- 1). Buy a travel guide to your destination, especially if you're not familiar with the area. Read up on lodging options and neighborhoods where accommodations are plentiful.
- 2). Plan your arrival and departure dates. If possible, choose off-season dates when you may be able to save money on lodging.
- 3). Choose the neighborhood you want to stay in. This generally depends on where you will be doing business or on the recreational or cultural sights you want to see.
- 4). Find two or three hotels in your price range that appeal to you.
- 5). Call each hotel. Tell the guest-services operator the dates you will be lodging there and your room requirements, and ask for the room rate. Ask about family packages where kids stay for free or at a substantial discount, and about special deals that give you a discount on surrounding attractions.
- 6). Find out what other services are included in the room rate. Is a hot breakfast included? Afternoon tea?
- 7). Tell the operator about any discounts or bonuses that will apply to your room rate. These may include AAA or AARP discounts, corporate deals, frequent-flier miles and other affinity-group concessions. Be sure the adjustment will be reflected in the final room rate.
- 8). Compare room rates and services and book one of the hotels. Be sure to specify a smoking or nonsmoking room.
- 9). Reserve the room with your credit card. This will generally hold the room for you no matter what time you arrive.
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