Wondering how to get the best hotels and rooms for the best price? Our guide will uncover the secrets to finding cheap hotels without sacrificing comfort or quality, all this from our personal travel experience. From luxurious stays to budget-friendly accommodations, we’ve rounded up the top tips and tricks to help you score the best deals on your next hotel booking. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, we’ve got the ultimate guide for you! With these savvy strategies in your arsenal, you’ll be booking the hotel of your dreams at a price that will not make your bank account cry 😍
✈️🤑 If you’ve already booked your hotel, check out our ultimate guide to get the cheapest prices to book flights.
1 – Use Price Comparison Websites
When it comes to finding cheap hotels, price comparison websites are your best friend. These platforms scour the web to gather rates from various booking sites, giving you a comprehensive overview of available options. One of the best being Booking.com, it offers also interesting discounts with their loyalty program, and a very easy cancellation process. By comparing prices across different platforms, you can get the best deals and save big on your accommodations. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays, price comparison websites make it easy to find the perfect place to rest your head without breaking the bank. Another great choice would be Google Hotels, which compares many accommodation platforms at the same time.
2 – Contact the Hotel Directly
Cut out the middleman and reach out to the hotel directly to inquire about their best rates. By bypassing third-party booking sites, you can avoid commission fees and negotiate directly with the hotel staff or owners (especially if you them cash directly at the hotel reception). Send an email or pick up the phone to inquire about available discounts, special promotions, or room upgrades. Hotel owners are often willing to offer competitive rates to guests who book directly, as it saves them money on commission fees. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss your specific needs and preferences with the hotel staff, ensuring a personalized and tailored experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out and see if you can get a better deal by booking directly with your accomodation.
3 – Book in Advance or During Low Season
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking cheap hotels. By making your reservations well in advance, you can take advantage of early bird discounts and special promotions. Hotels often offer lower rates for guests who book their rooms ahead of time, so don’t wait until the last minute to secure your accommodations. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, booking in advance ensures that you’ll lock in the best possible price for your stay. Another tip is to book during the low tourist season (which often rhymes with the rainy or cold season). For example, you can expect huge price differences for luxury resorts in Bora Bora or Maldives, and even if it’s supposed to be the rainy season, that doesn’t mean that it rains every day, see our personal story below 😎
Travel Guides Genius Insiders Tips: For our 1 week trip to Bora Bora, we booked it during the rainy (low) season at a luxury resort, which saved us about $3900 (the cost of every flights!). Even though the rain was announced on the weather forecast, we got only one day of full rain, the rest of the trip was almost 100% sunny with very warm temperatures, especially for swimming 🌞
4 – Stay Midweek Instead of Weekends
Hotel rates often fluctuate based on demand, with weekends typically being more expensive than weekdays. If your travel plans allow, consider staying midweek instead of over the weekend to take advantage of lower rates. Hotels tend to have more availability and offer better deals during the week when business travel slows down. You’ll also avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere at popular tourist attractions. By shifting your travel dates to weekdays, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy a more affordable hotel stay without sacrificing quality or comfort.
5 – Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap hotels. By being open to adjusting your travel dates, you can take advantage of fluctuations in pricing and score better deals. Consider traveling during off-peak seasons or midweek when hotel rates tend to be lower. Additionally, keep an eye out for last-minute deals and flash sales, which can offer significant savings for spontaneous travelers. Being flexible with your travel dates allows you to stretch your budget further and make the most of your accommodations budget.
6 – Sign Up for Hotel Loyalty Programs
If you frequently stay at hotels, signing up for loyalty programs can help you save money in the long run. Many hotel chains offer loyalty programs that reward guests with perks such as discounted rates, room upgrades, and complimentary amenities. You might check out this detailed guide regarding hotels loyalty programs. By joining these programs and accumulating points with each stay, you can unlock exclusive benefits and enjoy a more luxurious hotel experience without paying top dollar. And yep, many loyalty programs offer members access to special promotions and discounts, making it even easier to find cheap hotels that meet your needs and preferences. Some of thos programs include Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, ALL — Accor Live Limitless and so on 😁
7 – Use Discount Codes and Coupons
Don’t forget to scour the internet for discount codes and coupons before booking your hotel. Many websites offer promotional codes that can provide additional savings on your accommodations. Whether it’s a percentage off your booking or a complimentary upgrade, every little bit helps when it comes to finding cheap hotels. Be sure to check multiple sources for discount codes, including hotel websites, third-party booking sites, and coupon websites. With a bit of research and persistence, you can uncover hidden discounts and maximize your savings on your hotel stay. A good site that has plenty of hotel coupons and promo codes is Groupon, we also use it sometimes for other travel purposes.
8 – Consider Location Carefully
When searching for cheap hotels, pay close attention to the location of the property. Hotels in prime locations, such as city centers or popular tourist areas, tend to command higher rates. Consider staying slightly outside the main tourist areas or in up-and-coming neighborhoods to find more affordable options. While you may have to sacrifice a bit of convenience, choosing a hotel in a less central location can result in significant savings. And you’ll often find quieter surroundings and a more authentic local experience away from the tourist crowds.
9 – Look for Package Deals
Package deals can be a great way to save money on both your accommodations and other travel expenses. Many travel websites offer package deals that combine hotel stays with flights, rental cars, or activities at a discounted rate. By bundling your travel purchases together, you can unlock additional savings and simplify your trip planning process. Keep an eye out for package deals that include perks such as complimentary breakfast or free Wi-Fi to maximize the value of your booking (yes, some hotels still make you pay to use Wi-Fi as of today 🤪). With package deals, you can enjoy a hassle-free vacation while staying within your budget.
10 – Consider Alternative Accommodations
Think outside the box when it comes to finding cheap (and very good) hotels. Instead of traditional hotels, consider alternative accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals. These options often offer lower rates than traditional hotels and provide a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly dormitory beds or cozy private rooms, alternative accommodations cater to a variety of preferences and budgets. On top of that, staying in a hostel or guesthouse allows you to connect with fellow travelers and immerse yourself in the local culture in a way that traditional hotels can’t match.
Here’s a little recap for the best tips to find the cheapest hotel prices:
1 – Use Price Comparison Websites
2 – Contact the Hotel Directly
3 – Book in Advance or During Low Season
4 – Stay Midweek Instead of Weekends
5 – Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
6 – Sign Up for Hotel Loyalty Programs
7 – Use Discount Codes and Coupons
8 – Consider Location Carefully
9 – Look for Package Deals
10 – Consider Alternative Accommodations
This guide was updated on March 2024
