Traveling is an enriching experience that allows you to explore new places, cultures and cuisines. However, accommodation costs often take up a large part of your travel budget.
Luckily, there are several strategies and tricks you can use to book cheap hotels without compromising on comfort.
Here are some Hotel Choosing Tips that every travel enthusiast should know to find the best hotel deals.
1. Book in Advance
Planning ahead can lead to significant savings on hotel bookings.
Key Points:
- Early Bird Discounts: Many hotels offer discounts for early bookings. As soon as your travel dates are confirmed, start looking for deals.
- Better Availability: Booking in advance gives you access to a wider range of rooms and rates, increasing your chances of finding a good deal.
- Price Lock: Early bookings often come with a price lock, ensuring that you pay the lowest available rate even if prices increase later.
2. Use Comparison Websites
Leverage the power of comparison websites to find the best deals on hotels.
Key Points:
- Aggregators: Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Kayak compare prices from multiple hotel booking sites, helping you find the lowest rates.
- Filters and Sorts: Use filters to narrow down options based on price, location, amenities, and ratings. Sorting results by price can quickly show you the cheapest options.
- Price Alerts: Set up price alerts for specific hotels or destinations to get notified when prices drop.
3. Take Advantage of Last-Minute Deals
If you have flexible travel plans, last-minute bookings can yield significant savings.
Key Points:
- Mobile Apps: Apps like HotelTonight specialize in last-minute hotel deals, offering steep discounts for same-day bookings.
- Flexible Travel: If your travel dates are flexible, you can capitalize on last-minute deals when hotels reduce rates to fill unsold rooms.
- Negotiation: Contact hotels directly and inquire about last-minute rates. Sometimes, hotels offer lower prices over the phone than what is listed online.
4. Consider Alternative Accommodations
Thinking outside the box can help you find cheaper accommodations that still offer great value.
Key Points:
- Hostels: Modern hostels often provide private rooms at lower rates than traditional hotels. They also offer a social atmosphere, which can be a bonus for solo travelers.
- Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer a wide range of rental properties, often at lower prices than hotels, especially for longer stays.
- Guesthouses and B&Bs: Guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts can provide a cozy, personalized experience at a fraction of the cost of a hotel.
5. Join Loyalty Programs
Hotel loyalty programs can provide access to exclusive discounts and benefits.
Key Points:
- Member Rates: Many hotel chains offer discounted rates for members of their loyalty programs. Sign up for free and take advantage of these offers.
- Points and Rewards: Earn points for each stay that can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and other perks.
- Exclusive Offers: Loyalty program members often receive access to special promotions and deals not available to the general public.
6. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Timing your travel can have a significant impact on hotel prices.
Key Points:
- Off-Peak Travel: Prices are generally lower during off-peak seasons when demand is less. Research the off-peak periods for your destination and plan your trip accordingly.
- Midweek Stays: Hotel rates are often lower for stays during the week compared to weekends. Consider booking your stay from Monday to Thursday to save money.
- Holiday Avoidance: Avoid traveling during major holidays and events when hotel prices are typically at their highest.
7. Use Coupons and Promo Codes
Search for coupons and promo codes to get additional discounts on your hotel bookings.
Key Points:
- Coupon Websites: Websites like RetailMeNot and Honey aggregate coupons and promo codes for various booking sites. Check these sites before making a reservation.
- Email Subscriptions: Subscribe to hotel and travel booking websites’ newsletters to receive exclusive promo codes and special offers.
- Credit Card Offers: Some credit cards offer travel-related discounts and cashback when booking through their travel portals. Check if your credit card provides such benefits.
8. Book Directly with the Hotel
Sometimes, booking directly with the hotel can offer better rates and perks.
Key Points:
- Price Match: Some hotels will match or beat the prices found on third-party booking sites if you book directly with them.
- Direct Booking Benefits: Hotels often provide extra benefits like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, or room upgrades for direct bookings.
- Negotiation Power: Booking directly gives you more room to negotiate special requests or deals, such as early check-in or late check-out.
9. Check for Package Deals
Bundling your hotel with other travel services can lead to substantial savings.
Key Points:
- Flight + Hotel Packages: Booking your flight and hotel together through travel agencies or booking sites can reduce overall costs.
- All-Inclusive Packages: Consider all-inclusive packages that include meals, activities, and other amenities, often at a lower overall price.
- Special Offers: Look for special packages that include additional services like airport transfers, tours, or spa treatments.
10. Be Flexible with Your Dates and Destination
Flexibility is a powerful tool in finding the best hotel deals.
Key Points:
- Flexible Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, use fare comparison tools to find the cheapest days to stay.
- Alternative Destinations: Consider staying in nearby towns or suburbs where hotel prices may be significantly lower than in the main tourist areas.
- Extended Stays: Some hotels offer discounts for extended stays. If your schedule allows, booking a longer stay might reduce the nightly rate.
Conclusion
Booking cheap hotels doesn’t have to be a stressful or time-consuming process.
By using these tricks-booking in advance, leveraging comparison websites, taking advantage of last-minute deals, considering alternative accommodations, joining loyalty programs, traveling during off-peak seasons, using coupons, booking directly with hotels, checking for package deals, and being flexible-you can find great deals that fit your budget.
Remember, a little research and flexibility can go a long way in securing comfortable and affordable accommodations for your travels. Happy booking and safe travels!
