5 Ways to Score the Best Hotel Deals for Your Next Vacation
Booking hotels is often one of the most expensive parts of your vacation, but it can be easy to score the best deals if you know where to look. Whether you are looking to book a luxury resort or a budget-friendly hotel, these tips can help you snag the perfect accommodation at the best rate possible.
Compare Sites
One of the most important things you can do when booking a hotel is to compare the rates. Using a comparison site is an excellent way to do this and save a lot of money.
These sites, like Hotels.com help you to find the best deals on everything from hotels and vacation rentals to car rentals, travel packages, and dining options. These sites also allow you to compare prices from different brands and stores to make an informed decision about your purchase.
Another helpful tip to remember is to start your search far enough ahead that you can watch pricing trends. This means you can jump on the savings when they happen – it is a bit of extra work but a great way to prepare for your trip.
You can check out a few comparison sites. These are all owned by the same company, so you can trust that they will offer fair prices and decent customer service.
Call Directly
When you call directly, the hotel staff will have a better idea of your specific travel needs and be able to offer you an upgraded room or a better rate. They also have a better idea of whether or not they can accommodate your request for a special dietary requirement, allergy-free pillows, or handicapped-accessible rooms.
Several hotels offer guarantees that they will match prices found elsewhere or upgrade you to a higher room for free, so it pays to ask. The guarantee will save you money and give you the added peace of mind that you are booking a great deal.
Some hotels will even offer you a discount if you pay in cash. Some discounts are only sometimes available online and can be a real bargain for travelers.
Another option is to use websites where you can bid on a room without knowing the hotel’s name until after the site has accepted it. This isn’t recommended for people who are picky about their hotel, but if you have a budget and are okay with a gamble on a random hotel, this can be a good option to get a bargain rate.
Look for Discounts
The best way to score the best hotel deals for your next vacation is to start early and book as far in advance as possible. This is especially true if you are planning a family trip or vacation with children, as hotels often get last-minute cancellations, and they want to ensure they have enough room for your group.
Once you know the location and dates of your trip, you can start looking for discounts by comparing different sites. These sites sift through OTAs and hotel websites to find the best prices.
You can also check online travel agencies to see if they are offering any discounts that you can use.
One of the most effective ways to save money on your stay is to book a package, which includes airfare and hotel in one booking. These packages can save you hundreds of dollars, so check them out.
Another good idea is to look for corporate rates or pre-negotiated company hotel discounts. These codes can save you money, and they often offer the option of free nights or add-ons like extra meals.
Book Out of the Way
The best way to score the big kahuna is to book early and often. You’ll be rewarded with room upgrades, freebies, and discounts galore. Look to hotel websites and OTAs to get the best possible deal. Using one of these sites is the best bet, as they often offer discounts of up to 30% or more off standard rates. Alternatively, you can always ask your travel agent or booking clerk if they know of any promotions that may be running at the time.
Check Your Status
If you’re a member of a hotel loyalty program or organization, check your status to see what types of deals are available for members. These include discounts off the regular rates and free nights. If you are traveling on a budget, this could save you some money.
Another way to score hotel deals is by booking during off-peak seasons. This is typically the shoulder months, such as April and October, when hotels are less busy, and prices are lower. While this can take some finesse, it’s well worth the effort. Some people have also found that calling the front desk directly is a great way to score a deal. This method can be particularly effective if you call during slow times of the week (such as Sunday and Monday) or booking a longer stay. It’s also a good idea to book a room with a free cancellation policy so that you can cancel your reservation if you find a better deal and rebook for a lower price. This prevents you from having to fight for a refund if your hotel’s rate drops closer to your departure date.
