From perks to taxes

Some costs to be aware of — plus some more ways to save — at hotels:

Parking Look for free parking since it can cost $15 a night or more at fancy hotels. Portland's Big Deal hotels offer free parking, as do some Seattle Super Saver hotels.

Taxes Taxes aren't included in hotel rates, and they add up. For example, in Vancouver, B.C., taxes add 17 percent to a hotel bill (visitors can apply for a refund of part of that, the federal 7-percent Goods and Services Tax) In Seattle, hotel taxes add 15.6 percent to the bill. In Portland, it's 12.5 percent.

Breakfast Some hotels offer free breakfast, a good way to save. Most serve continental breakfasts, but the Embassy Suites in Portland offers a massive breakfast buffet, so generous you'll hardly need lunch.

More ways to save on hotels

Other discounts Hotels allot a limited number of rooms to discount programs. If none is available, or the hotel you want to stay in isn't a part of such programs, try these techniques:

Other discounts Many hotels offer discounts to members of AAA (American Automobile Association) and AARP (American Association of Retired Persons). Always ask — and try just asking for the lowest rate available in case there's a special.

Check the Web Once you've settled on a hotel and been quoted a price, double-check the hotel's Web site since last-minute specials sometimes are posted. Comparison-shop on online hotel-reservation sites, but be aware there may be booking fees.

Talk to a person If booking with a chain hotel, get a room rate through its general reservations line then call the hotel directly. Individual hotel staff may have more leeway and inclination to offer a lower rate if the hotel has lots of space. If you can't get a lower rate, see if you can get parking included or a room upgrade.

Deals at new hotels close to home

Like to try out new hotels? Seattle's Hotel Max and the Westin Bellevue opened this fall. While they're not part of the Seattle Super Saver program, they are offering some discounted introductory rates.

Hotel Max The downtown Seattle hotel, which opened in mid-October, promptly won honorable mention in the International Interior Design Association's annual awards. Hotel Max is art-oriented, featuring the work of established and emerging Seattle artists and photographers throughout the hotel's 163 rooms and hallways. Rates start at $119 a night for now; next year that will increase to $159. The Max, formerly the Vance Hotel, is at 620 Stewart. 866-833-6299 or www.hotelmaxseattle.com

Westin Bellevue The 337-room Westin Bellevue opened earlier this month; the hotel is part of the glitzy new Lincoln Square complex in Bellevue. An introductory rate starts at $119 for weekend stays (with some blackout dates and a limited supply of rooms) from now until Jan. 7. 425-638-1000.