It’s getting desperate in hotel land. Across the country hoteliers are facing up to the facts: rooms are empty, occupancy rates have plummeted and business in general is terribly slow.

All the talk of “staycations” may be holding true for self-catering apartments and camping sites, but not for hotels — even upmarket ones.

Summer sales are on offer almost everywhere, with tourism officials having to admit that although tough economic times mean that more people are holidaying at home, few can afford hotels in Britain.

This is despite prices for a night falling by almost 9 per cent this year in the months up to May, according to the British Hospitality Association.

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There have been even more cuts since then. “Hotels are clearly under pressure,” a BHA spokesman said. “That’s why there are so many special deals about. I’ve never seen so many. They are trying to get you through the door ... and perhaps spend a bit of money on a bottle of wine when you do.”

One five-star hotel manager, who asked not to be named, told Times Travel: “If we don’t fill rooms we will end up in big trouble. We’ve got no choice.”

Websites are full of bargains, with lots of places offering two nights for the price of one, while others have simply slashed lead-in rates.

During a trawl of hotel sites this week we found prices cut by as much as 58 per cent, with a third off quite normal. Most chains, from swanky groups such as Elite Hotels to Hilton and Premier Inn, have created “Summer Spectacular” sections with old prices crossed out and new July and August rates marked.

The best deals are available for those who stay two or more nights. The absolute cheapest cover Sunday nights, traditionally offering lower prices, but now almost being given away at some properties. Our advice is to check the internet price and then call the hotel, especially if it is independently owned, and haggle.

See if the price can be knocked down, ask for breakfast to be included, and if it will not budge, ask for a room upgrade. The later you leave it (even on the day itself), the better the chances of a deal, as hoteliers know that the room may otherwise be empty.

Here’s our guide to some of the best offers out there

Correct at the time of going to press, for double rooms in August.

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