If you're planning on staying in a hotel anytime soon, be sure you know the tricks for getting the rock-bottom rate.

Hotel reservationists are trained to offer you the highest rate available. But most hotels are rarely full, so you can be almost sure that there is a lower rate available.

And rest assured that the hotel would certainly prefer to give you a steep discount than to have the room go empty.

Call Hotel Directly
First, call the hotel directly rather than the nationwide 800 number. The local reservationist is privy to promotions and discounts about which the 800 operator will not know.

Ask Questions
When you call, ask a lot of questions. Ask what promotional offers are occurring, whether the hotel offers family discounts, and whether the hotel offers special rates for extended stays.

Before You Check-In
The day of check-in, call and inquire about the lowest rate before giving your name. If the rate is lower, switch to that rate.

Ask For Special Rates
Also ask the hotel for a corporate rate, a AAA rate, senior citizen or AARP discounts, Entertainment Card discounts, and other special rates for which you qualify.

Remember that travel agencies often have access to discounted hotel rates at 20 to 60% off. You may also save money by booking your airfare and hotel together with a travel agent.

Check With Consolidators
Finally, call a hotel consolidator. Consolidators buy blocks of hotel rooms to resell to the public. They then pass their volume discounts on to the consumer. You'll usually save 20 to 50% off the rack rate by buying through a consolidator.

Here are a few numbers of consolidators to try:

Hotel Reservations Network:
800-964-6835

Express Reservations:
800-356-1123

Central Reservations Service:
800-950-0232