they will beat any other advertised price on their branded websites. The Starwood Hotels and Resorts group, for example, ensures if you find a lower published rate within 24 hours of booking, you can submit a best rate guarantee claim and they will honour the lower rate. They will also give you an extra 10 per cent discount or 2000 Starpoints. You may also avoid extra fees and charges by booking direct. 3 Book a "secret hotel" The "secret hotels" concept, introduced into the Australian market by lastminute.com.au five years ago, allows savings of up to 70 per cent for travellers who are willing to book a hotel without knowing its name or exact address until the deal is confirmed. The great rates mean people who wouldn't normally splurge on a luxury hotel room can afford a 5-star hotel stay on a 3-star budget, while hotels fill rooms that might otherwise stay empty without damaging their brand. 4 Follow your favourite hotel group on Facebook or Twitter and subscribe to newsletters Many hotel groups give 24 to 48 hours' notice of upcoming sales to people who follow them on social networking websites. Signing up to receive newsletters via email is another great way to get exclusive offers and advance warning about upcoming sales. "Special promotions and packages are often released first to our database, giving them the opportunity to snap up specials in peak times," Best Western Australasia's general manager of sales and marketing Kimi Anderson says. 5 Stay close