Booking a cheap hotel room is all about strategy! Here are some of the best hacks to help you score a deal:
Use Price Comparison Sites: Websites like Kayak, Trivago, and Google Hotel Search aggregate hotel prices across multiple platforms, so you can easily compare rates.
Book in Advance, But Not Too Early: Typically, booking 3-4 weeks in advance gets you the best deals. Booking too early might not give you the flexibility for better discounts closer to your travel date.
Be Flexible with Your Dates: Hotel prices fluctuate depending on the time of year, day of the week, and even the time of day. For example, weekdays (Monday through Thursday) are often cheaper than weekends, and booking on a Sunday night can yield discounts.
Check Hotel’s Official Website: Some hotels offer a better rate or additional perks (free breakfast, parking, etc.) when booking directly through their website, even if it’s a few dollars more than third-party sites.
Join Loyalty Programs: Signing up for a hotel chain’s loyalty program (e.g., Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.) can get you perks, discounts, and sometimes even room upgrades or points that you can redeem later.
Use Incognito Mode or Clear Your Cookies: Some booking sites track your searches and raise prices based on repeated searches. Using incognito mode or clearing your browser cookies can prevent this from happening.
Look for Discount Codes and Coupons: Sites like RetailMeNot or Honey often have discount codes for booking sites. You can also try searching for promotions or email sign-ups on the hotel’s website.
Consider Alternative Accommodations: Look into Airbnb, hostels, or vacation rentals. Sometimes these can be cheaper and provide more space or better amenities for the price.
Last-Minute Booking Apps: Apps like HotelTonight offer huge discounts for last-minute bookings. These are great if you’re flexible and can afford to wait until the last minute.
Negotiate for Better Rates: If you’re booking directly with the hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for a discount or for extra perks (free parking, WiFi, etc.). Especially if you’re booking in the off-season or on a less busy day.
Look for Package Deals: Sometimes bundling your hotel with flight or car rental bookings on sites like Expedia or Priceline can score you a better overall rate.
Stay Outside the City Center: Hotels in major tourist spots tend to be more expensive. Staying a little further out and using public transportation can save you a lot of money.
By combining a few of these hacks, you’ll be well on your way to booking a cheaper hotel room for your next trip!
