Planning an upcoming vacation? Before you book your hotel reservations, you may want to find out how you can get the best deals on quality accommodations during your stay. Here are some sure-fire tips that will help you to score a lower rate on your hotel stay.
1. Opt to Stay in Hostels
Hostels are typically some of the most affordable types of accommodations when traveling around the world and are very common to find within Europe. While affordable, these accommodations may include a shared room or bathroom with other guests.
2. Consider Apartment Rentals
If you’re interested in staying at a more upscale hotel, you may actually get a better bargain by renting an apartment for the duration of your stay. This will include a living area, kitchen, laundry facilities, and access to apartment amenities such as a fitness center and swimming pool.
3. Take Advantage of Special Offers and Membership Programs
That AAA or AARP membership that you have may be able to score you a discount on your hotel room. Some hotels have their own membership programs that you can join for an added discount on your stay and all future stays.
4. Choose to Travel Off-Season
One of the easiest ways to reduce your budget is to travel to your desired destination during an off-season. You may also be able to reduce your hotel room rate by staying during the middle of the week rather than over the weekend.
5. Find Deals on the Internet
The internet can help you to find deals on virtually everything in this day and age. Book your vacation online through hotel-booking websites to take advantage of excellent deals.
6. Live Like the Locals and Rent a Room
In many popular tourist destinations, locals may be willing to rent out their spare rooms for short and long-term stays. This gives you the chance to live like the locals do, all while paying less than you would for a hotel room.
7. Let the Hotel Know That You May Bring Business in the Future
If the hotel chain believes that you may bring them a large amount of business in the future, they may be more likely to give you a discount on your stay.
8. Get Your Room Upgraded
Get the most bang for your buck by getting the hotel to upgrade your room. They may be likely to upgrade your room if you choose to join their loyalty program or simply by asking them.
9. Book in Advance
Booking your stay in advance will get you a lower rate than booking last minute. Plan your travels up to a few months in advance so you have a chance to find the most affordable hotels.
10. Haggle Your Room Rate
Let the hotel know that you would really like to stay there, but that their nightly rate is a bit out of your budget. By asking them if they’d consider dropping their fee, you may be able to get a discounted rate on your stay.
