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of getaroom properties in top cities including New York, Boston and Chicago are participating in getaroom.com’s unpublished rates program. Here’s how it works: By calling 800-HOTELS-8 (800-468-3578) and asking for “unpublished rates,”  you can lock in rates for select hotels that are typically 10-25% less than those found on the hotel’s own website, getaroom.com and other major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.

To get the most bang for their buck, Bob recommends that travelers book in advance. Unlike last year when travelers could wait until the last minute to book at the lowest room rates, hotel rates in destinations including New York, Miami and Washington D.C. are now shooting up closer to check-in. If at all possible, plan your stay for early in the week. Hotel rooms are generally more expensive on Friday and Saturday than they are Sunday through Thursday; plus, Bob adds that many properties offer free-night stays when travelers book a minimum number of room nights.

If you think the rates on the website are cheap, you might be able to lock in even cheaper ones via the phone. By calling the call center at 800-HOTELS 8 (800-468-3578), travelers gain access to unpublished rates typically 10-25% less than those listed on getaroom.com and other travel websites.

In case you didn’t know, the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas, is also one of the world’s top bargain destinations. If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find cheaper rates than those currently offered at many Las Vegas hotels. Luxury Suites at The Signature at MGM Grand, a 5 star property in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, has rooms starting at $92/night. Other Strip hotels including the Sahara Hotel and Casino and Tropicana Las Vegas combine rousing casino action with a wealth of dining and entertainment options for under $30/night.

Bob also highlighted three exceptional hotels on the west coast: the recently renovated Radisson LA Westside Hotel in Culver City, the historic Westin St. Francis in the heart of San Francisco on Union Square, and Cova Hotel, a downtown San Francisco hotel that offers free breakfast and complimentary transportation to Union Square and the Moscone Center.

Great deals are to be had in New York, Boston, Chicago and other fine hot spots. Book now and keep more money in your pocket!

To watch the interview, please play the video below.

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.

New York City: With more than 3 million spectators expected to the line the streets of New York City for the 83rd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as 50 million expected to watch it on TV, this three-hour event is hands down the biggest, most prestigious parade in the nation. Like every year, it is expected to feature helium-contained, animal-shaped balloons, floats and marching bands galore. The parade will begin at 77th Street and Central Park West and end at 7th Avenue and 34th street, marking a 2.65 mile stretch.  Scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., this year’s march will be the first ever in the parade’s 82 year history to bypass Broadway.

If you can’t make it to New York City for Thanksgiving, don’t despair. Other major cities throughout the country play host to popular Thanksgiving parades, including:

Miami: If you’re looking to ring in the holiday season in sunny South Florida, consider being on hand for the Winternational Thanksgiving Day Parade, which marches each year along Northeast 125th Street between 6th and 12th Avenues. The annual celebration entertains spectators with close to 100 colorful floats and marching bands. The event also includes a carnival, exciting rides and live music. While other cities nationwide are already starting to experience freezing temperatures, Miami’s tropical climate will make for warm fun this holiday season.

Chicago: The Windy City might be a lot colder than, say, Miami on Thanksgiving weekend, but don’t let that deter you from heading to State Street and witnessing the 76th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade, which travels from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street. While the turnout is expected to be nothing like that of New York City’s Macy’s parade, approximately 425,000 on-street spectators will be present to gaze out on helium balloons, local and national celebrities, and award-winning marching bands. Bring your sweater and bask in the holiday excitement Chicago-style.

San Diego: Locals and out-of-towners alike would agree that the Annual Mother Goose Parade – scheduled for Sunday, November 22 this year – marks the start of the holiday season in San Diego. The largest parade in San Diego County, the event attracts droves of spectators to the streets of El Cajon. Featuring everything from helium balloons and animated clowns to impressive floats that come in all shapes and sizes, the Mother Goose Parade brings people of all ages together for a fun-filled day of free family entertainment.

Phoenix: If you’re traveling to the Valley of the Sun for Turkey Day Weekend, don’t miss the Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Parade. Boasting the world’s fourth tallest fountain, the hilly town of Fountain Hills offers a marvelous backdrop for what is known as the only Thanksgiving Day Parade held in Arizona. Families will enjoy watching large floats and marching bands as they maneuver their way through the downtown area.

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.

getaroom.com's Twitter Contest winner, Monica, with her daughter Danielle. Used with permission.

getaroom.com is pleased to announce the winner of our first ever Orlando Stay Giveaway Twitter Contest! Her name is Monica (twitter handle: @momtodanielle) and she resides in New York along with her four year old daughter, Danielle. Monica will be taking Danielle on her first trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, where they’ll both enjoy a two night stay at the Regal Sun Resort. The contest ran from August 28, 2009 to September 25, 2009.

We’d like to congratulate Monica and wish both her and Danielle a great time! We would also like to extend a warm thanks to the Regal Sun Resort and everyone who participated in getaroom.com’s Twitter Contest!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news and updates on future promotions and great deals in major cities including Orlando, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Chicago, Paris and London. You can also visit our YouTube Channel and check out weekly videos on travel news and tips from our travel maven, Kate Hall.

Stay tuned for our next blog entry, where we’ll be highlighting Phoenix – the sun-drenched capital of Arizona and our newest hotel destination.

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.

Scorching End-of-Summer Hotel Deals

We’ve also got some great ideas on how to make the most of your remaining summer days. With August winding down, it’s that time of year again when we put away the swimsuits and send the kids off to school. There’s nothing I’ll miss more about summer than having a cold drink at poolside while soaking up some rays. Lucky for us, there’s still enough time to grab a great deal for a last-minute vacation. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe the afternoon away on a pristine beach in Miami, take the kids to Disney World for a fun-filled weekend in Orlando, or spend a few days exploring the sights and sounds of Midtown Manhattan, getaroom.com has hotel deals you’ll want to take advantage of before welcoming in the fall season.

Sizzling Deals in Sin City

I visited Las Vegas for the first time last summer, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The Las Vegas Strip features a bevy of restaurants and casinos, not to mention a pulsing nightlife scene. Of course, what better way to experience the beating pulse of Las Vegas than staying at its famed hotels? The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino has more than 4,000 all-suite accommodations and features 19 restaurants. If you’re thinking of visiting the downtown area, you’ll find 32,000 square feet of casino space and three cocktail lounges at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino. Squeeze in some time to shop at The Fremont Street Experience, which is only one block away from the California Hotel and Casino.

Great Hotel Rates in The Big Apple

It has been unusually cool this summer in New York City, making it a great destination for travelers seeking relief from the summer heat. Great rates are available at the Buckingham Hotel, a stylish boutique property set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. After a busy day at Fifth Avenue, the Paramount Theatre, and other landmark New York attractions, Hotel Metro offers a calm respite with its library and newly redesigned rooftop terrace, from which I was able to take in great views of the Empire State Building. The renovated Belvedere Hotel, another great option in Manhattan, is conveniently within walking distance of Times Square. 

Vacationing in Sunny Florida

One of the best things about living in Florida is being close its beautiful beaches and world-renowned theme parks. South Beach, with its Art Deco buildings, restaurants and nightclubs, stands out as one of my favorite hot spots. And I can’t forget the bevy of great hotels the area has to offer. The Clevelander offers 60 revamped rooms, a rooftop terrace, an Art Deco pool and even an indoor music and dance venue – the 1020 Music Boxx – for those looking to have an end-of-summer party. If you plan on vacationing in Central Florida, the Best Western Orlando Gateway and Radisson Orlando Celebration Resort are great properties in which to relax while being in close proximity to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and other main attractions. Orlando is a must visit for theme park enthusiasts. My kids and I just can’t get enough of these theme parks!

End-of-Summer Savings in Washington D.C.

With a new president in the oval office, there is no better time to tour this historic city. After checking out the Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, choose from a number of great properties including the Capitol Hill Suites.

Now is the time to take advantage of end-of-summer deals in these cities and many others including Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago. Call our reservation line 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 before the summer – and these deals – melt away!

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!