Do's and Don'ts for Saving Money on Hotels

Here are some insider tips for saving money on hotel costs when you travel:

• DO search online to find money-saving hotel deals.
• DON'T automatically book the cheapest hotel - make sure the hotel location is ideal (you can spend lots of money on taxicabs if you are far away from everything you want to see) and has the amenities you can't live without.
• DO consider alternative lodgings like vacation rentals, B&Bs and private residences.
• DON'T forget to review your final bill carefully and insist that all unreasonable hotel surcharges be removed.
• DO find out if you can use frequent flyer miles or rewards from other programs to pay for all or part of your hotel bill.  And by the same token...
• DON'T forget to sign up for the rewards program for the hotel you are staying in, if you aren't already a member - you might find you are eligible for perqs even on your first stay.
• Do get more for your money by asking the hotel if they will upgrade your room for free.
• DON'T be shy about taking advantage of freebies: if there is a coffee maker with complimentary coffee in your hotel room, why not use it instead of visiting the expensive coffee stand in the lobby? And if a continental breakfast is included in the cost of your room, by all means, don't miss it!