Choice Privileges members can save 15 to 20 percent on advance, prepaid bookings at ChoiceHotels.com. At participating hotels, Choice Privileges members who select the Advance Purchase Rate when booking can take advantage of the discount by reserving and paying for the room in advance. The reservation must be made either 7, 14, 21 or 30 days in advance. Your credit card will be charged for the total reservation within 24-48 hours of booking and there are no refunds if the reservations are cancelled or changed. Members will earn points or miles for these discounted stays.

Bottom line: We searched for a stay at the newly opened Comfort Inn at the Harbor in San Diego for dates in August. The average best available rate was $106.62 while the average advance purchase rate for the same dates was $85.29–a difference of 20 percent. The AAA rate was $95.95 so the advance rate is still a better deal. As they say, “your mileage may vary,” but this is what we found. Keep in mind, however, that there are no refunds if your plans change.