Hotel bargains
By Diana McLaren • Bankrate.com

Cut-rate travel services operate under agreement with hotels they represent. Shannon says that opaque operations such as Hotwire and Priceline offer the cheapest rates by shielding the hotel name until after the booking and payment are made -- hotels don't want their name associated with the cheapest rate in town.

Noting that both Expedia and Hotwire are owned by the same parent company, Shannon says opaque models are "a minority of the business because, in fact, most people are extraordinarily picky about the hotel they'll be staying in and want to know before booking."

Check rating source
Shannon acknowledges that his Expedia.ca service has a slightly higher rate, but says it's their record of service and independent rating system that customers seek.

Consumer confidence is what draws bargain travelers to Lonely Planet, says Brice Gosnell, the company's California-based regional publisher. He notes that where hotel bookings are concerned, they are done under a booking partnership with Expedia.

Gosnell says it's important to define just what you're looking for in accommodation, or a bargain won't be a good deal.

"What's good for a family with children won't be the same as for a single backpacker," he says.

Cutting your own deal
Consumers are free to book directly with hotels and get the same rate as they would by booking with a travel service, and Shannon says that "it's a great time for last-minute bargains with rate reductions from 30 percent to 50 percent."

However, cautions Gosnell, you do risk the chance that rates will actually be higher if you wait too long. "That said, there's nothing to stop you from calling the hotel frequently and asking if the rates have changed. I knew someone who called every day until making his booking, although that is somewhat excessive."

In addition to negotiating on rate, consumers can trade up for more luxurious rooms or amenities. During the week, when business travel is high, there will be fewer empty rooms but more suites available, says Gosnell, while the opposite holds true for weekends.

More tips for travelers
Some other tips from travel insiders include checking the source for ratings and anecdotal reports. Gosnell says if you see too much back-and-forth mudslinging about a hotel, it should be a "red flag that tells (you) someone is a little too close to the subject."

Shannon cautions that Canadians need to check that rates are given in Canadian dollars. Also, he adds, travelers should check whether an agency is a member of the professional travel association in their province.

Package deals are usually cheaper, so consider booking your hotel together with a flight or car rental.

Consumers should only book using a credit card – no reputable travel service asks for cash or cheques.

Finally, remember to read the fine print regarding such things as refund policies or additional fees.

Diana McLaren is a writer living in Toronto.