Anyone can make a hotel reservation. Not everyone can save big while doing it.
If you travel a lot, you might have noticed that getting a cheaper room today is not as easy as it used to be a few years ago.
According to the latest statistics, the daily average rate of the U.S hotel industry has increased exponentially for the last seven years to reach $123.97 in 2016.
Even so, that doesn’t imply you can’t get great deals to save you money on your next vacation. Many room booking tricks exist that can help you tame even the wildest hotel rates.
Here are the fours ways to be a money saver while touring the world like a genius.
1. Be Flexible
If your schedule is flexible, consider booking a hotel during the off-season. For instance, booking a hotel in August might cost you almost 50% less than it would cost you in December.
Moreover, traveling during the off-season will make your stay more enjoyable as you won’t have to contend with the crowds.
Being flexible encompasses many facets that allow you to cut costs. Even staying in a hotel during weekdays rather than on weekends can save you money.
You might also get exclusive savings if you book via Hotwire or Priceline. However, with Priceline bidding system, you won’t know the hotel name until you make the payment.
2. Shop Around
Shopping around is probably the most important tip for getting the best deals when booking a hotel.
You can use sites such as Viajacompara.com to find and compare the best hotel deals.
When shopping around, be sure to check the price you pay when booking directly through the hotel vs. booking through an online travel agency.
Most online travel agencies usually have negotiated rates with individual hotels or a chain of hotels. By booking through such agencies, you could end up saving a lot of money.
It’s therefore, important to check all the major websites to ensure you’re not missing out any money saving deals.
3. Look for Deals that are All Inclusive
Nothing can be more annoying than booking a hotel with a seemingly reasonable rate, only for the price to be jacked up with daily internet fees or parking fees.
Some hotels even charge hidden resort fees that can add to as much as $30 to your nightly bill.
When comparing hotel rates, give precedence to those deals that offer free internet and parking. If you shop around well, you might even find hotels that offer free breakfast.
4. Become a Money Saver by Buying Other People’s Reservations
Buying other people’s hotel reservations is a trick that can easily make you a great money saver.
In the past, you’d lose the money you paid for non-refundable hotels room. Today, the hotel industry has evolved so much that there’s even a secondary market that deals in the resale of non-refundable hotel rooms.
Sites such as RoomTravel exist to connect you with people who are stuck with reservations they can’t cancel but are willing to sell at a discount.
By using such services, you can get a hotel reservation at a discount of up to 70%.
Wrapping Up
Before you settle on on any hotel deal, be sure to read hotel reviews. You don’t want to reach your destination only to find your room in a deplorable condition. It’s advisable to read reviews from real people who have been there before.
Also, check out for deals and coupons. Some sites offer exclusive hotel deals and coupons that can save you money.
How do you save money when making hotel reservations? Share with us in the comments section below.