10 Tips on How to Save on Hotel Accommodations

Finding a hotel when traveling can be a real hassle. You don’t want to end up booking a hotel that says they have the best deals and amenities, but end up getting disappointed on how much you spent on the room when you check in.

Below are 10 tips on how to save on hotel accommodations when planning a trip.

Do Some Research

Do Some Research

Before booking a hotel room, try to do a little research and browse through the net to find the best deals and prices. There are many websites that makes the task easier. You can simply type “hotels in (your planned destination)” and Google or other sites can help pull up the many hotels in the area along with their prices. Take note of the ones that are in your budget or offers a price lower and compare which one gives a better deal. It might take some time going though all the possible hotels, but you’ll be able to save more by doing your research.

Book Online

Book Online

Booking online not only makes it easier for you, but it can also open a whole new world of possible discounts and coupon codes that may give you a pretty decent saving. Some hotels available in booking sites, such as booking.com, would even let you reserve your rooms weeks to even months ahead and cancel them without charging you a cancelation fee if you don’t want to push though with your reservations. Other benefits of booking online is that most booking sites would give you more information about activities and attractions that you can go to while on your visit. You can also use apps like AIRBNB to look for rooms and condos that you can book for less.

Check the Amenities

Check the Amenities

Before booking, remember to check the amenities. Hotel A might have a cheaper price compared to hotel B, but hotel B offers free breakfast, a pool, and even free shuttle service from the airport or the port to the hotel when you arrive. To know more, you need to dig a bit deeper when researching online about the best price. This gives you a preview of what to expect from the hotel. Reviews and ratings from previous guests are available to read in some hotel-searching sites, and you can usually view photos and watch videos of the hotel on their site.

Book Way Ahead hotel

Book Way Ahead of Schedule

Unless your visit is some crazy, last minute, spontaneous adventure, you’ve most likely been planning to go on a vacation for months or even years. You’ll have a decent amount of time to prepare for your trip and accommodations, so book ahead. Booking ahead allows you to get the best deals, and even snag a promo. Some hotels offer their rooms for much less months ahead, so if you book now, the rooms will likely be cheaper compared to rooms that you can get close to the date of your trip.

Check the Location

Check the Location

Location is a major telltale for its price. Some hotels charge more because they’re located right in the middle or close to the area’s main attraction or tourists spots. If you want to save, look for a hotel that’s a bit far off from the usual tourists area. The downside of this is you will have to pay a bit more for transportation. Public transport is your best option since they’re usually cheaper compared to riding a cab. Also, hotels that are not directly located in tourists areas tend to be more peaceful because there are less people checking in.

Peak or Off Season

Peak or Off Season

Tourism is not usually a year-round thing. Majority of tourist areas have what they call peak and off seasons. Peak seasons are the busiest times of the year when people flock the area. Off seasons are when there are less people. Usually, hotel rates tend to go down during off seasons as a strategy to lure people in. If you go to a place during its peak season without a room, then good luck looking for a hotel with an affordable price.

Search for Hidden Discounts

Search for Hidden Discounts

If you’re a member of a club or an association, you might get a special discount. You can also search the Internet for discount codes on sites like Coupon Heaven, Retail Me Not, Hotels.com, or Orbitz.com. If you subscribe to a hotel’s e-news letter, you might get a coupon or a discount. You can also snoop around online for more deals and packages on regular room rates and upgrades. Hotels never seem to run out of them.

Join their Loyalty Program

Join their Loyalty Program

Hotel chains often offer visitors a chance to join their membership programs. This is ideal for those who travel frequently, and wouldn’t mind staying in the same hotel or its sister hotel during a trip. Being a part of hotel loyalty programs not only give you discounts every time you check in, you can also earn points that can be converted to gifts and exclusive items, or even converted to a free stay. It also lets you maximize the hotel’s amenities, such as car services, free meals at their restaurants, just to name a few. It also makes booking a room much easier since you already know where to go and the hotel already has all your information.

Look for Packages

Look for Packages

Traveling alone can be really boring, so why not look for group packages that will not only make your vacation more interesting, but can also get you a decent price drop. Group packages may also include add-ons such as group tours, free airport to hotel pick up, and even meals (lunch or dinner). Traveling with a group can help make your stay less expensive since you’re more likely going to get a discount, especially if you’re traveling in a huge group.

Don’t Hesitate to Negotiate

Don’t Hesitate to Negotiate

The best way to save when booking a hotel is to negotiate. Contact the hotel and see what they can offer. Talk to them and ask for the best room or deal for your budget and try to bargain with them. Keep in mind though that you shouldn’t go too far when bargaining, especially if it’s a high rated hotel you’re trying to check-in to.

When on vacation, you’ll want to stay somewhere comfortable enough that you’ll enjoy your stay at the hotel but affordable enough that it won’t break your bank account. For comments and suggestions, leave us a message below. Share this article and make the most of your hotel stay.

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