It can be tough to find ways to cut back and save money when you’re traveling. But scoring cheaper hotel rooms is one option for reducing costs.
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According to Budget Your Trip, the average hotel price in the United States is $171. For those who want to find good deals for cheaper nights, here is some simple advice from travel experts.
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Book Directly With the Hotel
Jasmine Charbonier, a travel expert and founder of Your Tampa Bestie, said she’s saved more than $500 in a single booking by calling hotels directly. The front desk staff often has more flexibility on rates than online platforms.
“Recently in Singapore, I got a sweet upgrade and 25% off just by mentioning I was a frequent traveler,” Charbonier said. “And here’s something most people don’t know — if you email the general manager directly, and their info is usually on LinkedIn, you can sometimes score even better deals. I’ve done this dozens of times for my clients.”
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Use Price Comparison Tools the Right Way
Most people may just check Expedia or Booking.com and call it a day. But Charbonier said to always cross-reference at least three different sites. Recently, she found a $200 difference for the same room in Dubai between different booking sites.
Time Your Bookings
Also think about what time you’re booking your hotel rooms.
“Here’s what I’ve learned from booking hundreds of hotel rooms — Sunday through Tuesday nights are typically 30%-40% cheaper. And booking 2-3 months ahead usually gets the best rates, except during peak seasons,” Charbonier said.
Join Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs can also save a lot of money. Charbonier said she’s part of every major hotel chain’s program.
“The points add up fast when you travel as much as I do. Last year alone, I got 12 free nights from points. Plus, these programs often have member-exclusive rates that aren’t shown to the public,” she explained.
Use Credit Card Perks
Credit cards also have perks and rewards that can help travelers save money.
“My Amex Platinum has saved me thousands on hotel stays. The $200 annual hotel credit, room upgrades and late checkout are game-changers,” Charbonier said.
Just be sure to manage any credit cards effectively so you’re not racking up debt.
Pick a Good Location for the Hotel
According to Kevin Estes, founder and financial planner at Scaled Finance, one travel hack is to choose a hotel near but not at a prime location.
“Years ago, my wife and I stayed at a hotel near Whistler at a fraction of the cost,” Estes said. “I like to stay near conference hotels, which gives me an excuse to explore new cities!”
Consider Alternative Accommodations
Alternatives to traditional or large chain hotels could also be a good money-saving option. According to Charbonier, sometimes the best deals aren’t at traditional hotels.
“I’ve found incredible boutique hotels through platforms like Mr. & Mrs. Smith that offer better value than big chains,” she said. “And for longer stays, serviced apartments can cut costs by 40%-50%. In Tokyo, I stayed at an amazing apartment that was half the price of comparable hotels in the area.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Easy Ways Savvy Travelers Book Cheaper Hotel Rooms
