4 Surefire Ways to Save Money on Your Hotel Room

Summer is here, and if you’ve clicked through to this corner of the internet, chances are you’re spending a lot money for your seasonal travel. Don’t worry, you’re not alone: ​​According to the Allianz Partners USA 2024 Vacation Confidence Index, the average American is expected to spend $2,834 on a summer vacation. (A single trip can cost more than some people spend on rent!) And, if you choose to book multiple trips, you may end up spending even more more.

If traveling between May and September seems more expensive, it’s because East. “School is out, students have a break, and parents can finally take those much-needed vacation days,” says Shannon Sweeney Kruse, founder of a Los Angeles travel agency called House of Travel Design. “It’s a little window where the stars align, allowing everyone to sync up their schedules and plan that coveted family vacation. When everyone wants the same thing, prices naturally skyrocket.”

While there are plenty of tricks and apps out there to help you get a cheap plane ticket, booking a hotel tends to be a big expense that always seems… big. well it is Before You knew all the discreet ways to save money. To help you plan a quality and wise stay, here are some tips and tricks to find a good deal on your travel accommodation.

Thomas J. Story

1. Take your time

The early bird catches the worm, but when it comes to booking your hotel, the good stuff can Hotel reservations are often reserved for those who wait. “You can get lucky with late cancellations,” says Brooks Ferring, founder of the Berkeley Hotel Denver. “Often, properties will give you up to 25 percent off a room if you book it within two days or a week.” That said, waiting until the last minute to book a hotel can This can be risky. If you prefer to plan ahead, it may be in your best interest to book a newer hotel. “Sometimes booking a brand new property well in advance can save you money, as hotels typically open at rates 15 to 20 percent lower than they target after a year,” Ferring adds.

Thomas J. Story

2. Always book through a hotel

While there are plenty of third-party platforms that offer seemingly great rates on hotels, Kruse said you should always Book directly with the property. “If you find a better rate for a hotel on a third-party site, don’t book immediately,” she says. “Instead, call the hotel directly and ask if they can match the price. More often than not, they’ll do their best to accommodate your request.” Even if a hotel can’t match the lowest rate, Kruse says hotels may be required to offer extra perks like spa credits or a free meal to sweeten the deal. “These extras can make a big difference to your stay without breaking the bank,” she says.

Thomas J. Story

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for upgrades

According to Kruse, hotels tend to treat guests who book directly like VIPs. “Hotels are more likely to give preferential treatment to guests who book directly through them rather than through third-party sites,” she explains. “That means you might end up in a better room with a better view or more amenities without paying extra.” Of course, you never know what perks you might get if you don’t ask. “Most hotels and resorts are happy to accommodate reasonable requests, but they can’t help you if they don’t know what you want,” Kruse adds.

While it may be intimidating to ask for a corner unit or a room on a higher floor, what’s the worst that can happen? A concierge representative will politely decline and you always Did you have a good trip? Exactly. That said, if you’re still hesitant to ask for something special, you might consider hiring a travel advisor. “It’s their job to make sure you get the best room in the best location,” she says. “They have established relationships with hotels and can often secure perks and upgrades that you might not be able to get on your own.”

We know what you’re thinking: isn’t it counterintuitive to to hire A travel advisor? Not quite, Kruse says. “A lot of travelers are hesitant to use travel advisors because they think it’ll cost them more,” she explains. “Here’s a nice surprise: Many travel advisors don’t charge a fee to book your trip.”

Thomas J. Story

4. Group your activities

Want to get the best value when you check in? “I recommend guests check out hotel websites for specials and packages, as they often have great deals,” says Michelle Martinez, director of sales at Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver. “It’s also a great way to see what the city has to offer.” Hotels often have special partnerships with local businesses (like baseball teams, tour guides, and distilleries) and may offer discounted rates on fun activities. Or, as Martinez puts it, “See the city and save!”