New apps to save money on last-minute hotels

If you're far from an advance planner, there's a new feature as part of Priceline's app that could save you up to 35% on hotel bookings that same night.

The new Tonight-Only Deals feature on the app, available on iPhone and iTouch, is the latest addition to the free Priceline Negotiator app. Unlike the normal Priceline thing, you know the name of the hotel before you book with Tonight-Only Deals. The app simply helps deliver what Priceline says will be up to 35 percent savings at the last minute. (Some of the media reports I’ve read have cast doubt on that number, so you’ll have to judge for yourself.)

Another app that offers similar last-minute booking deals and is available for both Android and iOS devices is called HotelTonight.

In addition to these two apps, so many websites can save you on hotels. One such site is a free members-only portal called SniqueAway.com.

This site offers deals on profiled resorts, hotels and destinations and you have so many days to book. If you're a registered member, you can click on their calendar and it will show you what dates the special you're interested in will be available. That eliminates the frustration of calling a hotel up and finding there are blackout dates.

In addition, I like QuikBook.com when I'm staying in one of the major metropolitan areas.

And then there are always the old standbys: If you are willing to book nonrefundable and not find out until after you book where you're staying, I get at least 80 or 90 percent of my bookings through Priceline and Hotwire. They save me a fortune. Just be sure to only bid for hotels that are four stars or higher. You're asking for it if you bid below three stars!

Most expensive cities for hotel stays

Meanwhile, I saw a new tally of the most expensive cities for hotel stays in the country, according to research group TravelCLICK. At the top of the list is New York City, which has an average nightly hotel rate for a double room of $446!

When it comes to New York hotel rooms, I recommend you stay in Long Island City, which is directly across the East River in Queens. A lot of new hotels have been built in this area over the last five years, and you're a six or seven minute subway ride away from the city.

The difference is that Long Island City hotels tend to be from $110 to $175. Sure, the formerly industrial neighborhood is a little drab, but it puts you right there on the cusp on Manhattan.

Here are the other most expensive cities for hotel stays in the country. Remember, these are averages; some people will pay more, others will pay less:

• San Francisco -- just under $250/night
• Miami -- over $230
• Boston -- $215
• Washington, D.C. -- $203