The travel and hospitality industry is a huge contributor to the economy. In fact, 1 in 9 American jobs depends on the industry and direct travel spending by domestic and international travelers totals over $2.3 trillion annually.
While there are many expenses associated with traveling, the cost of accommodation tends to be one of the largest. This can make strategies for saving money on hotels very useful tools to help consumers save on their next trip.
Whether you are looking for a cheap hotel in the middle of a city or an off-the-beaten path destination, there are several ways to save money on your accommodations. These tips include leveraging the best available rates, booking during off-season when hotels are less busy and taking advantage of on-site perks that may not be advertised.
Book Direct
While many people still choose to book through third party online travel agencies, there are advantages to booking directly with the hotel. Hotels often offer lower rates when booked through their official channels and they are able to pass along loyalty points or rewards to guests who book through them rather than a third party. Furthermore, if something goes wrong during your stay it can be easier to get things resolved when you deal directly with the hotel versus a third party site.
Leverage Best-Rate Guarantees
Most major hotel chains advertise a “best rate guarantee” policy to encourage guests to book their rooms directly through them and not via third parties. If you find a cheaper rate on another website, you can usually contact the hotel and they will match it or even give you an additional discount.
Take Advantage of On-Site Perks
Many hotels offer on-site perks that are not advertised or even mentioned on their websites. For example, some hotel chains will provide a free breakfast for their guests. This is a great way to get a good start to the day and it can save you a lot of money. In addition, some hotels will also provide other on-site perks like laundry facilities, separate TV rooms, sleeper couches, free parking and much more.
The most important thing to remember when you are looking for a cheap hotel is to always check out the reviews on the establishment you are considering. Customer reviews can be extremely valuable and they will give you a better idea of what the experience is actually like at that particular property. This can make or break your decision to book with them. Always be sure to read reviews cautiously as some of them may not be relevant to you, but doing your research could mean a savings on your next hotel stay!