Top 5 ways to lower your hotel bill
When you travel, the two biggest bills of your trip are airline fees and accommodation. So what’s a budget-conscious traveler to do with it? Look for ways to reduce those expenses, of course!
Let’s look at one half of that equation: hotel accommodations. Here are five ways you can cut the cost of your next hotel stay.
1. The law of supply and demand: dates matter
Airlines and hotels are very similar in that they both practice the law of supply and demand when setting rates. For airlines, increased travel on a major holiday means their planes will be full and tickets will sell for a premium; for hotels, various other factors such as weather, local events, summer vacation season, etc. affect the rate of a room.
So if you’re planning a trip to Disneyland in July or August, be prepared to pay premium rates for a hotel in or near the park. A comparable room in Phoenix during the same months, on the other hand, will be offered at its lower rate as extreme temperatures mean few travelers are planning trips to the city. This is known as seasonality.
In the same way, the day of the week matters. A business hotel is usually full during the week, but almost a ghost town on the weekends; the opposite is true for a resort property. In the first case, you’ll get a great rate on Friday or Saturday night stays, while in the second case, a mid-week stay is cheaper.
Tip: Before you make firm plans for specific dates, ask the hotel representative what events are happening at the time you plan to visit and what seasonal rates apply (high, low, or mid).
2. Big travel websites don’t always offer the best deal
Sure, you’ll likely get a great room rate from a bargain site like Priceline (considered an “opaque” site because you don’t know which hotel you’re getting). But if you have to have a particular location or specific services, stick with an online site where you can see exactly what you’re getting. Check out two or three travel sites and get a general idea of rates for a particular hotel. Then pick up the phone and call the hotel directly. Ask about any special promotions that may be available, such as memberships or package rates. You may be offered an offer that is not advertised online. If you resist the rate long enough and the hotel is underbooked for those dates, most major hotels allow the booking agent to reduce the price of your room.
3. Stay away from airport hotels
If you need to stay in a hotel the night before you fly, avoid properties located next to or near the airport. They typically enjoy high occupancy rates, and that means a higher room rate. Yes, it’s convenient to get a ride to and from the airport, but you’d save money by staying further away and parking your car in an off-airport lot.
4. Corporate Rates
If you work for a large company with multiple locations, chances are they have negotiated discounts with one or more hotel chains. Check with the travel or human resources department. Even if you’re traveling for pleasure, you can use the corporate rate and save some money. You may also be eligible for discounts at major theme parks or other attractions, just ask.
5. Rewards programs
Most major hotel chains offer a rewards program where you can earn a free night in exchange for a certain number of stays. If you travel a lot for business, rewards points could add up quickly and fully fund your vacation trip. If you only travel occasionally, a hotel rewards credit card might be a viable option. But you will never earn points if you don’t register!
These days, every penny counts, but don’t let that stop you from traveling. There are ways to make your travels more affordable, including these five ways to lower your hotel bill.