Chain hotels frequently offer (but don’t frequently advertise) discounts for veterans, members of AAA and AARP, and employees of a large corporation or the government; inquire about discounts when you call for a reservation.
If you find yourself checking in late—after dinnertime, when most guests have already been assigned rooms—ask whether you can have an upgrade at the same rate. A stay of just one or two nights can also improve your odds of scoring a bigger room or one with a nicer view.
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