What’s your go-to source when you want to book a hotel? Do you look on Google for the top hotels? Do you browse Instagram or Pinterest for some visual inspiration? Or do you turn to trusted friends and family for their personal favorites?
On top of those travel resources, you can now add another one. Our comprehensive guide for booking cheap hotels.
In this blog post, we are going to spill the tea on the best ways to save money on hotels.
LET’S GET STARTED.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
Booking in advance is crucial to saving money on hotels. It goes without saying that the earlier you book, the more options you have to choose from—both in terms of the hotel itself and the specific type of room.
According to a study by Expedia, you can save up to 20% on hotel rooms by BOOKING 60 DAYS IN ADVANCE. The study also found that booking a hotel room on a SUNDAY could save travelers as much as 30% compared to booking the same room on a TUESDAY. It’s mind-blowing that those details might save you hundreds of dollars.
Booking.com reported that travelers can save up to 15% on their platform when they book their hotel room at least 45 DAYS IN ADVANCE.
Furthermore, a study by TripAdvisor found that travelers can SAVE UP TO 33% on hotel rooms in most major cities around the world by booking their reservations within 3 months of their trip.
Sales and Promotions
Flash sales and promotions are a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY for you to maximize your savings on hotel accommodations. These limited-time offers often heavily discount room rates, making even luxury accommodations more affordable.
According to a report, discounts during flash sales can range anywhere FROM 20% TO 50% off the hotel’s standard rates.
Websites like Hotels.com regularly feature FLASH SALES with discounts that can go UP TO 60% OFF. The website Booking.com also has a ‘Deals’ section where they offer time-sensitive discounts on selected properties, often reducing prices by as much as 50%.
Another major player in flash sales that we like to use is Expedia, which offers last-minute deals on its website that can save you up to 40% on hotel bookings.
We almost always use Booking.com to find the cheap hotels we are looking for whenever we are travelling. This widget below is very USER-FRIENDLY and will immediately tell you if there are sales and promotions for your hotel!
Here is a complete list of our favorite travel sites, websites, and newsletters that’ll keep you in the loop on flash sales and promotions for hotels:
1. Booking.com: Your One-Stop Shop for (Cheap) Hotel Deals
2. Hotels.com: Unlock Secret Prices and More
3. Expedia: Travel Smarter with Exclusive Savings
4. Travelzoo: Curated Deals from the Experts
5. Secret Escapes: Luxury Stays at a Fraction of the Cost
Use Social Media for Deals and Discounts
To really get the most out of sales and promotions, use your social media!
Following hotel and travel brands
We’ve discovered that by simply following hotel and travel brands on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter), we’ve been able to stay in the loop on the latest promotions and offers.
And guess what? Many of these DEALS ARE EXLCUSIVE TO THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS, so you won’t find them anywhere else!
Participating in contests and giveaways
Social media isn’t just about scrolling through pretty pictures and heartwarming stories; it’s also a hub for contests and giveaways.
We’ve seen many hotels and travel brands hosting COMPETITIONS where you can win free stays, discounted rates, or even travel packages—all you have to do is participate! You have probably seen these already on Instagram. It’s as easy as tagging a friend, sharing a post, or leaving a comment. Who knows? You might just be the lucky winner of your dream vacation!
Use Discount Codes
Using discount codes can significantly cut the cost of hotel stays.
Travel platforms such as Hotels.com, Expedia, and Booking.com are known for their attractive discount codes. Depending on the deal, these codes can slash anywhere BETWEEN 10% AND 50% OFF THE BOOKING PRICE.
For instance, Hotels.com regularly offers discount codes that can take up to 15% off your total bill. On special occasions or during holiday seasons, these platforms ramp up their discount offers, making it possible for travelers to save even more.
Hotel Reviews
Hotel reviews are a rich source of information that can save you a significant amount of money when booking cheap hotels.
The experience of past guests provides insights into the quality of SERVICE, AMENITIES, LOCATION, and many other factors. This way, you can ensure that you’re not overpaying for services or amenities that fall short of your expectations.
INSIDER TIP: Reviews can alert you to additional HIDDEN COSTS that may not be immediately apparent in the booking process. For instance, some hotels may charge for Wi-Fi, parking, or breakfast—expenses that can add up quickly and inflate the final cost of your stay.
Last but not least, some review platforms reward their users for writing REVIEWS WITH DISCOUNT CODES or loyalty points, which can be redeemed for future stays—another great way to save money on hotel bookings. Thus, paying close attention to hotel reviews can be a strategic move towards cheap hotels.
Book During Off-Peak Times
Booking during off-peak times can lead to substantial savings on hotel bookings. Hotels, like any business, operate on the principles of supply and demand. During peak travel seasons, such as summer vacation or holiday periods, demand is high, resulting in increased rates.
According to a report by Travel Daily Media, travelers can SAVE UP TO 55% on hotel bookings by choosing to travel during off-peak seasons. By strategically planning your travel dates to coincide with these off-peak periods, you can secure the same luxury accommodations at a fraction of the cost.
Finally, traveling off-peak can often provide better availability and options for flights and cheap hotels, giving you more choice in planning your trip. Interested in cheap flight tickets? Read our blog post on how to find cheap flight tickets.
Consider Booking Directly with Cheap Hotels
We’ve learned on our adventures that booking directly with hotels can often lead to cheap hotel stays!
You might be wondering, “WHY?”
First off, when you book directly with a hotel, you’re CUTTING OUT THE MIDDLEMAN, which means you get access to exclusive benefits that aren’t available through third-party booking apps or sites.
We’re talking FREE BREAKFASTS, FREE WIFI, and even room upgrades—all the little things that make your stay just that much more enjoyable.
Price-matching guarantees
Many hotels are so confident in their direct booking rates that they’ll match (or even beat) any lower price you find elsewhere.
So, if you happen to stumble upon a better hotel deal than on another website, simply reach out to the hotel, and they’ll make sure you get the best rate possible.
Negotiating for better rates
When you book directly, you also have the opportunity to negotiate for better rates.
That’s right—channel your inner negotiator and see if you can score an even better deal!
Hotels are often more flexible with their pricing than third-party travel sites, so don’t be afraid to ask for a discount, especially if you’re staying for multiple nights or during the off-season.
FOR THE US: Find cheap hotels on Trivago
In the US, Trivago is among the top choices for finding the best cheap hotels. Simply enter your destination and your travel date below, and Trivago will compare hotel prices.
For better search results, just filter by location, distance, star type, amenities, and more. From budget hostels to luxurious suites, Trivago allows for quick online booking.
You can search for many hotels and apartments around the US, such as in San Francisco or Chicago, to renowned cities and destinations in other regions.
Consider cheap hotel chains
These hidden treasures provide spacious, cozy, and tidy rooms at prices that won’t break the bank, making them an absolute dream for savvy travelers on a budget.
As experienced explorers, we have discovered a few personal favorites cheap hotels that we can’t wait to share with you: Super 8, Motel 6, and Premier Inn.
And here’s the icing on the cake: They often spoil their loyal guests with enticing perks through their amazing loyalty programs.
Think free nights and exclusive discounts (keep scrolling for more details). Get ready for a win-win situation!
Sign Up for Hotel Loyalty Programs
Advantages of loyalty programs
Joining a hotel loyalty program can be your golden ticket to a world of fantastic travel benefits and experiences!
These programs offer a treasure trove of other types of advantages that cater to both frequent jet-setters and occasional vacationers alike.
Plus, many apps offer mobile-exclusive discounts and rewards programs that’ll help you save even more on your dream vacation.
Exclusive discounts and perks
Imagine being rewarded with exclusive discounts and perks that make you feel like a VIP—that’s exactly what these loyalty programs have in store for you!
From complimentary room upgrades and access to lounges to special rates on future stays, you’ll be treated to a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
But wait, there’s more!
Maximizing rewards and point accumulation
Being part of a hotel loyalty program also helps you master the art of maximizing rewards and point accumulation. Every stay at a participating hotel or resort brings you closer to unlocking even more exciting rewards.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for promotions and bonuses that’ll help you earn points faster and elevate your travel game.
Below, you can find a short list of the best hotel loyalty programs for the best cheap hotels!
Radisson Rewards
The Radisson Rewards Program offers exclusive benefits to enhance your stay and make your travel more rewarding. Earn points on every dollar spent at Radisson hotels worldwide, redeemable for free nights, room upgrades, or air miles. Enjoy early access to exclusive deals and sales as a member. Choose from three membership tiers—Silver, Gold, and Platinum—with escalating benefits. From room upgrades to complimentary breakfast and a welcome gift, there’s much to anticipate. Rest assured, the Radisson Rewards Program provides excellent customer service for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience at their cheap hotels.
Accord Live Limitless
Accor Live Limitless (ALL) offers rewards, experiences, and ways to connect with the brand. Members earn points for every eligible stay at participating hotels under Accor brands like Sofitel, Novotel, Fairmont, Ibis, etc. Redeem your accumulated points for stays or convert them into air miles. The longer you stay, the higher your tier status becomes—Classic, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—all with fabulous benefits tailored to your needs.
Marriott Bonvoy
The Marriott Bonvoy program offers members exclusive access to over 7,000 hotels worldwide under 30+ brands like Sheraton, Westin, St. Regis, etc. Members earn points on every stay that can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, or experiences. Elite members enjoy benefits like complimentary breakfast, late checkout, and access to executive lounges. The program’s partnership with major airlines lets you earn air miles when you stay at Marriott hotels.
Wyndham Rewards (Super 8)
Super 8 is part of the larger Wyndham Rewards program, which means you can earn points not only at Super 8 cheap hotels but also at millions of other Wyndham properties! With over 9,000 hotels worldwide, this program offers incredible flexibility. You’ll love the friendly atmosphere and cozy rooms at Super 8, and with perks like free breakfast and Wi-Fi, it’s hard to resist.
My6 (Motel 6)
Motel 6 is known for its affordable rates and clean, comfortable accommodations. Their My6 loyalty program makes your stay even better by offering exclusive members-only discounts, personalized room preferences, and easy online reservation and booking. Plus, with convenient locations all across the US, you’ll never be far from a warm welcome and a full bed for a good night’s sleep at one of their cheap hotels.
Premier Inn Business Booker (Premier Inn)
While Premier Inn doesn’t have a traditional loyalty program, its Business Booker platform is perfect for frequent travelers or those on work trips. Sign up for free and enjoy benefits like discounted room rates, flexible bookings, and even collecting Premier Inn Business Points for every stay. Don’t forget to try their breakfast buffet; it’s a great way to start your day!
Conclusion
And there you have it—our inside tips and tricks to help you score cheap hotels without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Let us know in the comments below which travel tips you used to find cheap hotels!
