"they practically give them away in comparison to winter rates!"
 

This phrase stuck a chord with me. Where are the best "off season rates"--anywhere, anytime.

Of course it is "struck' a chord.

Vegas because it's so hot...weekday rates very low July & Aug & some of Sept.

Mountain ski areas in places like New Hampshire, if there is no lake nearby, some of them are discounted heavily after ski season.

Big city airport areas are often heavily discounted on weekends throughout the year. For instance, if you're on a tight budget...San Fran airport you can get decent rates of $59 to $89 at great hotels many weekends of the year...and SFO now has decent public transp right into the city. Book on hotwire.com choosing airport, or become a member at entertainment.com. With membership we recently got a room for the weekend at a decent Best Western in Salt Lake City for $35 on Fri Sat & Sun.

Chicago in winter. They have specials called "Winter Delights" in Jan.& Feb.

Actually it is great downtown then, live entertainment etc. all much less crowded. Hotels deal out there and great
You also can ice skate right in the Loop.

March has some good rates as well.

I received an email from Marriott Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage (Palm Springs) $65 mid-week in summer, goes for $229 in spring. Avg temp is 105 June-Aug.