Although I prefer to stay at an Airbnb when I travel, here are my advices for getting the best possible hotel room at a good price.
When I know where I'm going and that I want to stay in a hotel, I first search for a price on Priceline, TravelPony, Expedia and simmilar sites.
I use these sites to find the kind of hotel I am looking for. That usually means at least 4 stars and no included breakfast. (I like to eat breakfast at local places, different place every day and something more exciting than what the hotels can offer.)
(A hotel in Bergen, Norway.)
Then I email or call the hotel, and ask what the price would be for the given days, and if that is lower than on the booking pages, I book it through the hotel via email or phone. I also make sure to ask for a room with the best possible view.
This has worked well for me several times, and the price is often a lot better than online or the hotels website.
When I check in, I usually also ask for the best possible room. If you don't ask then you are for sure not going to get it.
Oh, and always treat the hotel staff with respect and be nice to the front desk. That can get you a long way :)
Susanne