Hotel Room Discounts

The last time I booked a hotel room in Portland, Oregon, I got a very good deal and it didn't take me hours of shopping around. I already knew that calling the same hotel a few times, both at the 800 number and the local number, might turn up different rates. I also knew that I could get a discount with a AAA or AARP membership. The best price quote was $139 a night for a room with 2 queen-sized beds.

Just on a lark, I decided to try one last thing. I checked with the Portland's Visitors Bureau. They had a special for $109/night at the same hotel, which, unlike the other rate, included a complimentary breakfast for two and free parking (otherwise $20 per night). Whenever you're planning to visit a major city, take a peek at what the visitors' bureaus have to offer. You could end up with some extra bucks in your pocket for a night out on the town.