It is easy to exhaust your travel budget on full-price accommodations. Learn how to secure destination, but do not assume they provide the complete picture. Conduct your own independent research on those properties as well. Look for promotional codes and added perks like complimentary breakfast, WiFi, or parking.
Do not overlook the hotel’s official website, either. Many chains guarantee the lowest rates when you book directly with them.
2. Negotiate your rate
Once you have a clear understanding of the market, identify a few top choices and make a phone call. Inform the hotel of the lower price you discovered elsewhere.
3. Look for last-minute deals
Mobile apps such as HotelTonight and One:Night are designed to help last-minute travelers find discounted rooms. Traveling during a major holiday or a busy conference can cause demand—and prices—to surge.
4. Explore alternative accommodations
Hotels are not your only lodging option. You might consider renting a room, an apartment, or an entire house.
Hostels are an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, particularly those heading outside of the U.S. Do not worry—you are not required to share a dorm-style room with a crowd of teenagers unless you choose to. Most hostels provide a selection of private rooms that include en suite bathrooms.
5. Pick a different neighborhood
Staying in the heart of a city is usually more expensive. You can save money by booking a room outside the city center, provided it remains near public transit for convenient access to downtown.
In Chicago, for example, a recent search on Expedia showed the Hyatt Regency O’Hare available for $152 per night. This hotel is just a short walk from the Chicago Transit Authority’s Blue Line, offering a simple route to both the airport and downtown. By comparison, a stay at the Hyatt Regency downtown would cost you $299 per night.
6. Use your affiliations
Students, seniors, military members, government employees, and AAA members may be eligible for discounted rates while traveling. Be sure to ask the hotel about these options before you book or search specifically for these types of deals.
