No room at the inn? Part 2

More tips and tricks to finding available hotel rooms:

* Get referred to a competitor

As the sold-out hotels for alternatives. Call the direct hotel number for the hotel and simply ask if they could recommend another nearby hotel that might have vacancies.

Chances are good that they will suggest a comparable hotel, and might even know which of those hotels have rooms. After all, if there's a convention or something in town, you can probably bet that your call is not the first of its kind that they've received.

It makes sense for them to help you. They can't make money off of you on this trip anyway, so why not invest in a little no-cost goodwill that could leave a positive
impression for the next time you blow through town?

DEFINE 'SHORT DRIVE'
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* Call the local experts

Sometimes, calling the local chamber of commerce or tourist bureau ends up being your salvation. They have an overview of the local situation, and it's in their interest to make sure all visitors have a pleasant stay, spend lots of money, and come back again.

Other times, the call is useless. It all really depends on the quality of the local business organizations. I would definitely say it's worth a shot.

* Look past words that end with "otel"

If all the hotels and motels on the booking engines seem to be sold out, but you may want to try finding a room in a bed & breakfast, a hostel, a campground or a small, independent hotel that isn't found on the big sites.

* Language matters

When looking for rooms in tight markets, don't let desperation blind you to red flags.

Look and listen for key phrases that could tip you off to a clone of the Bates Motel or, more likely, a place that is waaay to far from where you want to be.

Hewitt, the Independent Traveler columnist describes them as phrases that "Sound a lot like a pilot on a delayed plane soft-peddling your time on the tarmac."

Tip-off phrases include: "Just a few minutes from", "A short drive to", "A quick ride by car or train". Watch also for "slash" locations. You know, like the Orlando/Miami area.

If they are using vague language to describe proximity to attractions, there's a good chance it is farther than you'd like. ALWAYS use Mapquest before you book.