Booking directly with hotel

[Mike_D]

Unless you find something like a Groupon offer, you nearly always get the best rate booking directly with the hotel. However, keep in mind that the rooms offered through these online deals are usually the lowest quality room (i.e. the ones that face the dumpster or are close to the street). Also, if you stay at smaller places and get to know the managers or owners, you can contact them directly and ask for unadvertised specials or possibly negotiate a better rate. Some of the more popular places (especially smaller properties on the cliffs) won't budge, because they will fill their rooms, no matter what. However, during slow season many places will cut a deal to fill empty rooms. For example, right on the Home Sweet Home website is says to call Charlie directly to get the best rate.