When it comes to traveling, your hotel stay can often be one of the most expensive parts of the trip. Whether you’re booking for business or leisure, finding the best deal while ensuring comfort and convenience can be tricky. But don’t worry, with the right knowledge and a few travel tweaks, you can maximize your hotel experience without breaking the bank. This post will guide you through some useful tips to help you save money, improve your stay, and make the most of your hotel experience.
1. Booking at the Right Time
The timing of your booking can significantly impact the cost of your stay. Hotel room prices fluctuate based on demand, time of year, and even the day of the week. Here’s how to time your booking to get the best rates:
Book Early or Last-Minute: For most hotels, booking early can secure better prices. According to a 2020 study by the travel site Kayak, booking a hotel 21 to 30 days in advance can result in a 10-20% discount. However, last-minute deals can also be available if hotels are trying to fill unsold rooms. Some apps and websites like HotelTonight offer discounted rates for last-minute bookings.
Avoid Peak Seasons: Hotel prices soar during holidays, special events, or peak tourist seasons. For instance, if you’re planning to visit a popular tourist destination like Paris or New York City, hotel rates are often at their highest in summer and around the holidays. Traveling during the off-season, or shoulder season (the time between peak and off-peak periods), can save you a lot of money.
Day of the Week: Many hotels charge less during the weekdays. If you’re traveling for leisure, consider shifting your stay to a Monday through Thursday timeframe to get a better deal.
2. Use Price Comparison Websites and Apps
There are plenty of price comparison websites and apps that help you find the best rates for hotels. These platforms aggregate prices from various hotel booking sites, helping you avoid missing out on discounts and ensuring you’re not paying more than necessary.
Popular Comparison Websites: Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com are great places to start. They often have exclusive discounts, loyalty programs, and sometimes even “secret” deals that aren’t available elsewhere.
Google Hotels: Google’s hotel search tool is powerful for comparing rates across multiple platforms. Simply search for hotels in your destination, and it will show you real-time pricing across different booking platforms.
Loyalty Programs: Many hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG offer loyalty programs where you can earn points toward free nights, upgrades, or discounts. Signing up for these programs is usually free and can lead to significant savings in the long run, especially if you travel frequently.
3. Consider Alternative Accommodation Types
Hotels are not your only option when it comes to accommodation. If you’re open to alternatives, you can often find cheaper or more unique places to stay.
Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo offer private homes or apartments that may provide more space, additional amenities, and lower rates than traditional hotels. These can be especially cost-effective for families or larger groups.
Hostels: If you’re traveling on a budget, hostels can be an affordable choice. Although they’re typically associated with younger backpackers, many hostels offer private rooms at a fraction of the price of hotels.
Guesthouses or B&Bs: Bed and breakfasts or guesthouses often provide a homely experience at a lower cost than big hotel chains. These are particularly ideal if you’re looking for a more intimate and personal stay.
4. Take Advantage of Discounts and Promotions
Sometimes, the best deal isn’t just about booking at the right time—it’s also about looking for additional discounts or promotions. Hotels often offer special deals or seasonal promotions that can help you save.
Discount Websites: Websites like Groupon or Hotwire regularly feature hotel deals that can provide significant savings. Be sure to sign up for alerts to stay updated on new promotions.
AAA or AARP Discounts: If you’re a member of organizations like the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), many hotels offer exclusive discounts. These can often be combined with other offers for even greater savings.
Credit Card Offers: Some credit cards offer travel-related perks, including discounts or cashback for hotel bookings. Some cards may also provide points that can be redeemed for hotel stays or upgrades.
5. Contact the Hotel Directly
While third-party booking sites are convenient, contacting the hotel directly can sometimes secure you a better deal or offer perks that aren’t available online.
Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to call and ask for a discount, especially if you’re booking for multiple nights or during a low-demand period. Hotels may be willing to offer a discount to fill rooms.
Upgrade Requests: If you’re booking a standard room, ask the hotel directly if there are any upgrades available. This can be especially useful if you’re celebrating a special occasion or if the hotel has lower occupancy rates.
Loyalty Member Perks: If you’ve signed up for a hotel’s loyalty program, calling ahead may allow you to take advantage of member perks like free breakfast, parking, or room upgrades
6. Look for Amenities That Add Value
Sometimes, the cost of staying at a hotel isn’t just about the room rate—it’s about what’s included in the price. Hotels that offer complimentary amenities can save you money in the long run.
Free Breakfast: A free breakfast can save you anywhere from $10 to $30 per person per day, depending on the location. Many mid-range hotels and some budget options offer breakfast as part of your stay.
Free Wi-Fi: Some hotels charge daily fees for Wi-Fi, especially in more expensive cities. Ensure you check the details and see if Wi-Fi is included. If not, consider whether a nearby café or library might be a better alternative.
Shuttle Services: If you’re visiting a city and need to get around, look for hotels that offer complimentary shuttle services to major attractions or airports. This can save you money on transportation.
Parking: Parking in big cities can be expensive. Look for hotels that include free parking or offer a discounted rate for guests.
7. Avoid Hidden Fees
Many hotels, especially in tourist-heavy areas, tack on additional fees that may not be included in the advertised price. These can significantly inflate your bill, so it’s essential to read the fine print before booking.
Resort Fees: Some hotels, especially resorts, charge a daily resort fee. These can range from $10 to $50 per night and may cover amenities like access to the pool, gym, or Wi-Fi. Always check if these fees are included in the listed price or will be added later.
Cleaning Fees: If you’re booking a vacation rental or an apartment, you may be charged cleaning fees. Be sure to factor this into your budget when comparing options.
Cancellation Fees: Read the hotel’s cancellation policy. Some hotels have flexible cancellation options, while others may charge a fee for cancellations made within a certain time frame.
8. Use Booking Apps with Discounts
Many mobile apps offer exclusive discounts and deals for booking hotels. By using these apps, you can sometimes unlock hidden savings that aren’t available on desktop booking sites.
Hotel Booking Apps: Apps like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Trivago regularly offer discounts for booking through their mobile platforms. Some of them also offer rewards programs, allowing you to earn points for each stay that can later be redeemed for future discounts or free nights.
Price Tracking Apps: Apps like Hopper allow you to track hotel prices over time and get notifications when the best rates are available.
9. Plan for the Long Term
If you’re planning on staying in the same city for a long period, many hotels offer discounts for extended stays. Booking a hotel for multiple weeks or months often leads to significant savings. Additionally, consider hotel chains that specialize in long-term stays, like Extended Stay America or Homewood Suites by Hilton, which offer lower nightly rates for longer stays and provide kitchenettes to save on food costs.
Conclusion
Traveling doesn’t have to come with sky-high hotel bills. With a few smart Hotels TravelTweaks, you can enjoy a comfortable, convenient, and affordable stay no matter where your journey takes you. From booking at the right time to leveraging loyalty programs and using the right apps, each step you take can help stretch your travel budget further. Remember, a great hotel experience isn’t always about spending more—it’s about being strategic. So next time you travel, put these tweaks into action and turn your hotel stay into one of the best parts of your trip.
FAQs About Hotels TravelTweaks
Q1: What are the best websites for comparing hotel prices?
A: Great platforms include Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Google Hotels, and Trivago. These comparison sites help you find competitive rates and even secret deals.
Q2: When is the cheapest time to book a hotel?
A: Booking 21–30 days in advance often secures the best rates. Alternatively, last-minute apps like HotelTonight can offer deep discounts if you’re flexible.
Q3: Are loyalty programs really worth it?
A: Absolutely. If you travel frequently, joining hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors can lead to free nights, upgrades, and exclusive perks.
Q4: Can I get better rates by calling the hotel directly?
A: Yes! Calling the hotel can sometimes land you unadvertised discounts or complimentary upgrades, especially if you’re a loyalty member or booking multiple nights.
Q5: What amenities should I look for to save money?
A: Look for hotels that offer free breakfast, Wi-Fi, shuttle services, or parking. These inclusions can significantly reduce your travel expenses.
Q6: Are vacation rentals cheaper than hotels?
A: Often, yes—especially for groups or longer stays. Vacation rentals from Airbnb or Vrbo offer more space and amenities like kitchens, which can help cut costs.
Q7: How do I avoid hidden hotel fees?
A: Always read the fine print before booking. Watch out for resort fees, cleaning charges, parking fees, and strict cancellation policies.
Q8: Are there discounts available for seniors or AAA members?
A: Many hotels offer discounts for AARP or AAA members. These can usually be combined with other promotions to maximize savings.