5 Insider Tips to Book Hotel Deals.
The two most expensive parts of any trip are the flight and hotel expenses. Finding discounts and deals on hotels will significantly save money. So here are insider travel tips for how to book hotel deals:
1. Sign Up for Member-Only Prices
Sign up to hotel booking sites to avail of their member-only prices. Website like Agoda, Booking.com, and Hotels.com offer members huge price breaks as well as reward points for booking hotels on their platforms. If prices after service fees and taxes are cheaper than booking directly on the hotel’s website, take advantage of these more affordable rates.
2. Hotel Rewards Points
With competing rates, hotels appeal to guests with their rewards programs. If you sign up with memberships such as Marriott or IHG, you earn points when booking directly on the hotel’s website. These points earn you benefits (such as upgrades) and points to be used for free nights in the future.
Note that Marriott owns The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Fairfield, Residence Inn, Towneplace Suites, and so many more brands. IHG owns Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental and more. Go to their respective websites to see the complete lists.
3. Hotel “Offers”
When you visit hotel websites, be sure to click “Offers” where you will find early booking discounts, free nights, and seasonal promotions. These offers are not necessarily on the Bookings or Reservation links, so it is worth checking out the offers page as well.
4. New Hotel Rates
New hotels will welcome guests introduction opening rates that will certainly go up after a year. So whenever you see a new hotel opening, don’t wait for next year. Book that trip! Note that new hotels offer these cheaper rates because they are still working out the kinks – be patient, be open-minded, and constructively critique the hotel with this in mind.
5. Special Occasions
If you are planning a celebration trip, be sure to mention to the hotel that it is your birthday, anniversary, etc. You can do this when booking the reservation and when checking in to the front desk. While this does not guarantee anything, it opens up the possibility for freebies like a bottle of champagne or cake, or even a room upgrade!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to hotel booking sites. With no additional cost to you, your bookings earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!
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