Who says that discount hotel rooms are only available at shabby motels? With a little creativity and a whole lot of patience, you book a room in a posh hotel and enjoy luxury at a big discount. Get everything you have always wanted – 24-hour room service, comfortable bed linens and a concierge without all the bills.

The Internet works wonders

A tight budget is no excuse for a cheap hotel room. Use the Internet to your advantage to find the lowest rates available for the best rooms in town. Log on to your favorite travel agent website – you will be surprised at what you may find.

Be on the lookout for nontraditional categories such as ‘hip hotels,’ or ‘spa favorites’ and ‘seaside retreats.’ Your travel websites may be ‘hiding’ discount rooms in these categories.

Are you planning to stay long? If you are, take advantage of discount rates available for tourists who intend to stay for an extended period. You can typically get as much as 30 percent off the regular rates.

During off-season, many travel agencies offer first-class hotel rooms for 40 percent less than regular rates. What’s more you can take advantage of first rate vacation packages, cruises, spa stays and car rentals – all at discount prices.

Take advantage of the hotels where your travel agency has ‘special deals.’ When you book in these hotels, you get huge discounts. You should also use the “sort by hotel class” function on your travel agent’s website, because you will immediately zoom in on the discount hotel rooms you can afford.