Planning a trip requires understanding how to get deals on flights and accommodation without compromising quality and comfort. Hotel accommodation booking does not have to be expensive.
You can score the best hotels without spending a fortune on accommodation. In this article, we will discuss how to get the cheapest hotel rates, where to book hotels, factors to consider when booking a hotel, and how to get cheap hotel rates last minute.
How to get cheapest hotel rates
Finding cheap hotel rates is one of the most important parts of planning a cost-effective trip. Accommodation is an essential part of every trip or vacation. Usually, accommodation takes up a large portion of any travel budget.
However, hotels have flexible rates that depend on quality, location, and benefits. Thus, identifying where to look for hotel deals and take advantage of them is crucial.
Here are some tips on how to book hotels at cheap rates.
1. How to book a hotel
There are two ways of booking a hotel. You can book a hotel through their website (Direct Booking) or third-party booking platforms. Direct booking often offers loyalty rewards and better cancellation policies.
Third-party booking websites are perfect for price comparison between different hotels. Additionally, they can assist you in finding exclusive offers.
2. When are you booking a hotel?
Timing is a determinant of how to get cheapest hotel rates. Seasons, day of the week, and booking window are some factors that can influence hotel rates. For instance, booking a hotel during the high seasons means that you will pay higher hotel rates than during the low season. Due to the high demand during the peak seasons, the hotel rates go up. Therefore, to get the best hotel deals, book during the off-peak seasons.
The day of the week influences hotel pricing. During the weekends, hotel accommodation prices tend to be higher in leisure destinations than on weekdays. In addition, on weekdays, hotels in business hubs tend to be more expensive than on the weekends.
Therefore, you can plan your vacation on weekdays when hotel rates are lower. Most hotels offer rewards for last-minute bookings. However, these deals are not always available. Therefore, booking in advance (1-3 weeks) is better to get the best hotel and a better rate.
3. Use hotel loyalty programs.
Most hotels have a loyalty program that is free to join. They can offer exclusive member discounts, free upgrades, early check-ins, and late checkouts, and points toward free stays.
Even if you are not a frequent traveler, signing up can help you get these benefits. Therefore, hotel loyalty programs are the best way to get cheap hotel deals.
4. Take advantage of discounts and promo codes.
You can learn about available hotel promo codes by signing up for their newsletters. In addition, popular hotel booking platforms often include available deals and secret sales. Some of the discounts you can take advantage of are:
- Cashbacks. Some apps like Rakuten and TopCashback offer cashback rewards.
- Credit card rewards.
- Promo codes. You can get promo codes from newsletters and email lists.
- Coupons. Websites like RetailMeNot or Honey have coupon codes that one can apply when booking.
5. Hotel booking packages
There are discounts available when you book a travel package for your vacation. Some platforms offer discounts when booking your flight or car rental together with your hotel. However, this may not be applicable for all trips.
How to get cheap hotel rates at the last minute.
Last minute hotel booking need not compromise quality and comfort. Most hotels opt to sell a room at a lower rate than leave it empty. Therefore, it is important to know where to find these rooms.
Here is how to get cheap hotel rates at the last minute
1. Last minute hotel booking apps
There are some applications you can use on how to get cheapest hotel rates last minute. They include Hotwire, HotelTonight, and Booking.com. Booking.com has a last-minute deals section where you can find cheap hotel rates at the last minute. HotelTonight specializes in same-day booking and finding big discounts.
Additionally, if you are already in the area of the hotel’s location, you can walk in and ask about available rooms. However, this usually applies in smaller local hotels.
2. Consider getting an alternative accommodation.
Hotels are not the only accommodation you can use for your vacation. Exploring alternative accommodations can save money and offer more comfort, space, and flexibility, mostly for groups or long stays.
Other accommodation alternatives that can provide comfort at a budget last minute include:
- Vacation rentals
These include Airbnbs and Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner). They are ideal if you are traveling as a group or are looking for longer stays. They offer more space with a kitchen, living room, and multiple bedrooms.
Additionally, they offer more privacy than hotels and provide a more flexible check-in/ check-out option. They are more affordable booking for a group than booking multiple hotel rooms. Therefore, they are perfect for families or groups.
- Hostels
Hostels are a fantastic option for students traveling on a budget. They are cheaper than hotel rooms and offer kitchens, lounges, and living rooms. Additionally, they are great for meeting fellow travelers and socializing. If you are looking for privacy at an affordable rate, modern hostels offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
3. Check for hidden fees.
You may find a cheap hotel rate at the last minute but pay more than you should have. Sometimes hotels charge resort fees, parking charges, internet fees, and early check-in/ check-out rates.
Therefore, what looks like great deals, with these as hidden charges, can be expensive if you are not keen. Hence, when searching how to get cheapest hotel rates last minute, filter your search results to show the total price, not just the base rate.
4. Check the hotel’s location.
The hotel’s location majorly affects the pricing. Hotels in the city Centre or near major tourist attractions are more expensive than hotels in the nearby suburbs. These hotels offer convenience and proximity.
However, hotels in the surrounding neighborhoods or suburbs may offer significantly lower rates without compromising much on accessibility. In addition, they are quieter and accessible through public transport.
Therefore, before booking, ensure that the hotel is easily accessible via public means or taxis. This approach is good for cities with good transit networks.
8 factors to consider when booking a hotel
When looking for how to get the cheapest hotel rates, it is important to consider other factors that can make your travel experience stress-free, fun, and smoother. Therefore, when planning your next trip here is a guide on what to look for when booking a hotel
1. Location
The hotel’s location is an important factor to consider before booking a hotel. It can affect your travel experience and convenience.
Why location matters:
- Proximity to tourist attractions and activities can save you time and money.
- Neighborhood safety and environment can affect how comfortable you feel during your stay.
- Accessibility to major roads and public transport makes it easier to move around, especially in locations you are not familiar with.
Hotels in the city centers or tourist attractions are more expensive. However, they are convenient since they put you closer to the action.
If you are looking to save money, consider staying outside the tourist area, you can get a better deal with much compromise on location. You can use Google Maps to check distances and read the neighborhoods’ reviews.
2. Price and value
Price and value are important factors to consider when booking a hotel. The hotel rate should reflect the amenities they are offering. Check the final rates to ensure that there are no hidden charges. Compare rates with nearby hotels to ensure you get a good value for your money.
3. Cleanliness
Cleanliness is a major factor when choosing the right hotel. A clean hotel room guarantees comfort and plays a huge role in your health and safety during your stay.
How can you tell that a hotel is clean?
- Read recent guest reviews that mention cleanliness.
- Check the hotel’s cleanliness on booking sites such as booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Google.
- Check the hotel’s photos posted by past guests. They are more honest and realistic than the hotel’s official images.
- Check for the hotel’s housekeeping policies.
If you feel that cleanliness is a top concern at the hotel of your choice, it is better to pay more than risk staying in an unsanitary hotel.
4. Guest reviews and ratings
What past guests say about their experience is one of the most important factors to consider before booking a hotel. Customer reviews give you an honest, first-hand look at what to experience during your stay at the hotel.
Why are customer reviews important?
- They reveal the real issues. Photos and reviews shared by past guests show how the experience is at the hotel.
- They highlight consistent issues. If there are multiple reviews highlighting the same problem, those are issues to take seriously for instance, rude staff, noisy surroundings, and poor housekeeping policies.
- They give an insight into what the hotel thrives in and their shortcomings.
- Recent reviews are a good guide in demonstrating how the hotel is operating.
It is important to check the positive and the negative reviews before booking a hotel. Additionally, look at how the management responds to negative reviews. A professional response to complaints indicates that the hotel cares about customer satisfaction.
5. Amenities
Before booking a hotel, check that they have the amenities you consider essential for your trip. For instance, some hotels may offer free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and airport shuttle.
Other amenities you can look for if you are looking for long stays include a kitchenette or a workspace. Check if the hotel offers these amenities for free or at an extra price.
6. Room type and size
Not all hotel rooms are equal. Therefore, choosing the right room size and type can affect your comfort and convenience especially when traveling with your family.
What to look for?
Room category. Most hotels offer several room categories. These include standard, deluxe, suite, and executive room categories. Check what each room entails and decide what you want in a hotel room.
Room size matters. Some cheap hotel rooms are relatively small. Therefore, check the square footage in the room description and ensure that it meets your needs.
Consider bed configuration if you are traveling with others. You can choose twin beds, king-sized beds, queen-sized beds, sofa beds, or bunk beds in family rooms.
7. Cancellation and refund policy
Flexible cancellation and refund policies are crucial if you have uncertain travel plans. Therefore, you need to consider if the hotel booking is flexible or non-refundable in case you cancel the booking.
Also, check if you can change booking dates without penalties. If your travel plans are always uncertain, book a hotel that offers a full refund with free cancellation to avoid losing money.
8. Accessibility
Accessibility is an important factor when booking a hotel for travelers with mobility challenges and families with strollers. Some hotels have mobility-friendly features like ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.
Therefore, if traveling with a person with mobility needs, check whether the hotel has these features to access all the floors. Also, check for proximity and ease of entry for wheelchair users. If you are unsure about the hotel’s mobility features, contact them directly to confirm.
Final thought.
Getting the best hotel deals does not have to be stressful. Proper research and smart booking strategies play a big role in how to get the cheapest hotel rates. Whether you are booking in advance or last-minute hotel booking, there are hotel discounts you can take advantage of and save big on your trip.
Getting a cheap hotel room does not mean you have to compromise on quality, safety, and comfort. Consider important factors like location, guest reviews, room size, type, and accessibility before booking a hotel. This guide will help you make smart travel decisions and get a hotel room within your budget.