Advice on getting October hotel bargains?
 

We're from the UK and will be staying in places as we travel down from San Francisco to LA, with a trip to Vegas, the last two weeks of October - which I presume is low season. Any advice on getting good hotel deals? If I contact hotels directly, are the rates they quote for October likely to be the same as if I book much nearer the time? Many thanks!

Don't expect too much in the way of bargains. Fall is the best time of year along the coast - the best weather of the year is usually Sept/Oct.

Things won't be as crowded as in high summer simply because there are fewer families traveling. But things will not be empty either. Some properties might loosen up a bit on their 2-night minimums, but few will slash their rates.

In San Francisco October is high season. Maybe you can make a reservation that can be cancelled if you find a better rate? Check hotels' websites, also Expedia, Quikbook, Hotels.com

In Vegas the same, but sign up with each hotel as a member (similar to Fodor's registration, no obligations) - there the hotel rates go down 2-3 months in advance, but October may be a busy month.

For flights in-between check out Southwest airlines. The other San Francisco airpot is Oakland, the price may be much lower.

"low" season for Vegas is July ,August because it is so darn HOT..Sometimes Jan will better...
On the west coast--CA,WA,OR. I have found last few years --don't get many bargins untill Nov (skip Dec..)Jan, Feb March. BUT even these months- weekend rates will be higher than weekdays..
Also so many retired people wait untill after summer rush to travel..

Just another point about October not being low season on the CA coast, many Californians [well I can only speak of Northern CAs] wait until Sept/October to travel in our own state. Better weather, less or no fog on the coast and less tourists, and a big plus for me, less kids.