We’re pretty sure that finding affordable accommodations can make or break a trip, and we’re here to help you score the best deals on cheap hotels.
In this blog post we are going to spill the tea on the best ways to find hotels.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
If you’re anything like us, you’re all about discovering exciting new destinations while snagging amazing deals on hotels.
And guess what?
We’ve got a secret to share: planning your trip well in advance is the key to an affordable and absolutely unforgettable getaway.
Benefits of early planning
First things first, let’s talk about the amazing perks of early planning.
Picture this: you have the opportunity to snag the absolute best rooms and rates before anyone else.
Not only that, but you can take your sweet time to research and compare prices, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
And here’s the best part: once your accommodations are sorted, you’ll have that incredible peace of mind.
That means you can fully focus on the excitement of planning your itinerary and dive headfirst into all the fun stuff!
Keeping an eye on flash sales and promotions
Let me tell you another fantastic reason why planning ahead is the way to go.
It’s all about keeping a close watch on flash sales and promotions.
Believe me, we’ve managed to score some absolutely incredible hotel deals by subscribing to newsletters and following my favorite travel sites on social media.
So here’s the deal: when that limited-time offer pops up, you’ll be all set to seize the opportunity and save big on your dream accommodation.
Trust me, it’s totally worth it!
We’ve put together a short list of our favorite 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
Consider Different Accommodation Options
Explore cheap hotel chains
These hidden treasures provide 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 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!
Look for guesthouses and hostels
Next, let’s dive into the world of guesthouses and hostels.
These accommodations offer a personal touch that goes beyond the ordinary.
Picture yourself stepping into a cozy haven, adorned with unique decor, and welcomed by friendly hosts. It’s a place where you can effortlessly connect with fellow travelers, sharing stories and experiences that make your journey unforgettable.
Our memories of a charming guesthouse in Prague still linger.
We reflect upon past memories of savouring a cup of tea in the common room, engaging in lively conversations with other guests, and feeling a sense of belonging.
And as an added bonus, hostels often provide dormitory-style rooms, allowing you to save even more on your accommodation.
Consider vacation rentals or homestays
Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo make it a breeze to find affordable, unique accommodations that let you live like a local.
From stylish city apartments to quaint countryside cottages, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Now, let’s dive into the world of off-peak adventures, mid-week getaways, and savvy booking apps that’ll transform your travel experience!
Off-peak travel advantages
Traveling during off-peak times comes with some awesome perks if you’re up for being flexible with your plans.
First off, it’s often way more budget-friendly than peak travel, which means you can save big on transportation and accommodation expenses.
But it’s not just about the money.
Off-peak travel lets you dodge the crowds and long queues at popular attractions, making your experience all the more enjoyable and relaxed.
Plus, it’s a chance to explore destinations during quieter moments, giving you a whole new perspective and a truly authentic adventure.
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 in 2023.
Mid-week vs. weekend stays
When it comes to deciding between a mid-week or weekend stay, it all boils down to your personal preferences and travel plans. Weekends have their charm, offering a much-needed escape from work and school routines. But, keep in mind that popular weekends can mean pricier hotels and larger crowds.
On the other hand, mid-week stays are like hidden gems – quieter and more budget-friendly. They’re perfect if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle and snag a great deal on accommodations. Plus, mid-week stays often come with added perks like shorter wait times for activities and attractions, or even special weekday discounts.
Utilizing hotel booking apps for flexible date searches
Last but not least, let’s talk about utilizing hotel booking apps for flexible date searches.
These handy tools make it a breeze to find the best deals on accommodations, no matter when you’re planning to travel.
As mentioned before, some of my go-to apps include Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia – their user-friendly interfaces and customizable search filters make it easy to find the perfect budget-friendly stay.
Plus, many apps offer mobile-exclusive discounts and rewards programs that’ll help you save even more on your dream vacation.
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 advantages that cater to both frequent jet-setters and occasional vacationers alike.
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.
Maximizing rewards and points accumulation
But wait, there’s more!
Being part of a hotel loyalty program also helps you master the art of maximizing rewards and points 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 with the Best Hotel Loyalty Programs!
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.
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 more 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 but also at 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 booking. Plus, with convenient locations all across the US, you’ll never be far from a warm welcome and a good night’s sleep.
Premier Inn Business Booker (Premier Inn)
While Premier Inn doesn’t have a traditional loyalty program, their 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 collect Premier Inn Business Points for every stay. Don’t forget to try their breakfast buffet – it’s a great way to start your day!
Use Social Media for Deals and Discounts
Following hotel and travel brands
We’ve discovered that by simply following hotel and travel brands on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, we’ve been able to stay in the loop on the latest promotions and offers.
And guess what? Many of these deals are exclusive 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 countless hotels and travel brands hosting exciting competitions where you can win free stays, discounted rates, or even travel packages – all you have to do is participate! 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!
Consider Booking Directly with Hotels
We’ve learned on our adventures that booking directly with hotels can often lead to cheap hotel stays!
You might be wondering, “But why? What’s so magical about booking directly?”
Well, allow me to explain.
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 sites.
We’re talking complimentary breakfasts, free Wi-Fi, 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 deal on another website, simply reach out to the hotel, and they’ll make sure you get the best rate possible.
Talk about a win-win!
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 sites, so don’t be afraid to ask for a discount, especially if you’re staying for multiple nights or during the off-season.
You might just be pleasantly surprised by the result!
Stay Alert for Last-Minute Deals
Hotels would much rather have a full house than empty rooms, so when they’re faced with vacancies, they’re often willing to offer some seriously discounted rates.
This means you can enjoy a cheap hotel stay at a fraction of the usual cost!
Utilizing mobile apps for on-the-go offers
There are tons of apps out there designed specifically to help you find on-the-go offers, so you can book that dream vacation right from the palm of your hand.
Our advice? Download a few of these apps, turn on those push notifications, and keep your eyes peeled for unbeatable deals!
Conclusion
And there you have it – a treasure trove of insider 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 your cheap hotel!
