What do mattresses, jewelry and hotels have in common? Follow my instructions to secure the cheapest

They are all always at least 50% off and they all want you think you are getting a bargain whereas that is in fact not the case. They never sell at the full price quoted, they are always on sale and 50% off is typically the full price.

So how do you get the best prices on hotels. Follow my instructions below and you will save on hotel accommodation, often substantial amounts.

First decide on where you are going stay. I always choose 3 or 4 hotels as your preferred hotel may be over priced at the time you wish to travel due to the likes of a conference or wedding at the hotel. Choosing the right hotel is a separate exercise on its own, something I will write about in a future post. My first source for selecting an hotel is either a recommendation from a friend or colleague or Tripadvisor .

Once I have decided on an hotel I compare prices on the following sites:

• Trivago, Combined Hotels and Kayak - these sights all compare various online sites. Some include the hotel site itself.

• Entertainment Book - often has prices discounted by about 10%

• Hotel site itself - if it is part of a chain make sure you signed up as you may receive an additional discount as a member

• See if the hotel has a special advertised on one of the daily deal sites namely groupon, scoopon and luxury escapes

Other factors to take into account include:

• How many points you will earn - this applies to most chains as well as some of the online hotel sites like expedia, hotels.com

• Can you use or buy points to pay for hotel accommodation. Unlike $ prices which depend on seasons and demand points required for a room usually remain the same throughout the year and at times offer excellent value

Once you have done all the comparisons there is good chance that you will have found a price that is cheaper than the hotel direct. If this is the case check whether the hotel has a best price guarantee. Most of the chains do, Langham and Hilton 25%, Starwood and Hyatt 20% , Accor 10% off the lower rate found. The best price guarantee makes most people think they are getting the best deal from the hotel and look no further but it's amazing how often there is a cheaper rate around. Some of the chains like IHG which offer a free night try and get around the guarantee by offering different cancellation terms on the online hotel site, or only offering a special on an online site for 24 hours which is gone by the time they make the comparison. I have been successful with the price guarantee with all the chains quoted except IHG.

For certain destinations like Fiji it might also be worth obtaining a quote from a site like travelonline or a travel agent as they may have packages that include free credits, breakfasts and other extras.