Hotels are slashing rates to entice customers. If you know where to look, it’s possible to grab five-star places at a fraction of the cost.
This is a full checklist of one-off promotions. For a step-by-step guide to permanently getting the cheapest hotel prices, see the Cheap Hotels guide.
Full DOs and DON'Ts
Whether it's a retailer or restaurateur, airline or air-conditioner seller, computer shop or car rental company, there are always two main risks. Either it's a dodgy company, or it's a legit company that has financial problems and goes bust.
The aim of these tips is to help you minimise the risks.
Quite simply, its customers are immediately transformed into creditors. This hits hardest if you've ordered goods or tickets from them, and not had delivery, as then you become one of a line of people trying to get your money back out of the company's assets, and you usually get back much less than you paid in.
Even if you've had delivery, if the company you bought from goes under and there's a problem with the goods, it can mean you've no comeback.
While MoneySavingExpert.com endeavours to check deals are valid, we don't check companies ' finances. Even huge names like MFI and Woolies have folded, so it's very important you use the right strategies to stay protected where possible.

If you search using the postcode or location of a Premier Inn, it automatically shows you the nearest hotel. However, change the 'sort by' toggle to 'lowest price' and you can find the best bargains in that area.
If location isn't crucial, it can be cheaper to stay in a nearby hotel. For example, we found prices at two Manchester city centre Premier Inns varied drastically. While one had rooms for £48 a night, less than half a mile away, rooms were going for £29.
We've done our checks and the prices in this offer stack up. However, even after the 75% discount, you may still be able to get rooms cheaper elsewhere. So, as always, you should carry out price comparisons on Trivago and TravelSupermarket to be sure you're getting the best deal.
YHA (a charity providing youth hostel accommodation in England and Wales) is offering two day breaks for young people between the ages of 18 and 26 starting from £15 a night until Sun 14 Jul 2013.
There are 21 hostels to choose from, listed under categories such as adventure, escape, and culture, incl locations in Sherwood Forest, Wye Valley and South Downs. The hostels range from gothic mansions, purpose-built youth hostels, former hunting lodges and farms as well as a 600-year old Dominican friary near Hull.
If you're prepared to get into the hostel spirit and stay in a shared room, most room nights are available for £15, though some venues start at £18 or £29 a night and you'll pay more for a private room. There's a minimum stay of two nights and these must be taken consecutively.
To book, fill in the online form (or text LIVE to 88008) and YHA will call you back, or phone 01629 592 700. What's more, there's free 48hr wifi at 11 hostels when you book, see 'More info' for the list.
Hostels aren't for everyone, and for some they may provoke images of cold showers, paper thin bed-sheets and hoards of hardy backpackers. Often though, this view is dated, with many hostels now offering family rooms, double beds and even free wifi.
You might be able to find cheaper rooms out there, but we've heard good things about YHA hostels, with some like Boggle Hole, achieving certificates of excellence on Trip Advisor.
Find the best online rate for holiday cash with MSE's TravelMoneyMax.
Find the best online rate for your holiday cash with MoneySavingExpert's TravelMoneyMax.