One of the biggest costs of travel, aside from airfare, is lodging. However, there are ways to get affordable, clean, and safe lodgings that won’t break the bank. Discover our ways to save on hotels and you’ll be able to save on your lodgings and spend more on having fun.
Pit Hotel Prices Against Each Other
When you begin looking for hotels, book the best rate you can find that is cancellable at Hotel A. Then call another hotel (Hotel B)’s front desk that is in the area as Hotel A. Now, give Hotel B a call, directly at that location’s front desk, and tell them that you booked a room, such as a double room, on your dates for the price you booked it at Hotel A. However, tell Hotel B that you were reviewing hotels online after you made your reservation at Hotel A and you realized you’d rather stay at Hotel B. With any luck, the clerk at Hotel B will give you a better offer than Hotel A, and you can cancel your stay at Hotel A.
Remember to be kind to the hotel clerk. Also, be sure that you are calling the hotel’s front desk directly, not the chain’s hotline. The front desk workers are empowered to adjust rates and give deals on the spot. The hotline workers are less likely to work with you.
Asking for an Upgrade
When you know that you want to ask for an upgrade once you arrive at the hotel, be sure you check in around 6 p.m. This is the best time because the hotel clerks will know by 6 which of the better rooms will be empty for the night. Therefore, you are more likely to get that upgrade you are hoping for.
Try TripDibs.com
We all know that calling ‘Dibs’ on something means that you claim it as your own. This is something that is catching on in the hotel industry. Try visiting tripdibs.com and buy the ‘dibs’ obtion for around $5 to $10 per night. So you can lock in a low hotel fee now and use it later. Only a few hotels are participating in this service for the moment, which means the pickings are a little slim. However, as the “lock-in-your-price” becomes more popular, it is likely to become more and more adopted.
Card Member or Military/Veteran Perks
If you are in the military or are a military veteran, be sure to check if there are any discounts for the nightly rate. Chances are, you can save 10%-15% if you show your Military or veteran ID card.
Furthermore, some wholesale memberships, such as Costco, can get you some great deals on hotels, car rentals, and even entire vacation packages. Members of the American Automobile Association, or AAA, can also qualify for special rates for hotel and motel rooms when they provide their membership number. And AAA discounts are nothing to sneeze at—you can save up to 50% off of published rates at major chain hotels!!! Also, check for AARP discounts if you or someone in your party qualifies.
