Came across a "last minute" hotel booking service, "ratestogo.com". I checked a few of their deals on hotels I have used and some of the offers look pretty good. I would be interested to know how the offers look to you for hotels with which are familiar. Has anyone had success in getting significant reductions dealing directly with the hotel on "last minute" stays?. Thanks

Yes, I've had good results now and then, but you need to cross-compare sites. Also check www.hotelscombined.com and www.laterooms.com .

ratestogo.com is connected to www.hotelclub.com which does longer-term reservations. In turn, they are run by Orbitz.
Internet travel resources are consolidating fast. Expedia.com's corporate presence on TripAdvisor seems particularly obvious.

I've booked with ratestogo.com with good success. They saved me a bundle on a hotel in Singapore once, but be sure to look at their cancellation polices and whether or not their rates include tax (and breakfast).

You might take a look at www.wotif.com too.

I use http://www.booking.com/
It has trusted reviews too, as the reviewer has had to have booked and stayed at the accommodation.