Are you planning a trip soon and looking for ways to save money? Here are some hotel hacks that will help you get the most bang for your buck. From getting free upgrades to scoring discounts on your stay, these tips will help you enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get into it.
1. Book Directly With The Hotel
When booking a hotel room, always try to book it directly with the hotel rather than through a third-party site. This can often save you money, and it also ensures that you’ll be dealing directly with the hotel if there are any problems with your reservation. Also, be sure to ask about any special deals or discounts that the hotel offers.
2. Join A Hotel Loyalty Program
If you frequently stay at hotels, it can be worth joining a loyalty program to earn points (which can often be redeemed for free nights or other perks). Many programs are free to join, and you’ll typically earn points for each stay that you make.
3. Check For Discounts
When booking a hotel room, always check to see if there are any discounts available. There are often discounts for AAA members, seniors, government employees, and more. Be sure to ask about any available discounts when making your reservation.
4. Use Coupons And Deals
Another great way to save money on your hotel stay is to use coupons and deals. You can often find coupons in travel magazines or online, and many hotels offer special discounts on their websites. Check for any available coupons or deals before booking your room.
5. Book During Weekdays
Another great way to save money on your hotel stay is to book during the week rather than the weekend if you have the flexibility. Hotels typically charge more for rooms during the weekends, so you can often save by booking during the week.
6. Look For Last-Minute Deals
If you’re flexible with your travel plans, another great way to save money on your hotel room is to look for last-minute deals. Many hotels offer discounts for rooms that are booked at the last minute, so you may be able to find a great deal if you’re willing to be flexible with your travel plans.
7. Skip The Hotel Bar
If you’re looking to save money on your hotel stay, one way to do it is to skip the hotel bar. Drinks at hotel bars can be expensive, so you can save by avoiding them altogether. If you want a drink, consider buying it from a nearby grocery or liquor store instead.
8. Ask For An Upgrade
If you’re looking to save a little money on your next hotel stay, one way to do it is by asking for an upgrade. Often, hotels will offer discounts or promotions to those willing to ask for them. If you’re polite and don’t make too many demands, there’s a good chance the hotel will be happy to give you a better room at a lower price. Also, if you have a hotel loyalty card, mention it when you check in – you may be surprised at the perks and discounts you’re entitled to.
9. Stay Longer To Save More
If you’re planning to stay at a hotel for more than just a few nights, it’s often cheaper to book your stay for more extended periods. This is especially true if you’re willing to prepay for your stay. Many hotels offer significant discounts for those willing to commit to a longer stay, so it’s worth considering if you’re looking to save money.
10. Bring Your Own Amenities
Another way to save money at hotels is by bringing your own amenities. Often, hotels will charge extra for mini-bars, in-room movies, and even coffee and tea. If you can bring your snacks and drinks, you can save a significant amount of money. Additionally, if you need to use the hotel’s business center or gym, be sure to ask about day passes – many times, these are available at a discount.
11. Skip The Daily Housekeeping Service
If you’re staying at a hotel for more than just a few days, you may consider skipping the daily housekeeping service. While it’s nice to have your room cleaned every day, it’s unnecessary, and it can add up quickly. Many hotels will allow you to opt out of housekeeping services for a nominal fee, and this can save you a significant amount of money throughout your stay.
12. Eat Breakfast Elsewhere
Finally, one way to save money at hotels is by eating breakfast elsewhere. While it’s convenient to have breakfast at your hotel, it’s often much cheaper – and just as easy – to dine elsewhere. There are plenty of great options for breakfast near most hotels, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something that suits your taste and budget. By skipping breakfast at your hotel, you can save a significant amount of money throughout your stay.
13. Use a Discount Travel Site
If you want to save money on your hotel stay, one of the best ways to do it is by using a discount travel site. These sites offer significant discounts on hotel rooms, so you can often save money by booking through them. Additionally, they usually have great deals on other aspects of travel, such as flights and rental cars, so you can save even more by booking your entire trip through a discount travel site.
14. Take Advantage of Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
If you have a credit card that offers sign-up bonuses, take advantage of them when booking your hotel stay. Often, you can earn enough points or miles to cover the cost of your entire holiday – or at least get a significant discount. Just read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions before booking, as there may be some restrictions.
15. Offer to Write a Review
One way to get a discount on your hotel stay is by offering to write a review. Many hotels will provide a significant discount – or even a free stay – in exchange for an honest review. So, if you’re planning on staying at a hotel anyway, it’s definitely worth asking about this. You may be surprised at how much money you can save.
16. Get Payback for Prior Subpar Experiences
If you have had a bad experience with a hotel in the past, don’t be afraid to tell them. Sometimes hotels will offer discounts or other incentives to get you to come back and give them another chance. Try pointing out specific issues you had with your stay and see if they are willing to make it up to you.
17. Use Hotel Booking Aggregator Sites to Compare and Contrast Rates
Hotel booking aggregator sites like TripAdvisor make it easy to compare rates from different hotels. This is a great way to make sure you are getting the best deal on your hotel room. Be sure to read the reviews on these sites before booking to get an idea of what you can expect from each hotel.
18. Book Refundable Rates and Check Back Often
If you are flexible with your travel plans, book a refundable rate for your hotel room. If the rates drop, you can cancel your original reservation and rebook at a lower rate. Be sure to check back often to see if the rates have dropped.
19. Join AAA (Even if You Don’t Own a Car and Never Drive)
You don’t have to own a car to take advantage of AAA membership. AAA membership comes with many benefits, including discounts on hotel rooms. If you are planning a road trip, be sure to sign up for AAA before you go to take advantage of all the perks.
20. Make the Most of Your Elite Status
If you are a frequent traveler, you may have elite status with a hotel chain. Be sure to ask about any unique benefits or discounts you may be entitled to as an elite member. You may be surprised at what you can get from being a loyal customer.
FAQs
1. How Do You Save Money On Food While Staying At Hotels?
Hotels typically offer a continental breakfast that includes cereal, muffins, and fruit items. If you’re looking to save money on food, you can either skip breakfast altogether or head to a local grocery store to pick up some snacks and drinks for the day. It’s also worth checking if your hotel has a refrigerator in the room. It can come in handy for storing leftovers or bringing your food from home.
2. How Do You Save Money On Transportation While Staying At Hotels?
If you’re renting a car, be sure to ask about any discounts the hotel may offer. Additionally, many hotels are located near public transportation, which can be an affordable way to get around town. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, it might be worth buying a day pass for the local bus or train system.
3. How Do You Save Money On General Expenses While Staying At Hotels?
One way to save money on general expenses while staying at hotels is to take advantage of any loyalty programs the hotel may offer. For example, some hotels offer discounts to guests who book multiple rooms or extended stays. Additionally, you can often get a discount by paying for your space in cash instead of using a credit card. Finally, be sure to ask about any package deals the hotel may offer, this can often save you money on your overall stay.
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Conclusion
So, there you have it, our top 20 hotel hacks to help you save money on your next trip. We hope you find them helpful. If you have any other tips or tricks that have worked for you, please share them in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you. Happy travels!