I always like to find the lowest possible price for accommodation, so I’m a big fan of the HotelsCombined price comparison site which searches the databases of more than 30 accommodation suppliers to find the best rate. Recently HotelsCombined found great deals on two occasions for me.

I was looking for a double room in Perthshire for a two night Autumn weekend break in October and found the three star Quality Hotel in the centre of the Scottish town of Perth for only 109 euro (£85) for the two nights through the accommodation supplier Book in Hotels. The hotel is opposite Perth rail station. The room was good apart from some stains on the wallpaper. The bathroom had an enormous Victorian bath with the biggest taps I’ve ever seen. The breakfast was wonderful, a lovely spread of fresh fruit, selection of cold meats and a hot buffet but there was confusion over the hours of service for breakfast.

The Leith Waterfront Express by Holiday Inn in Edinburgh was an amazing 105 euro (£83) for three nights, (only £28 a night) in November 2009 for a double room including continental breakfast, booked through Hotel Board. Initially it looked as though Skoosh offered the lowest rate but Skoosh proceeded to add £7 in taxes and charges to the original price which meant that Hotel Board had the lowest inclusive price. That’s around £28 a night for a comfortable room for two. The hotel is a couple of miles from the city centre (which means free parking) but it’s opposite the Ocean Terminal shopping and leisure centre, where the Royal Yatch Britannia is berthed, and a short walk to from several restaurants, pubs and cafes. The room was comfortable but lacked adequate sound proofing as we could hear a conversation from the neighbouring room one morning, although it was quiet during the night. The self service continental breakfast was good.

The cheapest rates may be quoted in euro or US dollars.  As ever it’s always worth checking the hotel’s own site as sometimes you can find a cheaper rate there but HotelsCombined usually finds the lowest rate.