Use the internet.
I have saved a fortune, by booking online for the Tropical Hotel, Manaus.
I found a webite http://www.viverde.com.br/
I managed to get a room for less than US$60, when every other travel company, including the hotel its self, were charging in excess of US$100.
And of course, with the exchange rate being the way it is, I get a room at this supposed 5 star hotel, for under £40. I would be hard pushed to get a deal like this in the UK.

