Hotel Hacks: 10 Savvy Tips to Save Big on Your Next Hotel Stay
Hotel Hacks: 10 Savvy Tips to Save Big on Your Next Hotel Stay - - Comparison Shopping is Key
You wouldn’t buy a new TV or car without doing some comparison shopping first, so why would booking a hotel room be any different? When it comes to scoring hotel deals, taking the time to comparison shop can mean serious savings.
I like to start my hotel search on meta search sites like Kayak and TripAdvisor. These sites compile rates from hundreds of booking sites and hotels in one place, giving you a quick overview of all your options. I enter my destination, travel dates and budget filters to see the full range of hotel choices available.
Once I’ve identified some suitable hotels, I don’t stop there. I head over to the hotel’s direct website to check rates. Oftentimes hotels offer the lowest prices when you book directly instead of through third party sites that charge commission fees. I’ve saved 10-15% just by booking direct.
If I have hotel loyalty program status, I’ll also check the loyalty rates which are frequently lower than the generic web rates offered to the general public. Signing up for hotel loyalty programs is free and provides access to member-only deals.
I also look at opaque booking sites like Hotwire and Priceline where you can score significant discounts in exchange for some uncertainty about the exact hotel brand and location. If I’m flexible, I’ve gotten rooms for up to 60% off by booking opaque.
Once I’ve identified the best rate through all these different channels, I call up the hotel’s reservation line. Often the phone agents have access to even lower rates or promotions that aren’t advertised online. Plus they may be willing to match a lower rate you found elsewhere. I’ve saved an extra 5-10% off the online price just by picking up the phone.
The final step is to check review sites like TripAdvisor to read recent guest feedback about the shortlisted hotels. This helps avoid places with cleanliness, noise or other issues that aren’t reflected in the room rate. I love scoring a deal but not at the expense of comfort on my trip.
Hotel Hacks: 10 Savvy Tips to Save Big on Your Next Hotel Stay - - Loyalty Programs Offer Deep Discounts
Hotel Hacks: 10 Savvy Tips to Save Big on Your Next Hotel Stay - - Avoid Peak Times and Places
Hotel Hacks: 10 Savvy Tips to Save Big on Your Next Hotel Stay - - Book Early and Watch for Sales
Hotel Hacks: 10 Savvy Tips to Save Big on Your Next Hotel Stay - - Call the Hotel Directly
Hotel Hacks: 10 Savvy Tips to Save Big on Your Next Hotel Stay - - Consider Alternatives to Hotels
Hotel Hacks: 10 Savvy Tips to Save Big on Your Next Hotel Stay - - Negotiate at Check-In
Negotiating a lower rate at the front desk during check-in is a tried-and-true way to get a discount. I always aim for at least 10-15% off through some friendly negotiating. The hotel staff wants to fill rooms so don’t be shy about asking for a deal.
I start by being super nice and striking up a conversation to build rapport with the agent. Maybe I ask how their day is going or compliment the decor. Then I casually mention something like “I saw a promotional rate on your website for $XX per night. Is there any way you could honor that for my stay?” Even if it’s a lie they usually won’t verify it on the spot.
If your first attempt doesn’t work, try citing a lower prepaid rate you saw on Expedia or Booking.com for the same room type. Ask politely if they can match it so you can book directly and not through a third party. Emphasize you want to book with them but need a better deal first. Or note you’re a frequent guest and hope for an unpublished loyalty program rate.
I’ve found Sundays and Mondays to be the best check-in days to negotiate since hotels are more vacant. Holidays and big events are tougher but you can still leverage the abundance of nearby competition. In one case during SXSW in Austin, the hotel was sold out so I asked about reservations for the following week. They offered me a huge discount just to lock me in early at the regular rate.
Independent boutique hotels typically have more wiggle room than big chains. The owner on site may happily shave 10% off rather than having a room sit empty for the night. Offering to pay cash upfront can also incentivize a discount since it saves processing fees.
Families and groups have additional leverage since you’re booking multiple rooms for multiple nights. Even a small discount per room per night adds up quickly. Some friends saved over $200 by securing 10% off their three rooms for a five night stay in Hawaii.
Hotel Hacks: 10 Savvy Tips to Save Big on Your Next Hotel Stay - - Travel Light for Lower Fees
The airline industry has become increasingly ruthless when it comes to charging baggage fees in recent years. Most domestic carriers now charge around $30 for your first checked bag and $40 for the second. On international routes, those fees can swell to $100 or more per bag! All those fees add up quickly, especially for families.
The best way to avoid extra baggage costs is simply to travel light and fit everything into a carry-on. I’m obsessed with traveling carry-on only, even for trips up to 2-3 weeks. The key is wearing versatile clothes that mix and match, utilizing packing cubes, and strategic rolling to fit more in your bag. I also bring a lightweight duffel in case I want to pack any souvenirs on the return.
Limit shoes - I pack just two pairs, typically sneakers and a nicer pair of sandals or oxfords. Shoes take up a ton of precious space. I’ll even rewear my sneakers multiple times if they don’t get too dirty.
Wear your bulkiest items - I wear my jeans and heavier shoes on the plane which clears space in my bag. I also stuff socks and underwear in my shoes to maximize volume.
Be selective with toiletries - You can buy travel size toiletries or transfer portions into smaller containers. Only bring what you truly need during your specific trip. Most hotels offer basics too.
Utilize layers - Focus on lightweight versatile layers like cardigans, scarves, and button downs that can be mixed and matched in different ways. It’s more efficient than bulky sweaters.
Roll don’t fold - Rolling your clothes vertically avoids wasted space between folds. You can fit way more rolled clothes in the same amount of space. Use packing cubes to keep categories separate.
Wear your jacket - Even during summer I’ll wear a super lightweight jacket with big pockets on the plane. It saves packing space and those pockets are great for stashing items you’ll need in flight.
Invest in the right luggage - A durable carry-on backpack with good organization and expansion features is a worthwhile splurge. The extra capacity allows you to bring back souvenirs without checking a bag.