Want a hotel for just a couple of hours, such as to freshen up before an important meeting, and wondering if you can get a lower rate since you won't be spending the night? Uncomfortable about the hotel staff thinking that you have some sleazy purpose when you make such a request? The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Lesley Carlin fields a question from a reader asking just that. She answers,

It doesn't hurt to call the hotel and ask. If you explain your situation the exact way you did in your question, it won't seem sleazy at all. If the hotel is not full, they might be happy to work out something with you.

Further, she advises, check hotels near airports.

Many of them offer day rates as a matter of course.