One of the best deals in many cities is staying in private rooms at Hostels. Though spartan these rooms are often clean and functional. Bigger Hostels also offer family rooms which will be a hit with the Kids.

Look at Serviced Apartments as they are usually aimed at the business traveller. These are often a hidden bargain. Offering cooking and laundry facilities, and often access to a gym and pool for the price of a small hotel room.

Call a Hotel directly as they are often able to offer you an upgrade or complimentary services for the same rate as a booking service. Check online and then call and negotiate.

The bigger the Hotel the better the chances of a bargain in a quiet period. A weekend night at a large luxury hotel aimed at business travellers can often be surprisingly cheap as they have fewer business travellers to fill the rooms.