How to Book Cheaper Hotels

Booking a cheaper hotel isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about getting the best value for your stay, whether you’re planning a luxury getaway or a quick weekend escape. Understanding the hotel industry, timing, and the power of negotiation can lead to impressive savings. Here’s how to navigate booking platforms, reward programs, and even unconventional tricks to score the best deal possible.

Start with Research, But Be Flexible

To find cheaper hotels, flexibility is key—this includes your travel dates, destination, and even the types of hotels you consider. Try browsing multiple booking sites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com to get a sense of pricing across different platforms.

• Try Flexible Dates: Prices vary drastically based on seasonality, local events, and day of the week. If you’re able to travel during off-peak times, you could save significantly.
• Location Matters: Staying a little outside the main tourist areas can offer much lower prices while still being within reach of key attractions.
• Check Multiple Sites & the Hotel’s Own Website: Sometimes, booking directly through the hotel’s website can offer perks like free upgrades or lower rates.

Leverage Booking Tools and Apps for Extra Discounts

There are several powerful booking tools and apps designed to help travelers save money. Here are a few to explore:

• HotelTonight: Best for last-minute bookings; the app offers discounted rates on rooms that hotels need to fill quickly.
• Hopper: Tracks prices and predicts the best time to book, saving you the hassle of monitoring rates yourself.
• Google Hotel Finder: Shows pricing across multiple booking sites and often reveals price trends for your dates.

Use Price Alerts and Watch Prices Drop

Many booking websites and apps allow you to set price alerts for your desired destination and dates. Websites like Kayak, Google Flights, and Hopper offer this service, and they’ll notify you of price drops for the hotels you’re interested in.

• Booking Cancellation Policies: Choose hotels with free cancellation so you can rebook if prices drop closer to your trip. Often, prices drop as the travel date nears, so you can switch to a better rate if one appears.
• Monitor Off-Peak Booking Times: Many travelers report that searching for hotels mid-week (especially on Tuesday and Wednesday) results in lower rates, as opposed to weekend searches.

Sign Up for Hotel Rewards Programs

Most major hotel chains offer loyalty programs that allow you to accumulate points for future stays or receive exclusive discounts.

• Join Major Programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG Rewards Club are popular loyalty programs. Members often receive access to lower rates, free Wi-Fi, or room upgrades.
• Stack Rewards with Credit Card Programs: Many travel credit cards offer bonus points for booking through certain hotel chains. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Gold, or Capital One Venture Rewards can help you save big when used strategically.
• Use Reward Points for Extra Perks: Some programs let you redeem points for things like free breakfast, complimentary parking, or room upgrades, which can add more value to your stay.

Call the Hotel Directly and Negotiate

One of the lesser-known ways to book cheaper hotels is to call the hotel directly. Speaking to someone at the front desk, rather than just a booking agent, can sometimes get you a better rate.

• Ask About Unpublished Rates: Some hotels offer discounts that aren’t posted online, like AAA discounts, senior rates, or government employee discounts.
• Negotiate Directly: Politely ask if there’s any room for negotiation, particularly if you’re booking last minute or staying for multiple nights. Mention if you’ve found a lower rate on another website; hotels may be willing to match or beat it to secure your booking.

Book Longer Stays to Get the Best Rates

Some hotels offer discounts for extended stays, even if it’s just three nights instead of two. Extended stay hotels, in particular, offer great rates and come with extra amenities, like kitchenettes, which can save you on dining out.

• Look for “Stay Longer” Deals: Many hotels run “Stay 3, Pay for 2” promotions or similar offers, which can be a game-changer for multi-day vacations.
• Consider Apartment-Style Hotels or Vacation Rentals: Extended stay hotels or vacation rental platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo may offer better rates for longer stays and often include extra amenities.

Consider Alternative Accommodation Types

Hotels are not the only option. If you’re flexible with your accommodation style, you can save money by looking at other options.

• Hostels and Boutique Inns: For solo travelers or couples, boutique inns or high-end hostels can offer comfortable stays at a fraction of the cost.
• Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo allow you to rent full apartments or houses, which are often more affordable for groups or families.
• Guesthouses or Bed & Breakfasts: These smaller properties can provide a more intimate experience and often come with a lower nightly rate than a hotel.

Try Secret Deals and Mystery Bookings

Some booking platforms offer “mystery” deals, where you don’t know the hotel name until after you book. While it can be a bit of a gamble, these options are heavily discounted and can be a great way to get a high-quality stay for less.

• Hotwire and Priceline Express Deals: These sites offer opaque bookings where the hotel name is revealed after purchase. You can narrow it down by neighborhood and star rating, so you generally know what to expect.
• Luxury for Less: If you’re willing to take the risk, these mystery deals can lead to four- or five-star accommodations at a two- or three-star price.

Consider Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Popular destinations tend to have higher accommodation prices, while lesser-known areas often offer great experiences at a lower cost. For example, instead of staying directly in San Francisco, consider staying in nearby Oakland or Berkeley, where hotel rates are lower.

• Look for Unique or Emerging Areas: Many lesser-known destinations have unique attractions and local experiences that offer as much as more well-known spots but at a much lower cost.
• Avoid Tourist Hotspots in High Season: Save popular cities for the off-season and explore lesser-known but exciting places that offer more affordable rates.

Utilize Price Matching and Cancellation Policies

If you find a lower rate elsewhere after booking, many hotels and booking sites offer price matching. Hotels may also have flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to cancel and rebook at a lower rate if you spot a better deal.

• Check Price Matching Policies: Platforms like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Booking.com often offer price matching within 24 hours of booking.
• Choose Flexible Rates with Free Cancellation: This allows you to keep searching for better deals up until your stay, giving you the chance to rebook at a lower rate.

Check for Package Deals

Many travel websites offer vacation packages that bundle flights and hotels, sometimes even adding extras like car rentals or activities. While it might seem counterintuitive, these packages can offer significant savings.

• Book Through Sites Offering Package Discounts: Expedia, Priceline, and Kayak all offer package deals. Bundling accommodations with flights can often unlock rates that aren’t available if booked separately.
• Consider All-Inclusive Options: For longer vacations, all-inclusive packages that cover food, drinks, and activities might save you more overall than paying à la carte.

Plan Ahead, But Watch Last-Minute Deals

In general, planning and booking early can help you lock in good rates, but last-minute deals can be a game-changer if you’re willing to be spontaneous.

• Book in Advance for Major Destinations: Booking early is a good idea for popular destinations, where prices only rise closer to the date.
• Try Last-Minute Booking Sites for Spontaneous Trips: If your schedule is flexible, last-minute deals on HotelTonight or Priceline Express Deals can lead to great discounts.

Booking a cheaper hotel is a balancing act between timing, tools, and knowing when to book directly or take advantage of loyalty perks. By planning with flexibility and keeping an eye on your options, you can unlock significant savings without sacrificing comfort.