When a lot of people need a room at the same time it can be difficult to book one. Some motels and hotels stop answering the phone. By using one of the national hotel booking services you can simply ask for a room in a specific city and they can see what they have. In a lot of cases one can get a discount. Also note that in some cases you are going to pay for all the nights you reserve so plan wisely.
After you book a room you might want to call the motel or hotel to verify that you have the room. Note that some calling cards stop trying to connect after perhaps 7 rings so a cell phone would be useful for making such a call.
Travelocity
http://www.Travelocity.com
1-888-872-8356
Hotwire
http://www.Hotwire.com
1-866-468-9473
Hotels
http://www.hotels.com
1-800-219-4606
Expedia
http://www.expedia.com
1-800-397-3342
Orbitz
http://www.Orbitz.com
1-888-656-4546
BestWestern
http://www.bestwestern.com
1-800-780-7234
Hilton
http://www.hilton.com
1-800-774-1500