Traveling is exciting, but hotel bills may be a trouble for some people. The average daily hotel rate in the US was $148.80 in 2022, according to Statista. That’s a lot of cash! But don’t worry; there are ways to save on your hotel stays. This guide helps you find deals, pick hotels, and avoid fees. Whether you are an experienced or a newbie, these tips will make your travel money last longer. Let’s understand how to save money on hotels and manage your finances better while traveling.
Rising Hotel Costs
Hotel prices are rising due to inflation, higher costs, and more travelers. Finding cheap places to stay has become tough. As a result, travelers must plan and budget their itinerary carefully. Many people are seeking alternatives for affordable lodging or planning their trips during off-peak seasons to mitigate the impact of rising hotel costs.
Importance of Budget-friendly Travel
Traveling on a budget offers many benefits. It enables people to visit more places, stay longer, and enjoy local cultures without breaking their bank accounts. Low expenses also allow travelers to set aside money for special experiences together with good food and souvenirs they would like to bring home from their trips.
Overview of the Hotel Booking Process
Knowing the booking process helps you find the best deals and save money. It also leads to better decisions and maximizes your travel budget. Here’s how to book a hotel:
- Choose a desired destination, date, and specific accommodation requirements.
- After finding potential hotels, check their prices, amenities, and reviews.
- Then, complete the booking process by paying the amount online.
- Get a confirmation with important information about your reservation.
- Approach the reception desk for check-in upon arrival at the hotel.
Timing Your Hotel Booking
Are you wondering about how to save money on hotels while traveling? The period when you book your lodging determines the amount you are required to pay. Such factors include:
The best time to book a hotel
The ideal booking window differs depending on where one intends to visit and the time of year. Generally, reservations made 1-3 months before shoulder season yield better rates. Flexible travel dates can also save you money.
Weekday vs. weekend rates
Weekends have higher prices compared to weekdays. As such, weekday rates tend to be lower due to a larger number of business travelers occupying rooms. If possible, try traveling during working days so that you can save up on accommodation costs.
Seasonal hotel pricing
Hotel prices change with demand throughout the year. They’re higher during peak times, like holidays and summer. But booking in the off-season can save you money and make your trip easier.
Last-minute hotel deals
Sometimes, very late bookings come with reduced charges. Hotels do this to fill all their empty rooms. However, this approach requires flexibility and may limit your choice of accommodation.
Advance booking discounts
Some hotels give discounts for early bookings. But, these deals are often non-refundable. So, consider the savings against the risk of changing your plans.
Choosing the Right Hotel
Getting an appropriate hotel is important for comfort and enjoyment during your stay. For a well-informed decision, take into account:
Hotel Star Ratings and Price Comparison
Hotel star ratings generally provide a concept of quality levels and services. However, price variations among different star ratings also exist. At times, however, three-star properties can offer almost the same amenities as higher-ranking options at significantly lower prices.
Location and Accessibility
Transportation costs can be minimized by selecting a hotel in convenient proximity to various areas, such as public transportation hubs, tourist attractions, or dining places, which will help lower additional travel expenses.
Hotel Amenities and Needs Assessment
Evaluate what facilities the hotel provides vis-à-vis those you require from it. Paying for features such as a swimming pool or gym is unnecessary if you cannot use them anyway. This way, you end up paying too much for necessities.
Alternative Accommodation
Hostels, vacation rentals, and guesthouses must be considered. These choices are usually unique and can be much cheaper than traditional hotels.
Hotel loyalty programs
Usually, members receive significant discounts on their expenses or even free stays entirely. Registering in these programs as points accumulate over time, providing lasting benefits is advisable.
Saving Money on Hotel Extras
When considering the cost of accommodation, it’s essential to look beyond the base hotel rate. Some tips to help save money when it comes to these extra costs that are mostly unnoticed include:
Free hotel breakfast and Wi-Fi
It is good to choose a hotel that provides free breakfast and free Wi-Fi. This way, you will not spend so much on meals since your internet charges are also covered, making the overall cost of staying more reasonable.
Hotel room upgrades and fees
At check-in, ask for an upgraded room. Sometimes, hotels offer free or discounted upgrades. Also, watch for extra charges, like parking fees. These can increase your bill.
Resort fees and hidden charges
Some hotels charge resort fees for amenities like swimming pools, gyms, or internet access. Therefore, it’s always important to check if there are any hidden charges before making such reservations, which should be factored into your budget.
Packing light to avoid luggage fees
Traveling with minimal luggage can help avoid airline baggage fees. This also simplifies your hotel stay. Many hotels charge for extra luggage. So, to save money, pack light. This is key in some areas where extra storage might not be available.
Exploring nearby dining options
Explore local restaurants instead of expensive hotel ones. It’s cheaper and lets you interact with people from different cultures and taste their cuisines.
Hotel Booking Platforms and Tools
Using technology can greatly simplify the booking process for your hotel and help you find the best deals. There are some useful tools at your disposal:
Hotel Comparison Websites
To compare prices across multiple platforms, use hotel comparison websites. These sites draw listings from various booking engines, making it easier to get the best deal.
Hotel Booking Apps
Most hotels have mobile app deals that offer discounts exclusive to mobile users. These deals can be booked on a last-minute basis, especially if there are vacancies. Download and use these apps to access additional savings.
Price Tracking Tools
Through price tracking tools, you can monitor hotel rates and receive notifications whenever price drops occur. Set alerts for your preferred hotels to book at the optimal time.
Hotel Reward Programs
You should leverage hotel reward programs to accrue points that will earn you free stays in the future. Such programs often offer substantial savings in addition to other benefits such as complimentary breakfasts or room upgrades.
Credit Card Travel Benefits
Several banks’ customers have travel benefits attached to their cards, such as protection against luggage loss, discounts on accommodation, and air miles. Make sure to use travel-friendly credit cards so as not to miss out on these advantages.
Negotiation and Haggling
Online booking platforms may be accessible, but sometimes, direct negotiation may result in huge discounts. These tips should be helpful:
Negotiating Hotel Rates Directly
Try calling the hotel directly when bargaining for prices; sometimes, they give better offers via phone than what is available online. Be polite enough when requesting any promotions or reductions they offer.
Group discounts and corporate rates
For groups and business travel, you can ask about group discounts or corporate rates. Normally, hotels offer better rates for large bookings or big businesses.
Flexible dates and room preferences
Being flexible about when you travel and where you stay can result in savings. Check with the hotel to find out what days have fewer business or cheaper rooms.
Upselling and cross-selling tactics
Look out for upselling and cross-selling tricks at check-in. The hotels may try to sell you extra services or optional upgrades. Stick to your budget by rejecting unnecessary offers.
Read related blog: How To Save Money For A Vacation In 6 Months
Conclusion
Saving money on hotels is an intelligent way to add value without overstretching your budget during a trip. It involves strategic planning, flexibility, and wise decisions. Be flexible with your travel dates and consider staying outside of the city center, where rates may be lower. Use online travel booking platforms to compare prices across different websites to find the best deals. Take advantage of loyalty programs and membership discounts offered by hotel chains. For further financial advice, try Beem! This AI-powered digital wallet app can be an option worth considering. It helps you keep track of and maintain your finances in the best possible manner.
FAQs
How do I find hidden hotel fees?
To find hidden hotel charges, read the hotel’s policies and descriptions. Check for words like “resort fees,” “amenity fees,” and “service charges.” Compare prices and identify extra costs using hotel comparison websites. Ask if there are any charges associated with booking directly from the hotel.
What are the top-rated online platforms for booking hotels?
Some major websites gather listings from various sources, including comparison sites. These help you find the best deals, adding value to your money. However, consider price comparison tools, customer reviews, reward programs, and customer service when choosing a site to book a hotel room.
When is the best time to book a hotel at a cheaper price?
The point of time when it is cheapest to book hotels varies with the destination and seasonality. It usually makes sense to book 1-3 months before the shoulder seasons. You may find cheap deals then.
