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While we all know that it is always best to book your hotel stay in advance, different circumstances can lead to you needing a hotel without advance notice. Finding a vacancy can be particularly difficult during peak travel times, conventions, or at very popular destinations. So if you find yourself needing a hotel at the last minute, here are some tips that can help get you a room and a good night’s rest.

Call the Hotel

Most people typically avoid calling a hotel directly simply because you can usually get better deals when you book a room online. However, online it may say that the hotel has no vacancies, when really all that is filled is the amount of rooms the hotel has agreed to reserve online. So when you are in a pinch, it never hurts to call and talk to someone at the hotel. The hotel worker will have the most up to date information about available rooms and cancellations, meaning you could have the chance to secure a reservation.

Ask Around

If you are traveling for an event, such as a wedding, meeting, or convention, contact someone who is responsible for the event. This person will often know where you can go to get a room and can recommend the best hotels.

If you aren’t traveling for a specific event, you can contact the local tourist bureau. They will be able to recommend hotels as well as bed and breakfasts or other vacation rentals that may prove to be your best option.

Some Caution

Beware that some of the lesser known hotels may not be worth the price savings or availability. For example, if you end up in a bad part of town or in a run down hotel room, you would probably be better off paying for a higher end hotel or opting for a vacation rental.

Check a Map

Before you book any hotel, check a map and compare the hotel’s location to where you want to be in the city. When you are booking a hotel last minute, options that are quite a ways from your destination may pop up as options. Be sure that you are booking a hotel that is as near as possible to where you need to stay. Depending on hotel availability, you may also need to rent a car if you can’t find a room in town.

Prepare to Camp

If there are simply no hotels available in the area where you are traveling, consider camping out. Most towns have campgrounds in and around the city that are safe and clean. This may not be your first choice, but if you have no other options, it should be considered as an alternative.