Hi there! Sarah Houghton here, your resident globetrotter and hotel deal hunter. Over a decade and a half of exploring the world has taught me one undeniable truth about travel—there’s always a way to get more for less. Whether you travel for pleasure or work or just need a break from your day-to-day routine, finding the best hotel deals can feel like a game. But lucky for you, I’m here to help you win it.
From luxury resorts in Bali to business hotels near compact airports, I’ve seen it all. Along the way, I’ve picked up some insider tips and little tricks that can save you big bucks. You in? Okay, grab your travel cup of coffee, and let’s get started.
Do you know how often I’ve booked a hotel weeks in advance convinced I snagged the best deal, only to see the prices plummet closer to my stay? Enough times to become a professional price tracker. One of the great things about most hotels is their generous cancellation policies. You can often cancel up to 24 or even 48 hours before your stay without a penalty.
Here’s what I do. I book a great rate as soon as I find it, but I don’t stop there. I keep watching the prices. If they drop, I pounce on the new deal, cancel the original reservation, and voila! Money saved. If you're short on time, call the hotel and ask them to honor the newer, lower price. The travel gods have smiled on me more than once this way!
Weekly Nugget: Set up price alerts for hotels you’re eyeing. Services like Hopper or Trivago can notify you when the price drops, saving you time and stress.
I used to swear by Expedia and TripAdvisor to find the best hotel prices—until I realized another truth of travel. Those aggregate sites? They’re paid by big hotel brands to push certain rates your way. Sure, they’re great for getting a rough idea of what you’ll pay in a city, but nine out of ten times, the hotel’s own website has a better deal.
Not only that, but booking directly often opens up opportunities for perks like an early check-in, late check-out, or even a better room view. A win-win situation, if you ask me.
True story—I once scored a room at a boutique hotel in New Orleans for less than half the listed price simply by calling and asking for a deal. Nothing fancy, just a polite, "Hey, I love your property but noticed a competitor has cheaper rates. Is there any way you could match them?"
Here’s the secret no one tells you. Hotel managers often have quotas, and they’re willing to work with you if it means filling an empty room. It might take a couple of calls, sure, but the savings make it worthwhile.
Now, this one is fun and feels kind of exclusive. Follow your favorite hotels across social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Often, they use these spaces to announce flash sales or promos before putting them on their website.
I once stumbled across a hidden gem boutique hotel in Paris through an Instagram post offering 20% off room rates for followers. Of course, I snagged that deal before it could disappear! Slide into their DMs, sign up for their newsletters, and be the traveler who’s always in the know.
Raise your hand if you search for hotels for your “weekend” getaway only to feel your wallet cry. Been there. Traveling Friday through Sunday will always be more expensive at prime vacation spots. I’ve flipped my trips to mid-week stays whenever possible—think Tuesday to Thursday—and the savings are sweet. Planning like this also means you’ll face fewer crowds, which is priceless in my book of experiences.
For weekend warriors, here’s a pro tip. Business hotels near airports or convention centers often drop their prices because weekday corporate guests aren’t filling their rooms. These properties are laden with amenities (hello, free breakfast!), and during weekends, their rates can feel like a steal.
Weekly Nugget: Off-peak travel doesn’t just save money—it gives you breathing space. Whether it’s mid-week trips or shoulder season getaways, enjoy quieter adventures without the premium prices.
This trick? It costs nothing. Sign up for hotel loyalty programs no matter what. You never know when you’ll book with them next, and rewards add up. I’ve pocketed free breakfasts, late checkouts, and Wi-Fi—all just because I spent 30 seconds enrolling.
Even if you’re a little brand hopper like me, you can still make these programs work in your favor. Collect points and watch how quickly they turn into romantic weekend escapes or family-friendly vacations.
Speaking of timing, one of my favorite secrets is traveling during shoulder seasons. The beach in mid-July? Gorgeous but crowded and pricey. A coastal visit in late September, after school resumes? Still gorgeous but drastically cheaper.
I’ve basked in the serenity of Italy’s Amalfi Coast and dined beachside in Croatia without fighting crowds. Guess what? Shoulder season seduces you with lower hotel rates, better restaurant availability, and a calmer, more relaxed vibe.
If you’re like me, vacations are about enjoying the experience, not fretting about every cost. I had one terrible trip where I splurged on a luxury hotel with resort fees for Wi-Fi, parking, and even water bottles. Never again. Since then, I’ve opted for budget-friendly options that often include delightful extras like complimentary breakfast buffets or free parking.
When you’re spending most of your time adventuring outside the hotel, access to small perks can make a big difference. Alternatively, if your dream staycation is camping in a plush resort, focus on one big indulgence instead.
Weekly Nugget: Look beyond the price tag. Weigh in amenities to determine the real value of a hotel stay, and match it with how you plan to use your time.
Traveling with family or a group? Don’t dismiss booking a suite. Yes, the upfront cost can seem higher, but suites often come with kitchenettes or even cozy living spaces. A hotel room with a kitchenette saved me hundreds during a two-week trip to Hawaii. We stocked up on local groceries and only dined out occasionally. Pro tip? Families appreciate the privacy these spaces offer—so much better than cramping everyone in a single room.
Here’s a big one. If you travel often, consider getting a good travel rewards credit card. Some programs have literally paid for extended weekend getaways. One card I once signed up for gave me enough bonus points from regular grocery shopping to book two free nights at a luxury resort in Aspen.
Just one rule to follow. Pay off the balance every month! No one wants surprise interest charges cutting into those freebie trips.
Lastly, don’t overlook bundling. Pairing flights, hotels, and rental cars can unlock massive savings. Often, airlines will suggest partnering hotels during the process of booking your flight. Give it a look—it’s common to find reduced rates or added perks like breakfast vouchers.
I recall one Thanksgiving escape where I bundled a holiday flight with a luxurious (yet affordable) mountain lodge, complete with spa credits. Bundling saved me more than $300 overall.
Finding the perfect hotel deal takes time, but boy, does it pay off. Whether I’m chasing sunrise yoga in Thailand or winding down with local wine in Tuscany, these strategies have consistently helped me save money—and enjoy the trip even more.
At the end of the day, it’s your travel style that sets the tone. Want to jet-set like a minimalist or splurge on lush, indulgent stays? The toolboxes of savings are there to serve you either way. Now go book that dream vacation—you’ve earned it!
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