Have you been wondering if there are ways to save money on hotels? Hotels cost a lot of money especially to those to travel frequently. Besides your plane ticket, a hotel expense will take a big chunk of your money depending on expensive the hotel is and how long you stay.
The good news is that there are smart ways you can use to save money on hotels.
In this article, you are going to learn about 11 tips you will use to save money on hotels.
1. Avoid middlemen to save money on hotels
Booking directly with the hotel will save you money. This is because middlemen or third party companies will either charge you a service fee or charge you more money in order to earn a commission.
It is also easy to resolve issues related to your reservations when you book directly with the hotel.
2. Reserve the hotel ahead of time
Start looking for hotels as soon as you know that you will travel to a particular place. Some hotels give discounts to guests who book months.
The discounts you will get could range from paying less money to the hotel, added amenities, free breakfast, etc.
3. Use free internet to save money on hotels
One of the most important things you will need when staying in a hotel is access to the internet. Many hotels combine the internet service fee with the total amount you pay for the room. Others charge a separate fee for the interest or provide free access.
It will be nice for you to have free wifi. However, if the internet is not provided for free, do not pay for it. You will be charged a lot of money for a service you only use for a few hours.
Some hotels have computers in the lobby that can be used for the internet free of charges. You can use these computers instead of paying for wifi in your room.
4. Do not eat or drink in the hotel
The food served in a hotel will always cost you more money compared to how much you could pay if you dine outside.
Usually, hotels are built close to restaurants and food services. Explore the area and eat in restaurants near the hotel.
If there are not close restaurants, consider making your own meals when possible.
You should also avoid drinking in the hotels’ bars. It will always be cheaper for you to get drinks outside the hotel.
Buying from liquor stores will be your best option. You will buy more quantity for less money.
5. Avoid traveling during the summer
Many people travel during the summer. This is because the weather is nice almost everywhere, students are in summer breaks, etc.
Hotels around the world especially those in attractive destinations increase prices during the summer due to anticipated high demand.
If you do not have to travel, consider traveling when few people are traveling.
For example, you can take your vacation during the fall instead of the summer.
6. Earn reward points
If you are a frequent traveler, consider booking hotels that will offer you points every time you stay with them.
The more you book them, the more points you will earn.
When you have enough points, you will be able to use them to book a hotel.
In other words, instead of using your money, you will use your points to pay for the hotel.
7. Get a hotel credit card to save money on hotels
Some hotels partner with credit card issuers and offer credit cards to their loyal customers. Just like your grocery credit card, a hotel credit card will save you money when you pay for hotels using their credit cards.
The percentage of savings will vary from one hotel to another. However, every little bit will help.
8. Look for deals
Before you book a hotel in your favorite location, search for deals. Some hotels offer big discounts to guests who stay for a given number of days, for example.
You could also get a discount on the hotel buy combining different services such as food, parking, internet, etc.
Are you traveling to a place with theme parks? If so, you could have a huge discount when you combine your hotel and the theme park ticket.
9. Get a discount when you pre-pay
If you are certain about your travels and have the money for the reservation, consider paying ahead of time. Your hotel could offer you a discount when you pre-pay for your room.
Make sure you understand the hotel’s cancelation policies as they may be strict due to these discounts.
Never pre-pay for the hotel if you are not sure 100% that you will be traveling.
11. Book a hotel as a group
Did you know that you can get a big discount if you book a hotel as a group? Most hotels offer good rates to people who book as a group.
If you and you friends are traveling in the same location, book the same hotel and ask for a discount.
