getaroom.com President and Co-Founder Bob Diener sat with Michael Finney of The View from the Bay, which airs weekdays at 3:00 pm on ABC7 News (KGO TV) in the San Francisco Bay Area, to discuss how consumers can take advantage of great travel deals for their next trip.

Most travelers think they can only find the lowest hotel rates on the internet.  However, hundreds of getaroom properties in top cities including New York, Boston and Chicago are participating in getaroom.com’s unpublished rates program. Here’s how it works: By calling 800-HOTELS-8 (800-468-3578) and asking for “unpublished rates,”  you can lock in rates for select hotels that are typically 10-25% less than those found on the hotel’s own website, getaroom.com and other major websites.  Though the internet may seem like the best way to go for big savings on hotel accommodations, picking up the phone and booking via getaroom.com’s Call Center can actually be easier on your pocketbook!

Bob adds that travelers booking their rooms online can avail of timed promotions, which allow them to save 20-40% off normal room rates provided that they book during a limited time period.  (Such time periods may vary from a few hours to as much as three days.)  Even if your stay isn’t for another couple of months, booking now can save you more later. Waiting until the last minute to book meant bigger savings in 2009. According to Bob, that isn’t the case this year, as rates are markedly higher closer to check-in.

Further, consumers can enjoy cheaper rates if they stay mid-week (Sunday-Thursday) as opposed to weekends. And if you usually book 1-2 night stays, consider extending your length of stay by one or two nights. Staying longer can actually save you up to 25% more on your final bill.

Looking for the ultimate bargain destination this summer?  Bob suggests you add glitzy Las Vegas to your travel itinerary. Rooms at the 5-star Luxury Suites International at The Signature, for example, start as low as $92/night.  A great choice for the budget-conscious, the AAA Four-Diamond Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino is located in the heart of the Fremont Street Experience and has rooms from $39/night.  Bargains are also up for grabs at other premier destinations including Orlando, New Orleans, Miami, Tampa, London, Paris and Barcelona.

To see the interview, please click the play button below.

1. Washington, D.C.: Washington D.C. is unquestionably the most fitting place to soak up a fun-filled day of 4th of July festivities. The National Mall, with the U. S. Capitol and Washington Monument in the background, creates a stunning backdrop to the country’s 4th of July celebrations. This all-day event in the nation’s capital kicks off with a parade along Constitution Avenue from NW 7th to 17th Streets. During the day, you can enjoy readings of the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, dance performances and cooking demonstrations at the  Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and an evening concert by the National Symphony Orchestra on the West Lawn. Immediately following the concert, a spectacular display of fireworks over the Capitol Building and Washington Monument caps off an unforgettable day in history-rich D.C.

2. Boston: Another of the nation’s premier destinations for history buffs, Boston was the site of major events in American History, from the Boston Massacre to the Boston Tea Party. The 29th annual Boston Harborfest is a multi-day Fourth of July celebration featuring hundreds of events throughout the historic city, many being free of charge. Boston Harborfest draws more than 2.5 million visitors to Boston each July, thus making it one of the nation’s largest patriotic celebrations. This year, Boston Harborfest runs June 30 through July 5. Featuring a variety of children’s activities, historic tours, concerts and Revolutionary era reenactments, it’s no wonder the American Bus Association has named Boston Harborfest one of North America’s Top 100 Events for 2010. The Fourth of July Pops Concert at the Esplanade precedes an impressive showcase of fireworks over the Charles River. Don’t miss Chowderfest on Monday, July 5, which affords visitors a unique opportunity to savor Boston’s most popular chowder concoctions.

3. New York City: Everyone knows it is home to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and widely-watched New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square. But New York City also delivers one of the biggest Fourth of July firework displays in the nation. The Macy’s July 4th fireworks display originally made its debut on the Hudson River in 1958. This year, the Macy’s fireworks show will feature more than 40,000 shells exploding at a whopping rate of more than 1,500 per minute and fireworks soaring up to 1,000 feet in the air. At approximately 9:20 pm on July 4th, the 26-minute display will be set off from six barges set between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River. The fireworks will mark not only America’s birthday, but also the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s exploration of his namesake river. American Harmony is the theme of this year’s fireworks spectacular. Alternatively, join Big Onion Walking Tours at 1 p.m. for a walking tour of sites related to the Revolutionary War in Lower Manhattan, including Federal Hall.

4. Orlando: Orlando’s thrilling, world-famous theme parks – from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort to SeaWorld Orlando – each offer a bevy of fireworks celebrations you’ll definitely want to check out. Among them is Universal 360 – A Cinesphere Spectacular, which will start on July 4 and run most nights through August 8 at Universal Orlando Resort. The show employs four-story-tall, 360-degree projection “cinespheres,” outdoor speakers, music, lasers and pyrotechnic effects to position guests in the very center of their favorite films. The Fourth of July Cinesphere show will also include a thrilling finale complete with an eye-catching fireworks display. Otherwise, you can make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with friends and family at the 2010 City of Kissimmee July 4th Celebration, which offers live entertainment, arts and crafts, a food festival, water-ski show, and – you guessed it – a brilliant fireworks display for free.

5. Los Angeles: If you’re spending the 4th of July on the west coast, consider taking an excursion to Los Angeles to take part in Southern California’s popular fireworks events. Among them is the 4th of July AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, which combines great music, excellent food, and fireworks galore. On July 4, tens of thousands will also descend on the community of Pacific Palisades for the Americanism Parade on Sunset Boulevard before lapping up family-friendly entertainment, patriotic songs and breathtaking fireworks at the second annual Palisades Rocks the Fourth concert at Palisades Charter High School.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in celebration of our nation’s 234th birthday. Whether your idea of a memorable 4th of July involves marching along Constitution Avenue, admiring a beautiful fireworks display over the Capitol Building, braving a daring roller coaster at a Walt Disney World theme park, or touring Boston’s historic neighborhoods, Independence Day 2010 promises to offer something for everyone.

New York – Top of the Tower Restaurant: Prepare to be swept away by a majestic New York skyline while at this rooftop restaurant inside the historic Beekman Tower Hotel – a perfect choice for fans of Art Deco architecture. Located on the 26th floor, the hotel’s menu features small plates such as Seared Sea Scallops and Crispy Calamari as well as big dishes including Oven Roasted Chicken paired with mashed potatoes. Open for breakfast and dinner daily, the restaurant’s inviting ambiance makes it a popular meeting spot among vacationing couples and business travelers alike. What’s more, excellent service provided by the restaurant staff tops off what many call the perfect New York City dining experience.

Orlando – The Plantation Room: What could top a AAA-Four Diamond hotel chock full of great amenities including a lakeside outdoor pool, Grand Bohemian Gallery and evening entertainment? One that has a AAA-Four Diamond restaurant, of course, like the boutique Celebration Hotel nestled in the heart of Celebration. Featuring hand-cut Stock Yars Angus Beef steaks and premium cuts of pork, all cooked under the watchful and expert eye of Executive Chef Zach Martin, The Plantation Room is nothing short of a meat lover’s paradise. Delectable steakhouse salads and Florida seafood entrees round out the contemporary menu, and guests can also take advantage of the restaurant’s eclectic wine list.

Las Vegas – Top of the World Restaurant: Ever thought about elevating your taste buds while you yourself are elevated 800 feet above the ground? That might seem a bit far-fetched, but not if you happen to stop by Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Towers‘ Top of the World Restaurant. Awarded “Best Gourmet Room” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the restaurant revolves 360º every 80 minutes, ensuring you take in picturesque views of Vegas, the Strip and the surrounding valley. From savory steaks and mouth-watering seafood to a wide assortment of delicious desserts including Banana Bread Pudding, this restaurant is a can’t-miss stop on the Strip. Reservations are required for dinner and recommended for lunch.

Boston – Meritage: The 5-star Boston Harbor Hotel’s location overlooking historic Boston Harbor at Rowes Wharf makes it a great place to relish expansive water views. But at Meritage The Restaurant, that’s not all travelers enjoy – let alone those with discriminating palates. Chef Daniel Bruce has perfected the art of seamlessly pairing the flavors infused in his cuisine with those found in hundreds of fine wines. Try delicious Caviar Topped Island Creek Oysters, or indulge in Pan Seared Diver Sea Scallops. Meritage was given the “Best in Service” distinction by Boston Globe Magazine (2007), named “Boston’s Best Romantic Restaurant” by The Improper Bostonian (2006), and rated #1 for Best Waterfront Dining by Citysearch (2005). Accolades racked up by this fine hotel go on and on.

Los Angeles – WEST Restaurant & Lounge: Housed inside Los Angeles’ Hotel Angeleno, set at the crossroads of Brentwood and Bel-Air, WEST offers a great spot to mingle with friends or convene with co-workers following a day spent shopping or in meetings. Open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, and for dinner Monday through Sunday, the restaurant features a diverse range of lively music, from contemporary jazz to funk. The dining room has sophisticated lighting and comes furnished with lavish banquettes and marble tables.  Pair your entree – prime dry age steaks and traditional pastas are guest favorites here – with a glass of Italian or California wine while soaking up panoramic views of Los Angeles through floor-to-ceiling windows. Should you need it, WEST features more than 2,800 square feet of private reception and meeting space.

Whether you’re looking to start your day off right with a buffet breakfast, fuel up at lunch time, or wine and dine with your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day while staring into a perfect sunset, hotels are home to some of the finest restaurants out there. So next time you’re craving a good meal, don’t be so quick to look beyond the walls of your hotel; a gastronomic gem could be just a few floors down – or up!

Algonquin Hotel – New York:  This famed hotel at 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues opened in 1902, and though it underwent renovations in 1998 and 2004, it has all but lost its original splendor. Designated a New York City landmark in 1987 and a literary landmark in 1996, the hotel’s Round Table Room is more than your typical New York City restaurant. It is named for the celebrated group of writers, critics and actors – among them were Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley – who convened daily to dine, exchange ideas and play cards. You’ll also step back in time to a more glamorous era while in the Oak Room, which offers dinners and performances seasonally Tuesday through Thursday each week. With its white tablecloths, dark paneled walls and gleaming piano, the room was a launching pad for such noted celebrities as Harry Connick Jr. and Andrea Marcovicci. Guests can also grab a drink at the art-laden Blue Bar, a popular meeting spot among locals and travelers like, or inside the stately Lounge.

Westin St. Francis – San Francisco: Opening its doors in 1904, this Union Square hotel is imbued with early 20th century charm. Rooms feature ornate woodworking, high ceilings with shimmering chandeliers, and windows opening out onto the city by the bay. Each brings modern comforts including the hotel’s signature Westin Heavenly Beds and Westin Heavenly Baths. Travelers have their choice of several fine restaurants and well-equipped meeting rooms, and the on-site spa is sure to help ease away stress. The St. Francis is considered the center of the city’s literary, social and artistic life, much like the previously mentioned Algonquin Hotel is in New York City.

The Lenox Hotel - Boston: A member of Historic Hotels of America, The Lenox Hotel is yet another prime example of a property that fuses old-world charm with modern technology, this time in Boston’s historic Back Bay. What makes this 214-room boutique hotel unique, however, is that it’s among a select few to be named “1 of the 5 Greenest Luxury Hotels in America” by U.S. News & World Report and featured on Conde Nast Traveler’s “Green List.”  So what, you might ask, has earned The Lenox 12 consecutive AAA Four Diamond Awards since 1998? Maybe it’s everything from its opulent ballroom and sophisticated restaurants to its elegantly chic accommodations, bedecked with mahogany furniture, high ceilings with brass chandeliers and Italian marble bathrooms.

Luxury Suites at The Signature at MGM Grand in Las Vegas: You might be hard-pressed to believe that this 5 star property – rated the number one boutique hotel in Las Vegas – currently offers rooms below $100/night. Its three exclusive towers are non-gaming, making it a good option for travelers wishing to evade bustling casinos. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, don’t miss the intimate swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, well-equipped business center and spa. A sense of luxury permeates the suites as well, which have designer furnishings, spacious living areas and gleaming marble bathrooms.

The Metropole Hotel South Beach in Miami:  South Beach is synonymous with vibrant nightlife, ever-present sunshine, fine dining, turquoise waters that lap against pearly white sand, and – you guessed it – scores of chic hotels. Though it’s set in the very heart of the action on South Beach, a much more relaxed and subdued atmosphere awaits on the premises. The hotel’s private courtyard setting makes a great place to unwind after a day of shopping jaunts or meetings. Travelers who need to book or change flights can do so using the uniguest airline system in the lobby. Serving as a popular retreat for renowned celebrities like P Diddy and Heidi Klum, The Metropole also offers ample meeting space, stylish suites with 42″ inch plasma TVs and complimentary shuttle service to Miami International Airport.

No matter what your idea of the perfect luxury hotel is, one thing is for certain: If there’s anything better than enjoying 4 and 5 star luxury, it’s enjoying it a 2 or 3 star price.

Visit our Holiday Deals page to take advantage of holiday specials in select cities. Hotel Pennsylvania, built in 1919, is one of the five largest hotels in Manhattan. Conveniently located near Times Square, the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden, the historic property offers the perfect base from which to explore the sights and sounds of New York City for as low as $139/night through December 27. Also featured is the Best Western Orlando Gateway, a AAA 3-Diamond hotel situated 10 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort. Boasting a restaurant and lounge, heated pool, lighted basketball and tennis courts, and business center, the pet-friendly hotel offers complimentary transportation to Universal Studios, City Walk, Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld.

Searching for affordable accommodations starting under $100/night? Look no further than our Hotels Under $100 page. Budget-conscious travelers planning to visit New York City can book at Clarion Hotel at LaGuardia Airport, only minutes from picturesque Central Park and the majestic Statue of Liberty,  for $95.04/night. With a history dating back to 1908, The Jane Hotel places travelers within walking distance of Union Square, Chelsea and Soho for only $99/night. Notable deals in other premier destinations include:

• Boston: Hotel 140, a Boston landmark since 1929, from $79/night
• San Francisco: Cova Hotel, offering free shuttle service to Union Square and the Moscone Center, from $83.02/night
• Chicago: Congress Plaza Hotel, a historic 14-story property on Michigan Avenue, from $79.20/night
• Las Vegas: Palace Station Hotel & Casino, a AAA 3-Diamond hotel just off the Strip, from $28.19/night
• Los Angeles: Sea Rock Inn-Gardena, 15 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, from $54.67
• Miami: Hotel Chelsea, a 1936 Art Deco gem on Washington Avenue, from $80.67

No matter where you plan to spend your holidays, great deals are up for grabs, so get them while they’re still available! You can also save more with getaroom.com’s $25 Winter Promotion, valid for bookings of two nights or more made via our Call Center. In addition, by booking over the phone, you can take advantage of the Call Center’s unpublished rates, which are typically 10-25% less and as much as 50% less than the rates found online.

1. New York City: The Big Apple plays host to the Village Halloween Parade, the nation’s largest Halloween celebration. A bevy of floats, artists, and bands will make their way through the bustling streets of downtown Manhattan on Halloween day. The parade, which began in 1973, draws more than 40,000 costumed participants each year and is expected to attract more than one million spectators in 2009. You can also visit the Central Park and Bronx zoos for Boo at The Zoos to gaze out at animals, make Halloween arts and crafts, and enjoy other activities.
2. Los Angeles: If you want to experience a fun Halloween night in LA, don’t miss The Hollywood Halloween Street Fair, where kids donning costumes will be able to trick-o-treat from one shop to another on Hollywood Boulevard. Party-lovers should not miss the West Hollywood Halloween Carnival, where guests are invited to sport their strangest and most daring costumes. Santa Monica Boulevard will close for the event on Halloween night, giving visitors ample space to lap up a parade, costume contest, non-stop music and much more.
3. Boston: Head to the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Street for the Beacon Hill Halloween Walking Tour. Visitors can learn about Boston’s chilling history on Halloween night as they explore graveyards and hanging sites. For something a little more kid-friendly, check out Halloween Town, an annual event at the Seaport World Trade Center. Running October 24-25, it will enthrall kids with dancers, musicians, face painting and many other activities.
4. Orlando: Hordes of travelers flock to Orlando each year to revel in theme park excitement, but October brings an added incentive: Halloween events galore!  If you’re planning to visit SeaWorld with the kids, you can have them take part in Halloween Spooktacular 2009, where they’ll get the opportunity to trick-or-treat and frolic among fish, mermaids and octopuses. The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is hosting Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2009 through November 1st. With storytelling, costume parties, fireworks and special live shows, this promises to be a memorable event for the youngsters. Travelers who would rather pass on the kiddy stuff and experience eerie scare zones and frightening creatures can head to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, which will be bringing popular horror films to life through October 31st.
5. Chicago: Travelers in the Windy City can get into the Halloween spirit at Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America, where everything from kid-friendly activities to parades and haunted houses make for a fun-filled day with friends and family. The Shedd Aquarium will also be hosting its annual Spooky Seas Family Overnight event, featuring gallery activities, presentations and animal encounters.

October is always a fun, long-awaited time for fans of Major League Baseball throughout the country. It marks the start of the postseason following a grueling 162-game campaign. Now that the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will square off in the American League Championship series, die-hard baseball fans in each city have yet another reason to take great pride in the places they call home. Meanwhile, the city of Los Angeles will also take center stage in the National League, where the Los Angeles Dodgers will be pitted against the Philadelphia Phillies in a best of seven series.

With both League Championship Series in full swing, the three cities are abuzz with excitement, making it a great time for travelers to make New York, Anaheim and Los Angeles their next travel destinations.

Take New York City, which became a baseball hot spot even before the Yankees’ founding in the early 1900s. With 26 World Series Championships and 39 American League Pennants to their credit, the franchise has built an immense following, and some of the greatest players of all time – from Babe Ruth to Mickey Mantle – have donned Yankees pinstripes. April 2, 2009 marked a watershed date for the team, as the team opened the season in the new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx after playing in the previous Yankee stadium, now demolished, since 1923.

If you’re in town for the playoffs or staying near the Bronx for business or pleasure, check out the Marrakech Hotel, which is fewer than 3 miles from the stadium. The Lucerne Hotel, built in 1904 and recently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, is approximately 3.5 miles from the home of the Yankees. Travelers can also opt for The Franklin in the Upper East Side which, just 4 miles away from the stadium, offers an intimate ambiance with its French bistro breakfast lounge, library nook and attentive staff.

Travelers hitting up the west coast can catch the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in action (provided that there are still tickets available!) or visit the area’s key points of interest. The Angels have gone through several name changes in their history (formerly known as the Los Angeles Angels, California Angels and Anaheim Angels) but that has done little to deter fans from showing up at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in droves. The Angels are 3 time reigning western division champions, earning their first and only World Series title in 2002. The boutique mission-style Anabella Hotel and family-friendly Desert Palms Hotel and Suites are both a few miles from the stadium and convenient to the Disneyland Resort.

And we haven’t forgotten you avid Dodgers fans. Yet another team steeped in rich history, the franchise was established in 1883 and originally played its home games in Brooklyn, New York. The team has won the World Series six times, most recently in 1988. After checking out the city’s sizzling beaches and shopping galore, travelers can stay in close proximity to Dodger Stadium, built in 1962 and currently the third oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The Asian-themed Royal Pagoda Motel, known for its unique pagoda-styled roof, lies just 0.7 miles from Dodger Stadium. The Standard LA Downtown, with its 50s era architectural details and popular rooftop terrace, is 1.9 miles from the stadium.

The postseason promises to deliver plenty of exciting thrills and finishes, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out our Los Angeles, Anaheim and San Diego deals page and properties in other baseball-loving cities including Boston and Chicago.

getaroom.com is now giving travelers another great reason to stay in their hotel rooms. For a limited time only, you can enjoy a complimentary movie with your hotel stay. All you have to do is book a reservation between August 31, 2009 and October 31, 2009 for a minimum 2 night stay. Mail your  getaroom.com Movie Giveaway coupon and hotel receipt and you’ll get reimbursed up to $15 for your in-room movie. You’ll be able to stay anytime before December 31, 2009.

Visit our official In-Room Movie Giveaway page to print out your coupon and mail it (along with the hotel receipt) to the address shown.

Whether you’re traveling alone on business or vacationing with your family, a free movie is a welcome treat following a long day of work or sightseeing. Sit back, get the popcorn ready, and immerse yourself in an in-room movie of your choice!

You can enjoy your complimentary in-room movie at getaroom properties based in any of our 19 cities including New York, the setting for landmark films like The Godfather (1972) and Raging Bull (1980); Los Angeles, which provided the backdrop for the science fiction film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982); Boston, which is where Academy Award-winning masterpieces like Glory (1989), Good Will Hunting (1997) and Mystic River (2003) were set; and Las Vegas, the setting for the star-studded Ocean’s Eleven (2001).

Many popular films have also had scenes filmed in our European destinations. Some scenes from one of my favorite comedy movies, Shanghai Knights (2003), were shot in London. If you plan to visit Paris, you’ll be at a filming location for action-packed hits like Independence Day (1996), starring Will Smith, and The Bourne Identity (2002), just one of many great movies featuring Matt Damon.

By calling our reservation line, you can receive a $25 rebate offer for bookings of two nights or more. Subscribe to our getaroom YouTube channel, which features our wide range of Travel Talk videos, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

But who better to explain how you can lock in such great rates than our own President, Bob Diener? This week he spoke with Arthur Frommer, a distinguished travel writer, publisher and founder of the Frommer’s series of travel guides and Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel magazine, about how travelers can save by booking at getaroom.com. Bob also sat down with Natasha Barrett of Let’s Talk Live and emphasized how booking early will allow you to secure great rates for hotel stays through the coming months in destinations including Miami, Washington DC, Las Vegas and New York (click below to see the video).

Whether you’re planning to hit up popular shops and theaters on Union Square in San Francisco, attend a business meeting along Magnificent Mile in Chicago, or escape to a Midtown Manhattan getaway, you can now choose from properties in 19 cities worldwide. As Bob noted, by calling our toll-free number, you’ll be able to snag special unpublished rates that can be up to 50% lower than published rates on getaroom.com and other travel websites.

Just because summer is coming to a close doesn’t mean you have to kiss sun-drenched beaches goodbye as well. Lucky for you, we have a wide range of properties located directly on or near the beach in Miami, including the oceanfront Trump International Beach Resort and the Palms Hotel & Spa. Those looking to squeeze in a fall vacation in Central Florida and bask in the excitement of Walt Disney World’s theme parks can find low rates in properties found at or near Downtown Disney, such as Hotel Royal Plaza and BW Lake Buena Vista in Orlando.

Maybe you’d just like to get out of the house for a few days and take in the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas nightlife without breaking your pocketbook. Sahara Hotel and Casino, whose NASCAR Cafe is highlighted by a state-of-the-art roller coaster, is located on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip. And in the very heart of the Strip is The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino; with over 60 international boutiques, the place is surely a shopper’s paradise! If you’re heading to the nation’s capitol instead, you can select from downtown properties ranging from Capitol Skyline to The River Inn.

Bob mentioned that you can also find 24-48 hour deals on the website that allow you to travel through the fall. By booking in advance, you end up saving more, and who doesn’t want more money in their pockets during these tough economic times?

Also, you can follow us via Facebook and Twitter, where each we post select deals available at properties in New York and other hot destinations; you can also get access to our latest promotions and giveaways! Right now we’re giving away a two-night stay at the Regal Sun Resort in Orlando for our Twitter followers. Visit our Contest Page for more details. In addition, subscribe to our getaroom YouTube channel, where you’ll have access to videos highlighting great travel tips and deals as explained by our travel maven, Kate Hall.

Don’t forget that you can receive a $25 fall rebate offer on bookings of two nights or more by calling our reservation line at 800-468-3578. Get a room today!

I’ll be heading to Chicago this year. My kids have been dying to check out Six Flags Great America and Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze. Whether you’re planning to hit the Big Apple with your partner, ride bikes with your kids along the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, or head to Las Vegas to try your hand at roulette in one of its famed casinos,  Labor Day weekend is a great time to squeeze in one last summer getaway.

Everyone knows, though, that last-minute planning, traffic and other factors can make things pretty hectic. This week, we feature several tips on how to keep Labor Day fun, safe and stress-free.

Planning Makes Perfect

Make sure to plan ahead and book your travel plans as far in advance as possible. Print out several copies of maps, driving directions and hotel reservations should something get misplaced. If driving, it’s best to set out for your destination early in the morning so as to avoid heavy traffic. While it’s good to pack days ahead, a last minute check of all essentials (airline tickets, money, kids’ supplies, etc.) before heading off never hurts. You’ll also want to pack smart and check the latest baggage fees for your airline, as well as ensure that your bags are under the weight limit.

Stay Safe

Make sure to lock all car doors and enable your alarm after getting out of your vehicle, even if only for a quick restroom stop or bite to eat. If you happen to be traveling at night, make sure to park in well-lit, concentrated areas. Try to leave showy valuables such as jewelry at home. Drive with extra caution and be mindful of reckless drivers who have had too much to drink!

Eating Tips

It’s always a good idea to bring chips, sandwiches and other snacks with you for the road. Not only will it keep the kids happy, but your pocketbook will thank you for it later! If you’d rather eat out, be sure to research which dining options each area has to offer. And if you’re planning to stay at a relative’s house, why not consider a family barbecue? Just make sure to wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw foods; once the food is set on the table and ready to eat, have all bowls and dishes covered to keep the pesky bugs away.

Have Fun!

Family-friendly cruises, ballgames, and parades are only some of the many special events you can partake in this Labor Day. Washington DC plays host to a number of festivals and concerts – including Kids Day at Nationals Park and a Labor Day Concert at the U.S. Capitol – to entertain all age groups alike. If you’re traveling to New York, you can catch the Brooklyn Carnival, which has over 3 million participants on hand each year. And if you plan on visiting the Los Angeles area, check out the Orange International Street Fair.

Now is the time to grab great deals from getaroom.com for Labor Day weekend. Click on our Labor Day Hotel Deals page for great discounts, rates and last minute deals on hotels in Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and other major cities. Call our reservation line now at 800-468-3578 to receive a $25 rebate offer for bookings of two nights or more. What are you waiting for?  Get a room this Labor Day!