With hotel prices at record highs, snagging a hotel deal can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Rates have skyrocketed in the U.S. and globally, with popular destinations like Los Angeles and New York seeding a 30% and 17% increase in room rates from last year.
But here’s the good news: you can still find a good deal with the right approach.
Here’s a guide to help you travel savvy and land the best rates.
Shop Around for The Best Room Rate
Start your search on Google Maps, where you can view hotel rates directly from properties and third-party travel sites. While third-party sites often advertise competitive prices, many hotels offer “best rate guarantees” that promise to beat lower prices elsewhere. You might even snag additional perks, like late checkout or a room upgrade!
The lesson? Shop around.
Yes, it may take a bit longer, but if it keeps more money in your wallet, it’s a worthy trade-off.
Say Yes to Tracking Price Drops
If you’re not required to pay upfront, it’s worth watching for rate changes. By booking a flexible rate, you can check for price drops and rebook if a lower price appears closer to your travel date.
However, there is some risk with this approach.
I highly recommend checking cancellation policies beforehand to avoid any nasty penalties.
Don’t want to price track? Then, the next tip is for you.
Know the Right Time to Book
Booking early is not always the key to better hotel rates. In fact, the optimal timing depends on your destination and the time of year:
Popular Resorts: I recommend booking three months in advance for the best rates.
Big Cities with Ample Inventory: Last-minute bookings can pay off since hotels might reduce rates to fill rooms. Apps like HotelTonight can be a great resource for last-minute stays.
Travel in Low Season: It’s the best way to score a deal no matter where you want to go in the world. The strategy that hotels use, seasonal pricing, means you can often save as much as 20 to 30% during off season.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
I know not everyone can play the flexible date card, but if you have some wiggle room, it can lead to major savings.
Weekdays often have lower rates than weekends, especially in major cities and tourist hotspots.
According to data from Hopper, travelers staying over the weekend will pay 20% more than those who book stays early in the week.
And while it’s not always possible, try to avoid busy holiday weekends like the 4th of July or Labor Day. Prices for hotels and flights skyrocket because demand is high, and you’ll pay so much more than delaying your trip by a week or two.
Maximize Cash-Back Offers & Travel Credit Cards
When booking hotels online, take advantage of cash-back sites like Rakuten, TopCashback, and BeFrugal. Many major hotel chains and booking platforms partner with these sites, so activating a cash-back offer through your browser or app can yield an easy return of 1-3% (or even more).
Using a rewards credit card on top of this can stack up even more savings!
And you don’t have to be a points guru to make your loyalty work for you. Most major credit card travel portals allow you to redeem points for hotels, and one cent per point is a decent baseline.
My go-to travel credit cards are:
Chase Sapphire Reserve – You can earn a sign-up bonus, $300 in Travel Credit every year, airport lounge access, and their points go to a fairly robust rewards program.
American Express Business Platinum – Earn up to 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use their new Business Platinum Card® to make $20,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless by Chase – They always have great sign-up bonuses, and if you’re a Marriott Bonvoy fan, this is a great way to double down on your rewards earnings potential.
Even if you’re new to hotel loyalty programs, simply signing up can unlock immediate discounts on your first booking and future rewards.
Try Your Luck with “Surprise” Deals
For the adventurous, “surprise” booking sites like Hotwire and Priceline offer massive discounts in exchange for a little mystery. Their “Hot Rates” and “Express Deals” show minimal hotel details until after you’ve paid.
While this method isn’t ideal if you want specific amenities or flexibility, it can give you access to luxurious properties at a fraction of the price.
A win is a win!
Final Thoughts on Scoring Great Hotel Deals
While today’s travel climate has expensive taste, there are ways that you can get around the high prices without having to lower your standards.
- Watch for those price drops.
- Tap into those loyalty benefits.
- Travel in the off-season.
- Live on the wild side with a “surprise” booking.
These strategies do work and can help you get to your next getaway sooner and possibly even under budget.
Got any questions about finding the best hotel deals? Let me know in the comments below!