Anyone can book the cheapest hotel rooms—but not everyone can save big while doing it. Travel like a genius with these 12 hotel hacks that will help you save money on your next stay, from lowering the nightly rate to avoiding surcharges for Wi-Fi.
Key Takeaways
- Booking directly with the hotel can often get you the lowest possible rate and additional perks.
- Using price comparison websites helps you find the best deals but be cautious of ads and hidden fees.
- Last-minute deals can offer significant savings if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
- Bidding for your room can result in substantial discounts, though you won’t know the hotel until after booking.
- Hotel loyalty programs, credit card rewards, and employer discounts can all contribute to lowering your overall costs.
Book Directly with the Hotel
Booking directly with the hotel can often save you money and provide additional perks. Many hotels guarantee the lowest possible rate on their website, so it’s worth checking there first. If you find a lower price elsewhere, don’t hesitate to call the hotel and ask if they will match it. Many chains will not only match lower prices elsewhere on the web but also throw in extras such as a free night or a gift card toward future travel.
Use Price Comparison Websites
When it comes to booking hotel rooms, comparing prices across different websites is a must. You might think it’s a no-brainer, but trust me, it can make a huge difference. Start with popular sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline to get an overview of hotels in your desired area. But don’t stop there—dig deeper and research those hotels on your own. Sometimes, booking directly on the hotel’s website can get you a better deal.
Compare Multiple Sites
How you book your reservation can make a big difference in costs. Start with sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline.com to get an overview of hotels in your desired area, but don’t rely on them to give you the full picture. Go on to research those hotels on your own. Search for promotion codes and perks such as free parking, breakfast, or WiFi. And don’t neglect a hotel’s own website. Some chains promise the best rate when you book via their site.
Watch Out for Ads
Click on the “view prices” button for a hotel and you’ll be presented with all your booking options. Find the lowest price and head to that website. Just keep in mind that the top results are usually ads, so scroll down to make sure you aren’t missing out on any deals.
Check for Hidden Fees
Before you actually book the room, there are a couple of other tips you need to know about to ensure you get the best price possible. Always check for hidden fees that might not be included in the initial price. These can include resort fees, parking fees, or WiFi charges. Make sure to factor these into your total cost to avoid any surprises.
Take Advantage of Last-Minute Deals
Booking a hotel at the last minute can be a bit of a gamble, but it can also lead to some amazing deals. If you’re flexible and willing to take the risk, you might just score a great room at a fraction of the price.
Use Apps for Last-Minute Bookings
There are several apps out there that specialize in last-minute hotel deals. Apps like HotelTonight and One:Night are perfect for finding cheap hotel rooms on short notice. Even sites like Hotels.com and Hotwire list deals for just a day or two in advance. These apps can help you snag a room at a great price, but remember, this strategy might not work during peak times like holidays or big events.
Check Hotel Websites
Sometimes, the best last-minute deals can be found directly on the hotel’s website. Hotels often have special offers or discounts that aren’t listed on third-party sites. It’s always worth a quick search to see if you can find a better deal by booking directly.
Be Flexible with Dates
Flexibility is key when it comes to last-minute bookings. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you’ll have a better chance of finding a great deal. Hotels are more likely to offer discounts on unsold rooms, so if you can adjust your plans by a day or two, you might find a much better rate.
Last-minute bookings can be a high-risk, high-reward strategy. If you’re willing to take the chance, you could end up with a fantastic deal on a great room. Just be sure to keep an eye on demand and be ready to book quickly if you see a good offer.
Bid for Your Room
Booking sites like Priceline provide the option to bid for your room, letting you select the neighborhood and star level you’re interested in to set competing prices. Similar to “secret” rooms, you won’t know the hotel until after you’ve booked, but you will be able to set your budget. Additionally, sites like BiddingTraveler.com can help you determine a bid that’s not too high or low by looking at recent bookings and savings.
Book ‘Secret’ Hotel Rooms
Booking a “secret” hotel room can be a thrilling way to save money on your stay. These rooms are typically sold at a reduced rate when hotels haven’t yet filled their accommodations. The catch? You won’t know the exact hotel until after you’ve made your reservation. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right? Savings can top 60%, making it a gamble worth taking for the budget-conscious traveler.
Negotiate Your Rate
Once you know the lay of the land, select a few favorites and pick up the phone. Tell the hotel the price you found via other sites and see if they can beat it. Don’t be shy—sometimes just asking can lead to significant savings.
Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Joining hotel loyalty programs is a no-brainer if you want to save on your stays. Loyalty programs are about more than just racking up miles and points to redeem later. They often offer discounts on hotel stays when you book directly through their channels. This can save you quite a bit of money.
Sign Up for Free
Most hotel loyalty programs are free to join. Popular hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt have their own programs that offer various perks. You can start earning points from your very first stay.
Accumulate Points
Points can be earned and redeemed in a number of ways. Whether it’s through stays, dining, or even using a co-branded credit card, the points add up quickly. The experience snowballs to even more perks when you earn elite status.
Redeem for Discounts
Once you’ve accumulated enough points, you can redeem them for free nights or other rewards. Some programs even offer exclusive discounts to members, making your stays even cheaper.
We’ve rounded up some opportunities to earn bonus points and discounts through the major hotel loyalty programs. Check out these current hotel promotions.
Look for Employer Discounts
If you work for a large company, there’s a good chance your employer offers travel discounts. These can come through direct bargains or programs like PlumBenefits. If you’re not sure where to start, pull up the benefits literature from your employer, go to HR, or ask your most in-the-know colleague. You might be surprised at the savings you can find!
Use Credit Card Rewards
Choose the Right Card
When it comes to booking hotel rooms, not all credit cards are created equal. You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers flexibility, point transfers, and a large bonus. The next time you make a hotel reservation, see if any of these pointers can put some extra cash in your wallet.
Redeem Points for Stays
Once you’ve accumulated enough points, it’s time to redeem them for free or discounted hotel stays. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you plan your trips around your points balance. Just make sure to check the hotel’s website for any restrictions or blackout dates.
Look for Bonus Offers
Many credit cards offer bonus points for certain types of spending, including travel. Keep an eye out for these offers and take advantage of them whenever possible. This can help you accumulate points faster and get more value out of your credit card.
Travel During Off-Peak Times
One of the best ways to snag a cheap hotel room is to travel during off-peak times. This means avoiding the rush and planning your trips when fewer people are traveling. Trust me, it makes a huge difference in price and availability.
Avoid Holidays
Holidays are peak travel times, and hotel prices can skyrocket. If you can, plan your trips around major holidays to get the best rates. For example, instead of traveling during Christmas or New Year’s, consider going a week before or after. You’ll find that prices are much more reasonable.
Book Mid-Week Stays
A general rule is to avoid booking hotels at the beginning of the week, say Monday-Wednesday, as this is a peak time people are planning their trips so there’s less availability and higher prices. Instead, aim for mid-week stays. Downtown hotels that draw lots of business travelers may be more affordable on the weekends once the suits have cleared out. Meanwhile, cozy B&Bs that specialize in romantic weekend getaways typically offer lower rates during the week. Time your booking accordingly to save.
Check Local Events
Before you book, always check if there are any local events happening in the area. Conferences, festivals, and other events can cause a spike in hotel prices. If you can be flexible with your dates, try to avoid these times. Apps and websites often list local events, so a quick search can save you a lot of money.
Timing your booking can make a huge difference in your travel budget. Be smart about when you book, and you’ll find that you can save a lot of money on your hotel stays.
Stay Outside the City Center
Staying in the heart of the city typically costs more. Save a few bucks by staying away from the city center, but near public transportation for easy downtown access. This way, you can still enjoy all the city has to offer without the hefty price tag.
Explore Nearby Neighborhoods
Sometimes, the best experiences are found off the beaten path. Nearby neighborhoods often have their own unique charm and can offer a more authentic experience. Plus, you’ll likely find cheaper dining and entertainment options.
Use Public Transportation
One of the perks of staying outside the city center is the opportunity to use public transportation. It’s usually more affordable than taxis or ride-shares and can give you a better feel for the city. Just make sure to check the schedules so you don’t get stranded!
Compare Amenities
When you’re looking at hotels outside the city center, don’t forget to compare amenities. Some hotels might offer free breakfast, parking, or even shuttle services to popular attractions. These perks can add up to significant savings and make your stay more enjoyable.
One of the most effective ways to save money on hotel accommodation expenses is by signing up for hotel rewards programs. Many hotel chains offer rewards that can be used for free nights or upgrades, making your stay even more affordable.
Sign Up for Deal Alerts
Use Travel Deal Websites
One of the best ways to snag a great hotel deal is by signing up for travel deal websites. These sites often have exclusive offers and discounts that you won’t find anywhere else. Join millions of travelers who already use Travelzoo!
Set Up Email Alerts
Don’t forget to set up email alerts for your favorite travel deal websites. This way, you’ll be the first to know about any new deals or discounts. It’s like having a personal travel assistant who keeps an eye out for the best offers for you.
Follow Social Media Accounts
Many travel deal websites and hotels post their best deals on social media. Follow them on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay updated. Sometimes, they even offer special discounts to their followers.
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Conclusion
Booking the cheapest hotel rooms doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a bit of savvy and the right strategies, you can save a significant amount on your next stay. From booking directly with the hotel to bidding for your room, there are numerous hacks to ensure you get the best deal possible. Don’t forget to compare prices, look for last-minute deals, and even call the front desk to negotiate your rate. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a hotel booking pro. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of booking directly with a hotel?
Booking directly with a hotel can often get you the lowest possible rate, as hotels avoid paying commissions to third-party sites. Additionally, hotels may offer exclusive perks such as free nights or gift cards for future travel.
How can I use price comparison websites effectively?
To use price comparison websites effectively, compare prices across multiple sites, watch out for ads that may not offer the best deals, and check for any hidden fees before making a booking.
Are last-minute hotel deals worth it?
Yes, last-minute hotel deals can be worth it if you are flexible with your travel dates. Apps and hotel websites often offer significant discounts on rooms that haven’t been booked yet.
How do bidding sites for hotel rooms work?
Bidding sites like Priceline allow you to bid for hotel rooms by selecting the neighborhood and star level you’re interested in. You can set your budget and look at recent bids to make an informed decision.
What are ‘secret’ hotel rooms?
‘Secret’ hotel rooms are discounted rooms that hotels sell when they haven’t been filled. You won’t know the exact accommodations until you book, but the savings can be substantial.
Can I negotiate my hotel rate?
Yes, you can often negotiate your hotel rate by calling the hotel directly, mentioning competitor prices, and asking for additional perks such as free breakfast or parking.
How do hotel loyalty programs work?
Hotel loyalty programs allow you to accumulate points for each stay, which can then be redeemed for discounts, free nights, or other perks. Signing up is usually free and can lead to significant savings over time.
What are the advantages of booking during off-peak times?
Booking during off-peak times, such as avoiding holidays and booking mid-week stays, can result in lower rates and less crowded accommodations. Checking local events can also help you avoid peak periods.
