Need a hotel for your summer vacation or next long weekend? There are great deals to be had -- but you're going to have to work for them.

A recent survey by Consumer Reports of 27,000 subscribers gave high marks to the posh Ritz Carlton. But moderately priced hotels like the Wingate by Wyndham, the Drury Inn and Hampton Inn and Suites scored well, too.

Wherever your summer travels take you, Consumer Reports says you can get a good deal if you know how to ask.

"In most markets there's no reason to pay full price for a hotel room these days," Tod Marks said.

Subscribers surveyed say it pays to haggle. Eighty per cent who tried got a lower room rate or a room upgrade.

Here's how Marks negotiated big savings at the Sheraton Society Hill hotel in Philadelphia.

When he first phone he asked for the best available rate. That initial hotel quote turned out to be $209.

Marks then asked if the hotel offered any discounts, such as an AAA discount.

That dropped the room rate to $177 and it was refundable. But Marks didn't stop there. He then asked what the best available non-refundable rate was and that dropped the price to $159.

That's a good deal but Marks kept going.

"Do you have any limited-time offers?" he asked the reservation agent.

The price wound up at $134, with free parking thrown in.

And Consumer Reports says you can often get an even better deal if you book at discount websites like Hotwire or Priceline.

"The downside is that you don't know the identity of the chain you'll be staying at until after you complete your booking," Marks said.

Turns out that Sheraton Society Hill hotel room on Hotwire went for $109. That's $25 less than the $134 Consumer Reports was able to negotiate and $100 off the original "best available rate" quoted.

This kind of result makes you wonder why two-thirds of people still refuse to haggle for better hotel rates.

You can also learn about promotions and specials offered by different hotels by following the chain on Twitter, or becoming a fan on Facebook.

And if you like a particular chain, sign up for their loyalty program so you can earn free nights, other discounts or upgrades, and even airline miles.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen.