Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2.
KAYAK.COM
is a travel search engine that searches the better hotel-discount sites, as
well as chain and individual hotel websites. Websites searched vary from destination
to destination but do not include Expedia and Travelocity, which Kayak can option-
ally open in a separate window.
3.
EXPEDIA.COM
AND
TRAVELOCITY.COM
sometimes offer good discounts on area ho-
tels. We find that Expedia offers the best deals if you're booking within two weeks of
your visit. In fact, some of Expedia's last-minute deals are amazing, really rock-bot-
tom rates. Travelocity frequently beats Expedia, however, if you reserve two weeks to
three months out. Neither site offers anything to get excited about if you book more
than three months from the time of your visit. If you use either site, be sure to take
into consideration the demand for rooms during the season of your visit, and check to
see if any big conventions or trade shows are scheduled for the convention center.
4.
PRICELINE.COM
allows you to tender a bid for a room. You can't bid on a specific
hotel, but you can specify location (“Disneyland Vicinity”) and the quality rating ex-
pressed in stars. If your bid is accepted, you will be assigned to a hotel consistent with
your location and quality requirements, and your credit card will be charged in a non-
refundable transaction for your entire stay. Notification of acceptance usually takes
less than an hour. We recommend bidding $35-$55 per night for a three-star hotel and
$55-$80 per night for a four-star property. To gauge your chances of success, check
to see if any major conventions or trade shows are scheduled during your preferred
dates.
5. ENTERTAINMENT TOPICS
are area-specific guides that contain discount coupons for
hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and even car washes. The Anaheim ver-
sion sells for about $40 at the beginning of the year but is discounted (up to $25 off)
if you buy with only part of the year remaining. Sometimes the topics sell out be-
fore summer. Unless you live in Orange County, you won't be able to use a lot of the
coupons, but sometimes the savings on your hotel and dining will more than justify
the purchase. To buy, or for additional information, visit
entertainment.com
.
6.
HOTELCOUPONS.COM
SOUTHWEST GUIDE
is a book of discount coupons for hotels
throughout California and is available free of charge at many restaurants and motels
along the main interstates in and leading to California. However, because most folks
make reservations before leaving home, picking up the coupon book en route does
not help much. But for $3 ($5 Canadian) the company will mail you a copy, allowing
you to examine the discounts offered before you make your reservations. The guide
is free; the charge is for the postage. To order call 800-222-3948, Monday-Friday,
8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. EST. Or browse the guide for free at
hotelcoupons.com
.
