If you’re traveling on a budget, there are many ways to book a hotel that fits your budget. However, it would help if you also remembered some tips when booking a hotel room.
One of the best ways to save money on your next hotel stay is to book early. This can help you secure a lower rate when hotels are most desperate for business.
Book Early
If you’re traveling to a popular destination, you want to secure your hotel room early. The earlier you book, the better your chances are of getting the room you want at a price you can afford.
Booking a hotel room in advance allows you to select your preferred room type and bedding configuration. It also gives you more time to research and read reviews from other travelers.
Many hotels offer special deals and discounts, such as Hotels.com promo code for people who book their rooms well in advance. These can be great ways to save money on a trip without sacrificing quality or amenities.
When you’re ready to book, compare prices on different websites. This will give you an idea of the range of available rates for your desired dates and location.
It would help to look for deals that include complimentary upgrades or other perks. You can even secure a hotel that offers free breakfast or Wi-Fi.
Some hotels also allow you to request an early check-in or late checkout. This will help you save time and avoid waiting in a long line upon arrival.
Alternatively, you can also ask the hotel staff for a discount on your stay. They’re happy to help you find a good deal on your room.
Book Directly
Whether booking a last-minute stay or planning your trip months in advance, booking directly with a hotel is important to ensure that your room is reserved. Hotels tend to prioritize guests who make direct bookings, which can help you secure the best possible rate for your stay.
Another reason to book directly is that it can save your wallet. OTAs and other third-party sites charge hotel owners a fee for each reservation made on their websites, which can range from 10 to 25 percent of the total value of the booking.
As a result, it’s important to look at your property’s marketing strategies to increase direct bookings and reduce the amount of money you lose to OTA commissions. The key is to identify the segments of your guest base that are most likely to book directly and develop targeted offers and messaging for them.
Book a Non-Refundable Room
If planning a vacation or business trip, consider booking a hotel room with a non-refundable rate. These rates are typically cheaper than a regular rate and offer a significant discount for guests who book in advance.
However, a non-refundable rate can be a problem if you must cancel your reservation or change your travel plans at the last minute. This is particularly true if you booked a non-refundable rate to take advantage of a discounted price, and your plans have changed.
Sometimes, negotiate with a hotel and get your money back on a non-refundable booking. In most cases, hotels will refund your money if you have a valid reason for cancelling.
Another way to get your money back is to try and negotiate with a hotel to give you credit for a future stay. This can be a great compromise for some guests, but limiting how long the credit is valid is important, as ensuring it isn’t too generous.
It would help if you also considered allowing your guests to use their credit to cancel their non-refundable reservations within a certain period before check-in. This will give them some leeway in a cancellation that could otherwise be difficult to manage.
Ask for a Discount
If you find a lower rate for the same room online, you can often negotiate with the hotel to match or beat that price. This is a great way to save money on your next hotel stay.
Whether you’re looking to save on a business trip or enjoy an extra discount while travelling for pleasure, it’s never too late to ask for a discounted rate. The best time to do this is during the off-peak season when the front desk has more leeway.
Many hotels offer AAA and AARP members, seniors, military, and other groups specials. These discounts can be worth up to ten percent off of their regular rates.
Another way to get a discount is to call the hotel and speak directly to a manager. These managers are more open to negotiating their prices than the general front desk employees, so they are more likely to give you a reduced rate for your stay.
When speaking to a hotel manager, be respectful and professional. Tell them about your travel dates and what kind of rooms you’re looking for, and then work the quote down.
Book a Room with a Free Cancellation Policy
Booking a hotel is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your trip goes smoothly. However, many mistakes you can make could end up costing you money and preventing you from getting the most out of your stay.
The most common mistake when booking a hotel is to fail to check the cancellation policy before making your reservation. This can cause serious problems in an emergency, such as delayed or canceled flights.
Hotels often have a free cancellation policy, meaning you can cancel your reservation without being charged. This can be a valuable feature for business travelers, as they sometimes want to reserve a room even if they’re still determining if they’ll come.
This is also beneficial for guests planning a last-minute trip or needing clarification on their travel plans. If they can’t make their travel plans, they can always cancel their room and receive a refund, as long as it’s within the specified timeframe of the free cancellation policy.
