Your travel itinerary is set, your flight is on the books, and there’s just one task left to check off: securing the perfect hotel accommodation. You can book a hotel just through the website, like everyone else does, but then you won’t get the best hotel deal. We will help you save money on a hotel, sometimes without compromising comfort, and sometimes you will have to give up something, but not so significant.
#1 Compare Offers from Different Sources
For a comprehensive hotel search, initiate your research with travel aggregators such as Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline.com to identify potential accommodations in the area of your interest. However, these platforms may not provide a complete view. Continue your investigation independently, looking into the hotels that catch your eye. Scour the internet for any available promo codes, and seek out amenities that add value to your stay, including complimentary parking, breakfast, or WiFi access.
Furthermore, do not overlook the official websites of the hotels themselves. Many hotel chains have a best rate guarantee for reservations made directly through their website, promising you the most economical deal available.
#2 Consider Alternative Options
Yes, you can just choose a cheap room, but you can try couchsurfing. There are many people who are ready to offer their housing for free or for minimal money. There are both special sites for couchsurfing and dating sites. For example, you can install Hinge and make a friend. But first you need to install Hinge VPN to change your region to the country where you are planning to travel. A random VPN will not work for this. VeePN works great, you can start with it.
Exploring alternatives to hotels for your stay can open up new and exciting accommodation options. Consider the possibility of renting a private room, an apartment, or a whole house through platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway. This can offer a more personalized and potentially cost-effective travel experience.
For those looking to maximize their travel budget, especially when traveling outside of the United States, hostels present an excellent choice. There’s no need to have any concerns about having to stay in a shared, dormitory-type setting with younger travelers, although that option remains available for those interested. Many hostels now offer private rooms, some with attached bathrooms, providing comfort and privacy at an affordable price.
#3 Use Google Travel
Maximizing the value of your travel ventures is critical, and being savvy about hotel pricing and guest feedback can make all the difference. That’s where Google Travel shines as a top-tier digital consolidator. Its standout feature is the seamless integration within Google search results, offering a snapshot of vital details like cost, ratings, site, and services offered.
Eyeing a specific hotel? When the price points are comparable whether you book via a third-party site or directly with the hospitality provider, it’s advisable to choose the latter. Direct bookings simplify reservation adjustments and open doors to accrue and redeem membership benefits.
#4 Use Loyalty Programs And Bonuses
Unlock exclusive discounts on your next hotel stay! Sign up for complimentary hotel loyalty programs and enjoy their most competitive cash rates. Don’t forget to redeem your accumulated hotel points or use your free night vouchers to save more. If you haven’t been active lately, check those loyalty accounts — points usually expire after 1-2 years without use. Plus, with select hotel-affiliated credit cards from IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, you can receive a free night annually just by maintaining your card. Don’t miss out on these cost-saving travel perks!
#5 Find Last-Minute Deals
HotelTonight is akin to those mysterious hidden hotel rooms, offering globe-trotters steep discounts at the eleventh hour, all thanks to hotels’ “distressed inventory.” This term refers to the industry practice where hotels would rather fill a room at a lower price than not at all. Such discounted rooms might come with minor drawbacks, like being located close to the elevator or facing a drab parking lot view. Despite this, vacationers stand to gain from these deals. Nevertheless, it’s worth remembering that last-minute bookings come with their own set of risks and potential rewards.
Numerous virtual travel bureaus, including powerhouse Booking.com—a parent company of Priceline and Agoda—present exclusive deals on lodging for smartphone users, with reduced rates visible solely on mobile platforms. Booking.com reports a significant mobile presence, with half of its searches and bookings for accommodations conducted via handheld devices.
#6 Pick a Different Neighborhood
Want to make your city getaway more budget-friendly? Consider staying just outside the city hustle but close to public transit for hassle-free trips to the action!
Take Chicago as a case in point: Opt for accommodations like the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, where recent rates on Expedia show you can nestle down for just $152 a night. It’s conveniently located a stone’s throw from the Blue Line of the Chicago Transit Authority, offering you a direct link to both the airport and the heart of Chicago. In contrast, you might have to shell out around $299 per night for a similar experience at the Hyatt Regency in the downtown area.
#7 Take Advantage of AAA, AARP, or Other Organizations
Membership in clubs like wholesale warehouses, AAA, or professional alumni networks can lead to significant travel savings, including hotel costs. Discounts differ from one group to another, so verify the benefits your membership offers. An example is AARP, which offers its members special rates at thousands of hotels, and contrary to popular belief, there is no requirement to be retired or over 55 to become a member.
Conclusion
Hotel costs remain one of the biggest expenses when it comes to travel, but with a little research and flexibility, there are many ways to save money. From exploring alternative options to using loyalty programs and finding last-minute deals, travelers can make their hotel stay more affordable without sacrificing comfort or convenience. By considering these tips and tricks, you can stretch your travel budget further and potentially even splurge on some luxury experiences during your trip.
