Discount travel is most prevalent in the off season. Hotel rates, even airline tickets and car rental rates are lower during this time due to lower demand. You can get as much as a 50% hotel discount if you book a room during off season. If you're planning to travel during peak season, always make your reservations well in advance, as rates tend to get higher as the season approaches. Doing this will give you a better chance of receiving discount travel rates.
If you must travel in the short term, check out last minute deals. You can save big if you're going to travel within 14 days of booking.
Vacation packages also are a good option. You can build your own vacation by combining your flight, hotel and car rental. It is much cheaper that booking your hotel, flight and rental car separately.
Some hotels give discounts to certain people like government employees, senior citizens, honeymooners, students, military contingents etc. Many hotels will allow your kids to stay for free. If you're with your family, sometimes hotels can allow up to two kids for a two bed room provided that the kids are within the age limit.
Some hotels provide free airport pick-up. Check the hotel amenities to see if they offer this service.
When you make hotel reservations online, you'll receive a confirmation number. Make sure you write this down or better yet, print the actual confirmation page. If there is any confusion when you check in to your hotel you have something in writing.