Check the major hotel chains:

Unlike some waste-of-time sites with outdated or unavailable hotel rooms at low rates, TravelNow.com and TravelWeb.com both get high marks for accurate prices. Or try the big three -- Travelocity, Expedia, and Preview Travel -- all have features that let you check rates and availability for specific travel dates.

In search of a romantic diversion rather than a room near the airport, click Choice B&B Guide to get find info, pix and contact numbers or the online version of Pamela Lanier's B&B Guide. Neither have online reservation service yet.

The Great American Inns Directory of B&B Guides lists dozens of specialized guides.

Ditch the Marriot and go native. You can rent castles to cottages in six European countries at Country Cottages. Be prepared to part with some cash to live like a Merchant and Ivory princess even for just a week.

Italy Villa Vacations offers all types of properties in most parts of Italy.

The Oregon-based affiliate of the French Institute for Languages and Services - French Home Rentals handles short- or long-term rentals in France and French territories like Guadeloupe.

"Just save me money." All righty-then -- click here to check out our discount travel section.