When you’re planning a trip, a hotel can often be one of the most expensive parts to consider. Hotel costs can vary widely and choosing the wrong hotel can lead to a stressful vacation. There are plenty of ways to make sure that you end up in a great hotel without blowing your vacation budget.
Here are some ideas to help you find an affordable hotel.
Most major hotel chains have rewards programs, and the points can add up quickly. If your trip is several months away, you may want to consider joining a rewards program now and trying to save up points before you travel. You may be able to earn points through online shopping or other activities that you are already doing. Reward points programs may also offer bonuses just for signing up. Reward members can often get free upgrades as well, such as a nicer view or an early check-in. At the very least, you can earn points on your upcoming stay and start saving toward free nights for future travel.
Timing your travel, if possible, is especially important. Choosing your dates carefully can make a big impact on prices. Busier times will often result in higher prices. Consider traveling during a less busy time of the year. Summertime travel is typically the most expensive. If you can travel at other times during the year, you can likely save a significant amount of money. You may also want to consider traveling during the middle of the week instead of on a weekend. The most expensive nights of the week are typically Friday and Saturday. If you can stay at a hotel on other nights, you are likely to pay less for your stay. When you are booking a hotel, try to look at a calendar view of rates to see if you can save money by slightly changing your travel time.
When you are comparing hotels, be sure to look at the total cost of each hotel. While one hotel may offer a cheaper rate, resort fees and parking costs could end up making it the more expensive choice. If a cheaper hotel is more inconvenient and will result in higher transportation costs, be sure to factor that expense into your decision as well. Comparing the total cost of each hotel can help you choose the one that will cost less overall. Reading online reviews can also help you make the best choice. Unhappy guests will be more likely to share their experiences with others and can alert you to hidden fees. You may also be able to learn other helpful information. For example, reviews can tell you whether a hotel is close to a metro station or within walking distance of the beach and what free snacks and perks may be offered.
Depending on your travel destination, you may or may not end up spending a lot of time in your hotel room. If you are likely going to be out sightseeing for most of the day, then you may only use your room to sleep in. If that is the case, then you may want to consider inviting more friends along to share the room and split costs. While spending a lot of time in a hotel room with friends may not be ideal, it can be a great solution for those who are spending time out on the beach or hiking in the mountains all day. It is an easy way to cut your hotel costs, especially if you have friends who are interested in the same destination that you are.
You may be able to find a bundled promotion that offers you a flight and a hotel for one price. These deals can sometimes lead to substantial savings. Price out the components individually and then look for a package to see if you can save money by booking a bundle. You may be able to book a flight and a hotel together for the same price that you would have been paying for just a flight otherwise. Doing a little research can definitely pay off.
Many hotels offer discounts, and some hotels even publish their discount codes online. Other hotel chains send out promotional codes through e-mail. Sign up for e-mail lists with a couple of major hotel chains and do a few quick online searches before booking any travel. You may be surprised at what you find. Even busy hotels often have empty rooms that they want to fill, which could lead to last-minute savings for you.
While calculating costs of travel can be overwhelming, try to remember that a lot of the costs can be managed with a bit of planning. Joining a reward program, signing up for an e-mail list with the hotel and carefully selecting your travel dates can help you make your dream vacation or your quick getaway more affordable. With a little time, you should be able to find some great deals that will help you save money while still enjoying your accommodations.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.