to home Some hotels offer seasonally based discounts for locals, with savings of up to 30 per cent if you book in winter. "We also do some great offerings in the restaurant that provide excellent value-adds to the dining experience," Mantra Hotels and Resorts marketing director Ken Minnikin says. He says properties in Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, North Queensland and Lorne in Victoria offered such deals. 6 Bid for your room at auction Australia's largest auction house, Grays Online, offers Australians the chance to bid for hotel rooms via its website graysescape.com. Hotels are able to fill empty rooms via controlled discounting, with guests able to score discounts of up to 20 per cent by negotiating directly with the property. 7 Book early The earlier you book, the more you'll save, according to Anderson. She says Best Western guarantees if you book its advance rate at least 30 days ahead, you'll save at least 10 per cent off the best available rate for the day. "Most hotels operate on a dynamic pricing model these days, which means that as demand increases, so does the rate," InterContinental Hotels Group Australasia's Anne Gill says. "Booking a minimum of three weeks out increases the chances of getting a more attractive rate." 8 Use a travel agent Travel agents have access to more rooms, rates and availability than you do. They can also work faster and more efficiently than you trawling through sites looking for deals. 9 Stay on a Sunday Booking on a