Do you save any by using Expedia, Travelocity, etc.?

[Stinsok]

We were researching rooms on the coast for vacation. I found room prices were no cheaper than contacting the hotel directly. Also, they wanted to bill my card at the time of reservation rather than at the time of check in. I don't see the value.

[jmattbassplaya]

They give you the chance to view multiple hotels in an area and compare rates immediately, but as far as getting 'cheaper' rooms just by using their service I haven't seen any of those deals.

[Pilgrim]

I've used Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, Mobissimo and other sites. I generally use Orbitz - they have fairly generous terms about changing bookings, and they've helped me out a couple of times.

But you're right, sometimes I come out better by calling the hotel. And if I have more than one discount, I ask them to calculate each one I'm eligible for. Sometimes my AARP membership gets me a better rate than websites. (I joined AARP the very day I was eligible - saved almost $20 on a hotel room that very weekend.)