Let’s admit this: we all dream of staying at luxury hotels and experiencing all the premier amenities like plush beds, maybe a free well-stocked bar, to-die-for bathrooms, and phone dock so you can play your own spotify playlist, right? And then have that dream come true without the bank, maybe? We gotchu, fellow adventurers! Today, we’re spilling the tea on how to snag amazing deals and cheap hotel rooms to transform your travel budget from “eek!” to “chic!”
1. Be a Master of Timing
Hotels hate empty rooms. But websites like HotelTonight: https://www.hoteltonight.com/ and Hotwire: https://www.hotwire.com/ capitalize on that by offering incredible last-minute deals on hotel accommodations when they have vacancies and need to fill those rooms quickly. You can take advantage of this. Think “spontaneous staycation” or a crazy good deal on that weekend getaway you’ve been eyeing.
2. Tuesdays Rule (and Thursdays too!)
Maybe a lot of us know this, Tuesdays and Thursdays are golden days for deals on hotels, but we really don’t know why. The reason is, many hotels adjust their rates based on booking trends, and these specific days tend to be slower. So, while everyone else is busy with their workweeks, you can be busy snagging a sweet deal—if you want that mid-week break or a longer through-the-weekend vacay.
3. The Power of “Clear Your History”
Ever notice how hotel prices seem to mysteriously climb (or just change in general) after you’ve browsed a particular room online? Well, it’s not your imagination. Websites use cookies to keep track of your searches, and sometimes inflate prices if they think you’re really interested. There’s one simple solution to this. Before searching for hotels (again), clear your browsing history and cookies. Or switch to Incognito mode. Or you can do both.
4. Loyalty is Rewarded (Big Time!)
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs! Many chains offer benefits like discounts, free nights, and even room upgrades just for being a member. Think points for every stay, early check-in, and even exclusive deals. We think it’s one of the best ways to get cheap hotel rooms in many destinations—plus more!
5. Don’t Be Shy, Negotiate! ️
Don’t discount traditional ways of getting good deals, and that is making a friendly phone call. For instance, you see a rate online that’s almost perfect, but not quite there, you can try calling the hotel directly and politely asking if they can offer a better deal. The worst they can say is no, and the best they can say is “welcome aboard!”
6. Embrace “Alternative” Stays
Think outside the hotel box! Consider vacation rentals on sites like Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/ or VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/. Traveling to Japan? Capsule hotels are clean, convenient, and super affordable. These can be a budget-friendly option, especially for groups or longer stays. Plus, you get a more “local” experience, feeling right at home in a new city.
7. Consider “Warehouse” Savings
If you’re a Costco, Sam’s Club, or AAA member, check their travel exclusives! They often offer deals on hotels, such as discounts and packages that can save you big bucks. For those not in the US, check out IKEA partners promotions if you are a member, they do offer discounts on lifestyle products and services.
8. Celebrate (Even if it’s Not Your Birthday!)
Some hotels offer special discounts for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons. Even if it’s not a real occasion (shh!), a little white lie can go a long way to a celebratory discount.
9. Follow the Social Butterfly Effect
Follow your favorite hotels on social media! They often announce flash sales, exclusive promotions, and special offers for their followers. Just a quick “like” or “follow” can lead to major savings.
10. Snag Someone Else’s Spare Room (at a Steal!)
Feeling like a hotel ninja? This one’s for the truly adventurous traveler. Websites like Roomer (RoomerTravel.com) connect you with fellow adventurers who might have booked a hotel room they can’t use anymore. But instead of losing their money, they can sell the reservation to you at a discount! Win-win, right? So next time you see a hotel rate that makes you sigh, check Roomer—you might just find your dream stay at a dream price!
So, Kalesa Travelers, with these insider tips by your side, you’re well on your way to luxurious hotel stays without blowing your budget. Remember, a little planning and some travel savvy can unlock a world of cheap hotel rooms and affordable adventures! Now get out there and explore.
