Ultimate Guide to Save Money on Hotels for Your Vacation
Are you planning a vacation soon and looking for ways to save money on hotels? Hotels can be one of the biggest expenses of your trip, especially if you want to stay in a comfortable and convenient location. However, many tips and tricks can help you find the best deals and discounts on hotel rooms without compromising on quality or service. In this blog post, we will share with you 11 proven ways to save money on hotels for your vacation, whether you are traveling solo, with your family, or with a group of friends.
Join a hotel loyalty program.
One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to save money on a hotel is to join a hotel loyalty program. Hotel loyalty programs are free to join and offer you various benefits, such as:
Exclusive discounts and rates for members only.
Free nights or upgrades after earning a certain number of points or stays.
Extra perks and amenities, such as free breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, late check-out, etc.
Access to special offers and promotions.
Some of the popular hotel loyalty programs are:
Best Western Rewards
Choice Privileges Rewards
Hilton Honors
World of Hyatt
IHG One Rewards
Marriott Bonvoy
Wyndham Rewards
You can sign up for these programs online or at the hotel reception. You can also use a hotel credit card to earn more points and benefits from your hotel stays.
Compare and book online
Another way to save money on hotels is to compare and book online. Many online platforms and tools can help you find the best prices and deals on hotel rooms, such as:
Online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Booking.com, Orbitz, etc. These websites offer a wide range of hotels and often have lower rates than the hotel's website. They also have flexible cancellation policies and customer service.
Price comparison websites, such as Kayak, Trivago, HotelsCombined, etc. These websites allow you to compare prices and features of different hotels and OTAs in one place. They also show you the best time to book and the best location to stay.
Cash-back portals, such as Rakuten, TopCashback, BeFrugal, etc. These websites give you a percentage of cash back when you book through their links. You can also use coupons and promo codes to get extra savings.
Hotel booking apps, such as HotelTonight, Hopper, Priceline, etc. These apps offer you last-minute deals and discounts on hotel rooms. They also have user-friendly interfaces and features, such as price alerts, filters, reviews, etc.
When you book online, make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, especially the cancellation and refund policies. You should also check the reviews and ratings of the hotel and the website you are booking from. Prior to confirming your reservation, think about looking for any available Best Western Coupons to ensure you get the best deal on your accommodation.
Travel off-season or midweek
One of the most effective ways to save money on hotels is to travel off-season or midweek. Hotels tend to charge higher rates during peak seasons and weekends when the demand is high and the availability is low. However, if you travel during off-seasons or midweek, you can enjoy lower rates and less crowds. You can also find more deals and discounts on hotel rooms as hotels try to fill their vacancies.
Some of the factors that affect the hotel rates are:
Holidays and festivals
School breaks and vacations
Weather and climate
Events and conventions
You can use online tools, such as Google Trends, Skyscanner, or Tripadvisor, to find out the best time to travel to your destination. You can also contact the hotel directly and ask them about their low and high seasons and their best rates.
Choose your location wisely
Another way to save money on a hotel is to choose your location wisely. There can be a big influence from where your hotel is located. Your travel budget affects your transportation and sightseeing costs. Generally, hotels in the city center or near popular attractions are more expensive than hotels in the outskirts or suburbs. However, they are also more convenient and accessible, as you can walk or take public transportation to your places of interest. Before finalizing your booking, consider checking for any available Travel Coupons Code to ensure you get the best deal on your chosen location.
To find the best location for your hotel, you should consider the following factors:
Your travel purpose and preferences. Are you traveling for business or leisure? Do you want to be close to the action or away from the noise? Do you want to explore the city or the countryside?
Your travel itinerary and duration. How long are you staying and what are you planning to do and see? How much time and money are you willing to spend on transportation?
Your travel companions and needs. Who are you traveling with, and what are their needs and preferences? Do you need a family-friendly or a pet-friendly hotel? Do you need a kitchen or a laundry facility?
You can use online tools, such as Google Maps, Tripadvisor, or Lonely Planet, to find out the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in your destination. You can also read the reviews and ratings of the hotels and the locations of other travelers.
Use a VPN to find the best rates
A VPN, or a virtual private network, is a service that allows you to browse the internet anonymously and securely. It also allows you to change your IP address and location, which can help you find the best rates on hotel rooms. This is because some hotel websites and OTAs use dynamic pricing, which means they adjust their prices based on your location, device, browser, and search history. By using a VPN, you can avoid these price fluctuations and access the lowest rates available.
To use a VPN to save money on a hotel, you should follow these steps:
Choose a reliable and reputable VPN service, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.
Download and install the VPN app on your device.
Connect to a server in a different country or region, preferably one with a lower cost of living or a weaker currency.
Clear your browser cookies and cache, or use a private or incognito mode.
Search and book your hotel room as usual, and compare the prices with and without the VPN.
It would help if you also experimented with different servers and locations, as the prices may vary depending on the market and the demand. You should also check the currency conversion and the payment methods, as some websites may charge extra fees or taxes for foreign transactions.
Take advantage of the best rate guarantees
Many hotel chains and OTAs offer a best-rate guarantee program, which means they promise to match or beat the lowest price you find on another website. This way, you can ensure that you are getting the best deal possible on your hotel room and sometimes even get a reward or a bonus.
Conclusion
There are numerous ways to save money on hotels during your vacation. By researching and comparing prices, booking in advance, taking advantage of loyalty programs, and considering alternative accommodations, you can significantly cut down on your lodging expenses. Remember to also be flexible with your travel dates and destinations to find the best deals. With these tips, you can enjoy a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
