Are you heading to a major city this summer and thinking about how to save on your accommodations? If so, you’re not alone! Many people prefer to stay in budget-friendly hotels when they travel, and there are plenty of ways to do just that. In this blog post, we’ll reveal eight tips for getting huge savings on hotel rooms – from finding cheap options near the city center to finding very affordable hotels all across the country. So whether you’re looking for a place to stay during your trip or just some general advice on saving money on lodging, read on!
1. Stick to the Budget
There’s no need to break the bank when traveling, you can get huge savings on accommodations by sticking to a budget.
Before you go shopping for hotels, and other accommodations, figure out what you need and what you’re willing to compromise on. This will help you save money on your overall trip cost. For example, if you know that you’ll only be staying in hostels or cheap hotels, then you can focus more of your budget on airfare and other travel expenses.
Before heading out to find deals on hotels, check online reviews first. This way, you’ll know what to expect in terms of quality and price range before making a purchase.
2. Be Wise in Choosing a Location
Look at regional price variations. Compare prices for similar accommodations in different areas of the country. You may be surprised at the difference in prices between locations.
Consider staying near airports or train stations. These areas tend to be more expensive than other parts of town, but they are convenient for getting around town and accessing transportation resources.
Stay in popular tourist destinations during off-season months. During peak season, many hotels fill up quickly and prices can be higher than normal rates during these periods. Try checking hotel availability online well in advance of your trip to find moderately priced options that may not be as crowded as during peak season.
3. Be Flexible
If budget is an issue, consider staying at hostels or guesthouses instead of expensive hotels or resorts. These types of accommodations typically cost much less per night, making them an affordable option if you’re short on cash. Plus, they often offer more personalized service and more space than what’s typically available at hotels or resorts.
Another option if the budget is tight is to look for couchsurfing opportunities or rental houses/apartments that are temporarily available through websites like Airbnb and Craigslist (in addition to regular classifieds). This way, you can find unique and affordable accommodations that are centrally located, perfect for exploring a new city.
4. Stay in a Chain Hotel
Consider staying in a chain hotel instead of an independently-owned property. Not only will you likely save money on your room rate, but you’re also likely to receive better service and amenities since chains are highly regulated and monitored by the government.
5. Find Alternative Motels and Hotels
Looking for an affordable, yet comfortable place to stay while visiting a new city? Check out these alternative hotels and motels!
- Hostels: Many hostels offer deals on multi-day stays as well as single-night stays. Some even offer free breakfast!
- Bed and Breakfasts: Bed and breakfasts can be a great option if you’re looking for a more personal experience. Many offer discounts for guests who book in advance.
- Camping: If you’re looking for an affordable camping option, consider staying at a park or state park. Some even have cabins available for rent.
- Vacation Rentals: If you’re looking to stay in one spot while on vacation, consider renting a vacation rental from websites like Rebl Rentals. These rentals often come with full kitchens and bathrooms, so you can save money on food costs as well!
6. Participate in Rewards Programs
Many travelers find that the best way to save on accommodations is to participate in rewards programs. By signing up for a program and using its affiliated websites, you can rack up big savings on your hotel bills, rental cars, and more.
7. Get a Hotel Credit Card Offer
Looking to get a hotel credit card offer? Many cards offer sign-up bonuses and other benefits, like bonus points for spending on travel.
Some cards give you a $750 sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months. Also, you can earn 2X points on all travel and dining purchases and 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases. These cards also have an annual fee of $95, but their rewards make it well worth considering if you’re looking for a quality hotel credit card option.
8. Be Updated on Deals and Coupons
You can find unbeatable deals on accommodations when you use a discount site. Sites like Hotels.com and Priceline offer massive discounts on rooms across the board, so it’s always worth checking their daily deals section. You can also search by location or type of accommodation (e.g. apartments, hostels, etc.).
You must also sign up for email alerts. Many hotels now send out email alerts when they have special offers available, so make sure to sign up for these if you’re interested in staying at a specific property.
Use these methods to get huge savings on accommodations on your next trip. There are certainly many interesting deals out there when you just know how to find them.
