The hotel bill is often the largest single expense when you are traveling for business or while on vacation, so finding deals on hotels is a great way to cut costs. When planning your next getaway, try these simple tips to help you get the most for your travel dollar:
1. Travel when you can at Off-Peak Times: When choosing your travel dates, can you possibly arrange to go during the off-season. Many vacationers are limited to traveling during holidays or school vacations but if your dates are a bit more flexible, you can take advantage of significant savings. By just moving travel dates earlier or later by a few days, from say Saturday or Sunday to the middle of the week may often make a massive difference in the quoted rates.
2. Grab all the Advantage for Membership Perks: Most large hotel chains enrol you for free membership programs a bit like airline frequent flyer programs. The free programs allow you to either get a massive discount or just earn points which can be redeemed later for free nights. Hotels also have lower rates available for seniors, students, military service people, or members of programs such as AAA. Make sure to mention all your club and membership affiliations when booking in order to secure the lowest rate.
3. Look for Internet Specials: Many hotel chains have Internet-only offers or use internet promotional codes that can reveal a lower rate. A quick inquiry in a search engine for hotel discount codes can unlock significant savings. If you are also booking air travel , sometimes the airline offer package deals can are discounted compared to booking each item separately.
4. Avoid Hidden Fees and Extras: When reviewing hotel costs, ensure that the stated price you get includes all taxes,all utility surcharges (phone,internet) and resort access fees. Most hotels charge for calling on the local phone and for all movies as well. Consider all the services and room features you will need during your stay, and ask the hotel if they are included.
5. Additional Ways To Find Savings: If your family are traveling together , ask whether the children stay or eat for free or at a coupon rate. If you are part of a large party or convention or traveling for an organzation, ask for a group, affiliate or rewards scheme discount. If you will be coming from the airport, find out if the hotel offers a free shuttle service. Does the hotel offer free breakfast or an evening appetizer hour? Staying at a suite hotel, or booking a room with a kitchenette can also help you save by allowing you to avoid eating out for every meal.
6. Have Flexability: The critical and last and key tip is to try to stay flexible. As previously discussed , having flexability regarding travel dates can help you bargain for lower rates, but if your dates are locked in, there are other ways to be flexible. Look at your list of requirements, are you really going to use the hotel pool or gym, or can you do without them? Being willing to stay near an airport instead of downtown, in a chain hotel instead of a boutique property, or trading a suite for a smaller room are all ways to reduce costs.
Finding bargain hotel deals is not difficult with just a small investment of time to research offers. By saving money , you could aim to extend your stay by a day or two!