Travelers often spend a large chunk of their trip budget on sleeping accommodations. But there are ways to reduce those costs – sometimes by planning ahead and other times by doing just the opposite.
For planning ahead
- Booking.com can help you find deals whether you’re making reservations well in advance or at the last minute. They aggregate different hotels and rentals available for your selected dates, with budgets ranges as low as $0 to $55 with a slew of other options to help you select your ideal place to start and finish your vacation daily. The site also points out “Off Peak” deals, some of which even start under $40.
- Expedia provides deals in advance as well as in the moment. They take information on your budget, destination and itinerary to provide hotel matches. Expedia members can also score an extra 10% off on hotels and activities.
Le Pavillon Hotel is the second most in demand property in New Orleans, according to Expedia. (Photo: Expedia)
For the last-minute getaway
- Recently acquired by Airbnb, HotelTonight is a great tool to pick up a day-of reservation for up to 50% off. While HotelTonight is known for its day-of reservations, it also offers discounts on advance bookings.
Don’t forget the discount card
- AARP offers discounts at dozens of hotels across the budget spectrum, from 10% offat Super 8 to 5% at the Waldorf Astoria. as well as perks like late checkout.
- AAA members can find hotel discounts using their membership number and AAA’s own hotel search tool.
- If you’re a member of Costco and live in the United States, you are eligible for the company’s travel deals which includes hotel bookings. The company is partnered with hotel chains such as Hyatt and Fairmont. Its website also promotes “Hot Buy” package options. At press time, destinations on offer included Hawaii, Orlando, Cancun and Jamaica. They also have cruise packages.
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Always keep an eye out
- Use social media to follow your favorite properties – and the ones you’re dying to try. This way, you’re more likely to find out about any kind of deal or promotion that might come up. And it’s not just the big chains that offer deals: occasionally, smaller, boutique hotels hand out secret passwords for discounts, too.
- Investigate your alumni benefits. For example, the University of California Santa Barbara offer alumni up to half off at hotels like Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Marriott, Hilton and Omni, among others. And Columbia University grads can score 26% off of hotel rates around the globe using Hotel Engine.
- Join any available loyalty programs at your favorite hotels to receive discounts and other perks. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report named Marriott Bonvoy the best rewards program for the third year running.
- Check for military discounts. Many chains offer them; however they vary widely as to who is eligible to receive them. Some extend their discounts to dependents, veterans and retirees while others limit the privilege to active-duty, reserve or National Guard troops. And if someone in your party books the reservation using a military discount, remember to bring the ID.
When booking, keep in mind that companies may add fees and other extra hidden costs to your tab. Some hotels charge a daily fee for parking, while resort fees are also on the rise in locations like Las Vegas.
Follow Morgan Hines on Twitter: @MorganEmHines.
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