Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where I we will check out my 7 tips for getting the best deals when booking hotels. Hotels have long been the go-to choice for travelers seeking comfort, convenience and a touch of luxury during their adventures.
However, finding the perfect hotel at a great price can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Are you paying too much, are you going to be a safe areas and will your belongings be secure are all questions that we often ask as well look around.
So to help you out, here are some tips to follow to help you get the best deals as you go to book your next hotel stay.
Methods used to Book Hotels
We will touch on this below however as you look for a good hotel for the best price you can, having an idea of how you can book your rooms will get you started on the right foot. Here are six ways you can book hotels:
- Directly Through the Hotel’s Website or Phone Line: Most hotel chains and independent hotels have their own official websites. Booking directly might offer special rates, packages or loyalty program benefits that third-party websites don’t provide. Additionally, you can call the hotel’s reservation line for bookings or inquiries.
- Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Websites such as Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda or Hotels.com offer a wide variety of hotel options, often with user reviews and ratings. They might also offer bundled deals with flights or car rentals as well.
- Travel Agents: Traditional travel agents can help plan your trip and make hotel bookings for you. They may have access to special rates or packages due to their relationships with certain hotel chains or properties.
- Hotel Booking Apps: In the age of smartphones, many OTAs and hotel chains have their own mobile apps, which can offer a more streamlined booking experience. Some apps may also offer special app-only deals.
- Hotel Booking Platforms for Business: Platforms like Concur or American Express Global Business Travel are designed specifically for corporate travelers and may have negotiated rates or special booking tools.
- Last-Minute Booking Apps and Websites: Apps like HotelTonight or Wotif.com specialize in last-minute hotel bookings, often offering discounted rates for rooms that hotels are trying to fill on short notice.
Check out my: Hotel Star Ratings outline
Tips for Getting the Best Deals When Booking Hotels
Ok, so let’s now check out some things you can try in order to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to hotel rooms.
1. Be Flexible with your travel dates
This is not always a viable option – especially if you are travelling for a specific reason – however hotel prices can vary considerably depending on the time of year, day of the week and even the time of day. Understanding these fluctuations and capitalizing on them can lead to substantial savings.
During peak travel seasons, such as holidays or popular events, hotels tend to increase their rates due to high demand. However, if you have the flexibility to travel during non-peak periods, you’ll often find more affordable options. Off-peak seasons vary by destination but generally include periods when tourist traffic is lower.
By opting to visit during these times, you can take advantage of lower hotel rates, as well as potentially enjoy a more relaxed and less crowded experience at your destination.
Flexibility with travel dates also extends to the duration of your stay. Some hotels offer discounted rates for longer stays, such as staying for three nights or more. If your schedule permits, consider extending your trip to take advantage of these extended stay discounts. Not only can you enjoy lower rates, but you’ll also have more time to immerse yourself in the destination and make the most of your travel experience.
Check out these: Tips for Booking a Cheap Airfare Online
2. Compare hotel prices online
We mentioned above some of the options you have when it comes to booking hotels. The advent of the online options has definitely made it easier than ever to access a wide range of online travel agencies, hotel comparison websites and hotel booking platforms. Taking the time to compare prices across multiple sources allows you to find the most competitive rates and take advantage of exclusive deals, ultimately maximizing your savings.
Additionally, hotel comparison websites such as Expedia aggregate data from various sources, providing you with a comprehensive overview of available options. These platforms allow you to input your desired travel dates and location and then present you with a list of hotels along with their corresponding prices. By utilizing these websites, you can quickly compare rates from different hotels and identify any price disparities. This allows you to select the most cost-effective option that meets your preferences and budget.
And finally here, whilst hotel comparison websites and OTAs are useful resources, it is also good to visit the hotel’s website directly. Hotels may provide additional discounts or advantages for direct bookings as well as offering unique promotions or loyalty program discounts in some situations, which might result in additional savings as well.
3. Sign up for loyalty programs
As with airlines, many hotel chains offer loyalty programs that provide exclusive benefits, discounts and rewards to their members. By joining these programs, you can enjoy a range of perks that can significantly enhance your hotel booking experience while saving you money.
Hotel loyalty programs are typically free to join and upon signing up, you will receive a unique membership number or card that you can use to identify yourself as a member when making reservations or checking in at hotels. This identification allows you to access the benefits associated with the loyalty program.
One of the primary advantages of loyalty programs is the potential for discounted rates. Hotels often offer exclusive member rates that are lower than the publicly available rates which can result in substantial savings, particularly for frequent travelers or those planning extended stays. By taking advantage of these special rates, you can stretch your travel budget further and secure more affordable accommodations.
In addition to discounted rates, loyalty programs frequently offer other perks and privileges. These can include complimentary Wi-Fi, room upgrades, late check-outs, access to exclusive lounges or amenities and even free nights after a certain number of stays. These additional benefits can enhance your overall hotel experience and provide you with added value that goes beyond just the price of the room. Some also offer greater discounts based on the number of times you have stayed there as well.
4. Follow hotels on social media.
Hotels frequently share time-limited promotions or flash sales on their social media channels which may include discounted room rates, package deals, or added perks for certain dates or room types. By following hotels on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn, you can be among the first to know about these promotions and have the chance to book them before they expire or reach their maximum capacity.
In addition to regular promotions, hotels may also use social media to unveil exclusive deals for their followers. These can range from secret discount codes to special offers available only to those who engage with the hotel’s social media content. By actively following and interacting with hotels on social media, you may have access to hidden or limited-time offers that are not widely advertised.
Furthermore, hotels often use social media to showcase their properties, amenities and guest experiences through photos, videos, and reviews. By following hotels on social media, you can read comments and reviews from other guests in order to get a real-time glimpse into the quality and ambiance of the hotel as well as a good insight into its location, security and cleanliness etc. This can help you make informed decisions and choose hotels that align with your preferences and expectations.
5. Consider alternative accommodations
While hotels are the traditional choice for travelers, there are various alternative options available that can often offer more affordable rates without compromising on comfort or quality.
One popular alternative accommodation option is vacation rentals where platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo and HomeAway provide a wide range of properties including apartments, houses, and condos, that you can rent directly from homeowners.
Vacation rentals can often be more cost-effective, especially for larger groups or longer stays, as they typically offer more space and amenities compared to standard hotel rooms. By opting for a vacation rental, you can enjoy the convenience of a home away from home while saving money on your accommodation costs.
Another alternative accommodation option is hostels. Hostels are budget-friendly accommodations that offer shared or private dormitory-style rooms. They are particularly popular among solo travelers, backpackers or those looking to meet fellow travelers. Hostels provide a social atmosphere and often offer communal spaces, kitchens and organized activities. Choosing a hostel can significantly reduce your accommodation expenses while providing an opportunity to connect with other like-minded travelers.
Bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) are another alternative worth considering. B&Bs are smaller, independently-run establishments that offer a more personalized experience. These accommodations often include breakfast as part of the stay and provide a cozy, home-like environment. B&Bs can be found in various locations, including countryside settings or within city centers and can offer a more affordable and intimate option compared to larger hotels.
6. Book in advance
Planning and reserving your accommodations ahead of time allows you to take advantage of early bird discounts, promotional offers and greater availability of rooms. By securing your hotel booking well in advance, you can often secure more affordable rates and have a wider range of options to choose from.
Designed to incentivize early reservations and ensure that they can fill their rooms well in advance, hotels often offer special rates and deals for guests who book early. By monitoring hotel websites, online travel agencies, and promotional newsletters, you can stay informed about any early bird offers or time-limited promotions. Booking early can translate into significant savings and a better value for your money.
In addition to lower rates, booking in advance gives you access to a broader selection of available rooms. As hotels start to fill up closer to your travel dates, the options may become limited, especially for popular destinations or during peak seasons. By reserving your accommodations early, you increase the likelihood of securing the type of room or specific hotel you desire. This is particularly beneficial if you have specific preferences or requirements, such as a room with a view, a certain bed configuration or accessibility features.
7. Utilize discount codes and coupons.
Discount codes and coupons can be found through various sources however the general tip here is to start by checking the official websites of hotels or hotel chains you are interested in. Many hotels run their promotions and offer exclusive discounts to direct bookings so look for dedicated promotions or special offers sections on their websites, where you may find discount codes or coupons to apply during the booking process.
In addition to hotel websites, third-party booking platforms and travel websites often provide discount codes and coupons to incentivize users to book through their platforms. These codes can be found on their websites, social media pages or through email newsletters. Signing up for newsletters or following these platforms on social media can help you stay updated on the latest promotions and codes available.
Once you have obtained a discount code or coupon, make sure to carefully read the terms and conditions associated with it. Some codes may have restrictions on specific dates, room types or minimum stay requirements and pay attention to any expiration dates as well. Ensure that the code or coupon is valid for your intended travel dates and that it can be applied to the hotel or room category you are interested in. By understanding the limitations, you can avoid any disappointments or complications during the booking process.
FAQs
How far in advance should I book my hotel to get the best deal?
Booking your hotel in advance is generally recommended to secure the best deals. Aim to book at least a few weeks or even a couple of months ahead, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons or popular events. This allows you to take advantage of early bird discounts and ensures better availability.
Are there any specific days of the week that offer lower hotel rates?
Yes, certain days of the week tend to have lower hotel rates. Generally, midweek stays from Monday to Thursday are often cheaper compared to weekends. If your travel plans are flexible, consider adjusting your itinerary to include midweek nights to save money.
How important is reading hotel reviews before booking?
Reading hotel reviews is crucial before making a booking decision. Reviews provide valuable insights into the quality of service, cleanliness, amenities and overall guest experiences. Look for recent and unbiased reviews from reliable sources to get a better understanding of what to expect and to ensure that the hotel meets your expectations.
Conclusion
And there they are, my tips for getting the best deals when booking hotels. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences here.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
