Skip the travel agencies, now you can handle your own hotel booking online. If you’re worried that you won’t get the same kind of deals that an agency would, just keep these three secrets in mind.

1. Hotels Book Groups of Rooms
Sometimes, the deal you want is sold out for a specific hotel on the dates you want. Don’t worry, you can keep checking other sites and see if there are other rooms to book. Since most hotels offer deals for a limited number of rooms, there may be other blocks of accommodation that are available and you can find these elsewhere.

2. Contact the Hotel
You should always send an email to the hotel after you’ve booked. This lets them know that you are serious about your stay and reduces the chances of being bumped because of overbooking.

3. Read the Fine Print
Most hotel rooms can be cancelled or rescheduled, but make sure you read the fine print before you book your hotel online. Some have pretty strict rules when it comes to cancellations and if you’re not aware of them, you could end up paying quite a bit of extra money.

With hotel booking online, it’s easy to think you’ve found the best deal, but you’ll want to be a discerning shopper when planning your trip. Make sure you’re getting the best hotel for your needs and budget.