAA, internet rates, book-ahead rates, etc. There's usually something better than what's advertised.

 

[NannyPooh]

I just booked the Hyatt today for our August stay. Hotel direct rates were about the same as on Expedia, but then I saved a TON of money using the Entertainment card discount.
This discount beat out AAA discount.
The Hyatt was one of the few hotels that offered it. I checked Marriott, Hilton, Doubletree Suites, and the Residence Inn - very few AAA discounts, and no Entertainment rates at any other places!
The Hyatt is a bit farther out(not walking distance), but they do offer their own complimentary shuttle!

 

[honeymom]

try www.mousesavers.com