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You can use web sites, such as Cheap Tickets.com to find cheap accommodations. However, they only give you rates for the hotels and motels that are in their system. For example, I just did a search for Tucson, Arizona. Cheap Tickets.com was the easiest site to use, and found the best rates of the sites I tried. However, I could show you several nice motels in Tucson that are $15 cheaper than the cheapest rate they found.
In other words, these sites are convenient, and worth using when you have nothing else, but they will never show you all your options. Here are some other ways to get cheap accommodations.
Get coupon books at gas stations along the highways. We've almost always found good deals using these. It's rare that a manager won't honor the coupon. Generally, only if they're absolutely full will they refuse. Read the fine print, though. They often charge more for certain dates, or for two people.
My wife and I were in Banos, Ecuador recently, and were told the room would be $12. The room was clean, with cable T.V. and lots of hot water. We paid just $6 per night, paying four nights in advance. The owner understood we were ready to walk away.
Most owners here in the U.S. would rather watch you drive away than knock five bucks off the room rate. Still, we have negotiated decent discounts by paying for several nights in advance. We also let them know that we'll be looking elsewhere if they say no.
There are promotions done where if you "mention this ad" or just use the right words, you get up to
Get the receptionist to help you. Try asking what the magic words are. Some receptionists will tell you. You might also ask "What do I have to say to get the cheapest rate?" They will sometimes tell you, or suggest other options.
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