Sneaky Ways to Save Big on Hotels in 2023

If you’re planning a getaway in 2023, you might be shocked by the high prices of hotels and resorts. Travel inflation is real, and it can put a dent in your vacation budget. But don’t worry, there are still some sneaky ways to pay less for your accommodation and enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. Here are 18 tips to help you save big on hotels in 2023:

Buy another person’s reservation: Sometimes, people have to cancel their hotel bookings and they can’t get a refund. That’s where you can step in and buy their reservation for a lower price than the current rate. You can use websites like RoomerTravel.com or Cancelon.com to find these deals and transfer the reservation to your name.

Use a travel agent: Travel agents can often access special rates and perks that are not available to the public. They can also help you find the best value for your money and save you time and hassle. Plus, using a travel agent is usually free, as they get paid by the hotels or travel suppliers.

Ask for a price match: If you find a lower price for the same hotel on another website, you can ask the hotel or the booking platform to match it. Many hotels and online travel agencies offer a best rate guarantee that promises to refund you the difference or give you some extra benefits if you find a better deal elsewhere.

Book last-minute: Hotels hate empty rooms, so they often slash their prices at the last minute to fill them up. If you’re flexible and adventurous, you can take advantage of these bargains and save up to 60 percent on your stay. You can use apps like HotelTonight or One Night to find these offers.

Check with warehouse clubs: If you have a membership with Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s, you might be surprised by the deals they offer on hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive properties. You can also get discounts on car rentals, cruises and other travel services.

Join a hotel loyalty program: Hotel loyalty programs are free to join and they offer many benefits, such as discounts, free nights, upgrades, late check-out and more. You can also earn points for your stays that you can redeem for future trips or other rewards.

Spend strategically on hotel credit cards: Hotel credit cards can help you earn more points for your stays, as well as perks like elite status, free nights, statement credits and more. You can also use them to pay for your hotel bookings and get cash back or travel rewards.

Take full advantage of onsite benefits: When you book a hotel, make sure to check what amenities and services are included in your rate. You might be able to save money by using the free breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, shuttle, gym, pool or spa. You can also ask for complimentary items like toiletries, water bottles, coffee or snacks.

Get bonus points by booking via cash-back portals: Cash-back portals are websites that pay you a percentage of your purchase when you shop through them. You can use them to book your hotel and get some money back or earn extra points for your loyalty program. Some of the popular cash-back portals are Rakuten, TopCashback and Swagbucks.

Roll the dice with prepaid room rates: Prepaid room rates are usually cheaper than flexible rates, but they come with a catch: You have to pay upfront and you can’t cancel or change your reservation without losing your money. If you’re confident about your travel plans and willing to take the risk, you can save some bucks by booking a prepaid rate.

Strike up a deal: Sometimes, the best way to save money on hotels is to simply ask for it. You can call the hotel directly and negotiate a lower rate, especially if you’re booking multiple rooms or staying for a long time. You can also ask for discounts based on your affiliation with AAA, AARP, military or other organizations.

Optimize for low-cost options by booking with OTAs: Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Orbitz or Booking.com can help you find low-cost options for hotels by comparing prices across different properties and dates. You can also filter your search by amenities, ratings, location and more. Some OTAs also offer rewards programs that let you earn points or credits for your bookings.

Use a short-notice booking app or website: Similar to booking last-minute, using a short-notice booking app or website can help you find cheap rates for hotels that have unsold rooms. These apps and websites usually offer deals for the same day or the next day, and they can be a lifesaver if you’re in a bind or your plans change. Some examples are HotelTonight, One Night and Priceline Express Deals.

Take advantage of rewards: If you have points or miles from your hotel loyalty program or your travel credit card, you can use them to book your hotel and save money. You can also transfer your points or miles from one program to another to get the best value for your redemption. You can use tools like AwardHacker or AwardMapper to find the best options for your points or miles.

Avoid the middlemen: Sometimes, booking directly with the hotel can save you money and hassle. You can avoid paying commissions or fees to third-party websites, and you can also get better customer service and more flexibility if you need to change or cancel your reservation. You can also access exclusive deals and perks that are only available on the hotel’s website.

Plan ahead and find any hidden fees: Planning ahead can help you save money on hotels by avoiding peak seasons, holidays, events or weekends when the demand and prices are higher. You can also use tools like Google Flights or Hopper to track hotel prices and find the best time to book. Additionally, you should always read the fine print and find out if there are any hidden fees or taxes that can increase your final bill.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, travelpulse.com, aarp.org, neverstoptraveling.com, nerdwallet.com