Just a little tip on getting motel rooms.

[BlueNinjaGo]

Never pay what they ask you for! Part of my job includes reserving motel rooms for our out-of-town crews, and I can tell you right now most motels will drop their prices considerably.

For example:
I just had to find a room for one of our employees in the Lake Charles, LA area. I called all the cheap chain motels and we decided on staying at the Days Inn due to the cheaper Motel 6 having horrible reviews online.

The Motel 6 wanted 41.99 + tax. The Days Inn wanted $60 + tax. A quick conversation with the lady at the front desk and bam, she went from 60+tax to 45+tax.

So, call around and use the cheaper hotels prices to your advantage.

(Note: We typically put our guys up in the cheapest motels we can to save money. I can't say how well this will work with nicer hotels.)

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Rock and Glock]

It works at ever price level. I also ask for the Bar Assn discount, or the AICPA, or the AMA discounts....if that fails, I ask for the NRA or AARP discounts. I don't like AARP though, so that one makes me bite my tongue.

[Squawker]

For higher end hotels, where there is a significant difference in rooms, or possibly suite availability, slipping a $20 bill under say, your airline tickets, etc, with a little visible, preferably only to the clerk, and ask "Are there any free upgrades available?" Now, it may not work- in that particular hotel, the clerks may not have much room to work with, or there may not be anything else available. In those cases, just slide the $20 back under your tickets, and pick up everything. But you my just end up with a much better room for only $20.

[beni]

If your crews are doing work for the government (state/federal) you might be able to book them at the local per diem rate of that area.

[AZ Husker]

I've found almost everything is negotiable. My ex used to talk the butcher at Safeway down to his last sales price regularly. It was embarassing to go shopping with her!

[searcher 45]

I will try this next time!!!!