When it comes to travel, accommodations often make up a significant portion of your overall travel budget. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or planning a month-long adventure, hotel costs can quickly add up.
However, with a little planning and strategy, you can enjoy comfortable stays without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of tips and tricks to help you save money on hotels without sacrificing quality.
1. Book Early (or Last Minute)
Timing is key when booking a hotel room. Traditionally, the best deals are found by booking well in advance.
Here’s why:
Early Bird Discounts: Many hotels offer discounts for guests who book months ahead of time. This is especially true for chain hotels or larger resorts that aim to fill their rooms early.
However, there’s also an argument for booking your hotel at the last minute:
Last-Minute Discounts: Some hotel booking platforms offer last-minute deals at a discount, especially for rooms that haven’t been filled as the date of your stay rapidly approaches. Booking last-minute could be a great strategy if you’re flexible with your travel date and destinations.
To find the best deal, it’s important to compare early booking rates with last-minute options to see which suits your needs best. You can also use tools like Expedia.com, Google Travel, Kayak, or similar services to track prices over time and book your stay when prices are at their lowest.
2. Use Hotel Booking Websites and Apps
In today’s digital age, booking hotels has never been easier thanks to a variety of online platforms. Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and similar websites and apps allow you to compare prices across numerous hotels in your destination. These types of platforms often have exclusive deals that you can’t find directly on the hotel’s website.
Additionally, some apps like HotelTonight specialize in offering last-minute discounts, often at up to 60% off the standard rate.
A few key tips when using booking websites:
Set price alerts: Many booking platforms allow you to set alerts for your desired hotel or destination to notify you when there are price drops.
Check for coupons and promo codes: Look for promotional codes or discounts offered by these websites and apps. Sometimes, special offers are available through email subscriptions or memberships.
Consider memberships: Some hotel booking sites offer membership programs (like Hotels.com Rewards) that allow you to earn points with each booking, which can be redeemed for free nights at hotels.
3. Consider Alternative Accommodations
While hotels are the most traditional form of accommodation, there are several alternatives that can offer significant savings.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals: Renting an apartment, house, or even a room in someone’s home can often be cheaper than booking a hotel, especially for longer stays. Additionally, you may have access to a kitchen, which can allow you to cook meals and save money versus dining out.
Hostels: If you’re traveling on a tight budget and don’t mind sharing a room with others, hostels can be an extremely affordable option. Many hostels offer private rooms at lower rates than hotels, and they often provide a more social atmosphere.
Couchsurfing: For the ultimate budget-friendly option, you can stay with locals for free using platforms like Couchsurfing. While it’s not for everyone, this can be a great way to save money and make new connections.
Motels and Inns: Don’t forget about motels and small inns, which are often much cheaper than large hotels, yet still offer you the basic amenities.
4. Consider Hotels Outside the City Center
Hotel prices in city centers tend to be much higher than those in the surrounding areas. If you’re willing to commute a little bit, staying outside the main tourist areas can save you a significant amount of money.
Look for hotels in residential neighborhoods or near public transportation hubs. The savings you’ll make on the room rate can often outweigh the small cost of a metro or bus ride into the main area of the city.
If you’re visiting a major city, areas just outside the center can offer a quieter, more local experience as well, giving you a break from the hustle and bustle of the tourist hotspots and the crowds.
5. Use Loyalty Programs and Hotel Rewards
If you travel frequently, it’s worth signing up for hotel loyalty programs. Chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt offer rewards programs that let you earn points for each stay, which can eventually be redeemed for free nights or upgrades.
Many of these programs also offer members-only discounts, special offers, and early access to sales.
For those who don’t travel often enough to accumulate points, consider booking through a credit card that offers travel perks. Many credit cards offer cashback, travel rewards, or points that can be used for hotel stays, helping you save some money in the long run.
6. Negotiate Your Rate
Many travelers don’t realize that hotel rates can be negotiated, especially if you’re booking directly with the hotel. If you’re staying for multiple nights or visiting during a less busy time, try calling the hotel and asking them for a better rate.
You might also be able to get additional perks like free parking, breakfast, or Wi-Fi if you negotiate with the hotel directly.
It helps to call during off-peak hours, such as in the early afternoon, when the front desk manager has more flexibility to accommodate your requests.
7. Check for Discounts
Before booking a hotel, check if there are any discounts available to you.
There are many ways to score a great deal on your hotel:
AAA or AARP Memberships: These types of organizations often offer discounts at participating hotels, which can range from 10-20% off the regular rate and sometimes more.
Government or Military Discounts: Many hotels offer discounts to government employees or members of the military. Be sure to inquire about these offers when making a reservation if they apply to you.
Corporate or Group Rates: If you’re traveling for business, see if your company has a partnership with any hotel chains or if they offer corporate rates. Additionally, if you’re booking for a group, you may be able to negotiate a group discount with the hotel.
8. Take Advantage of Package Deals
Many travel booking websites will offer package deals that bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals together at a discounted price. If you’re planning to book all three of these then combining them into a package could save you a considerable amount of money.
Similarly, some credit card companies, airlines, and hotel chains offer packages that include a hotel stay as part of a vacation package, sometimes including excursions, meals, activities or other perks.
9. Check for Hidden Fees
When booking a hotel, make sure to read all the fine print and check for any additional fees. Some hotels charge resort fees, parking fees, or Wi-Fi fees, which can add a significant amount of money to your overall cost.
When comparing hotels, make sure to factor in these extra charges to help you avoid any surprises when you check out.
Look for hotels that offer free amenities like breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, or shuttle service to local attractions. These extra perks can significantly reduce your overall travel expenses.
10. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons and Dates
Traveling during peak seasons, such as holidays or school vacation periods, can lead to inflated hotel prices. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, try to avoid these high-demand periods.
Instead, travel during the shoulder season (just before or after peak season), when prices tend to be lower, and you can still enjoy great weather and fewer crowds.
11. Book Flexible Dates
Some hotel booking platforms allow you to adjust your dates for a lower rate. Traveling during weekdays rather than weekends, or adjusting your stay by a night or two, can often help you find cheaper rates and save money.
Additionally, if your schedule is flexible, you can look at a few different options to see if staying on certain dates offers you a better deal.
Conclusion
Saving money on hotels doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice comfort or quality. With a little research, planning, and some flexibility, you can secure affordable accommodations and make the most of your travel budget.
Whether you choose to book early, take advantage of rewards programs, or consider alternative accommodation options, there are plenty of ways to keep your hotel costs in check without compromising your travel experience.
Happy travels!
