Just like for airfares, it is wise to careful shop your hotel room prices before booking. Hotel deals are out there, and, unless you have more money than you need, the mistake is to take the first hotel room at the first price you see. It is the best way to pay up to 50% more than you normally should have, given the fact that you were willing to take an extra few minutes per day to do your research. So, to help choose your hotel and find the best rate possible, I put together 10 tips to help you save big.
1. Plan very early. Up to a year in advance. Many hotels are willing to give you a better rate if you book really early…
2. … or very late, i.e. last minute. Many hotels will cut their price for last minute deals. Indeed, they would rather have someone pay half price than have an unoccupied room. Some websites, such as Hot Wire, make their living on promoting only last minute deals.
3. Book during weekends. Most hotels are very busy during week days, due to business people traffic. After some research, you will quickly realize how much cheaper it is to book on a Friday or Saturday versus a Wednesday.
4. Book outside high seasons. High season is usually summer, when kids are on vacation, the nice weather is there. But for some popular business or convention cities, such as San Francisco, it can be a hit or miss, due to the high traffic of people coming to the conventions and conferences.
5. Use your airline points. Many airline points can also be used towards hotels. So be wise and use your points whenever you can, coz nothing feels better than a free trip!
6. Compare hotel prices. Call your travel agent or look online. Many websites specializes in hotel booking, and allow you to compare hotels, reviews, prices and locations.
7. Go on the hotel website and look for their special deals. You might discounts for certain times of the year or week.
8. Instead of going to different hotels, book several nights in a row at the same hotel. Many hotels will give you a discount on extra nights, and some hotel will even a free night (e.g. a stay 3 nights get the 4th one free, etc).
9. Sign up for guests programs. This way, you will collect some points, and eventually save money or even get free nights or upgrades to nicer suites.
10. Look for special discounts, for example, elderly, military, students, associations, etc.
Another great tip to help you save money is to choose a bed and breakfast over a hotel. B&B can be very cozy and if carefully chosen, will provide you with a great room in an excellent location, and will even include a breakfast!
So have a good deal hunting, and don’t forget about all the possible extra hidden fees, such as taxes, telephone, internet, parking, etc.
For more information, please visit Consumer Top 10 now.
