Travel can be very expensive, but there are several ways to save a lot of money when booking a hotel. It’s important to pay close attention to details like location and timing when you book. We’ve compiled our top tips to show you the secret to booking a hotel at an affordable price.
Our top 8 tips on how to save money on hotel reservations:
- Choose your location wisely
- Travel at off-peak times
- Book a refundable room in advance
- Keep an eye out for last-minute deals
- Check all booking costs
- Consider a private room in a hostel
- Split your stay
- Use price matching
Let’s take a closer look at all those tips…
Choose your location wisely
By picking a central hotel, you’ll save money on transportation (especially expensive taxis and Ubers), and save time spent getting around. Sleeping in a far-off corner of the city might save you some cash, but it could also put shackles on your schedule.
Having said that…
Although we always recommend that first-time visitors try booking a hotel in a central location, there are excellent deals to be found in the outer boroughs. Just be sure to double-check exactly where the hotel is located and if a subway station is nearby (meaning a 5-10 minute walk away).
Choosing a hotel near a subway station accomplishes a number of goals for discerning travelers. On your arrival, you can skip the expensive taxi from the airport and take the subway to your hotel. If you don’t have a lot of luggage, it’s an easy way to get to your hotel. Once you’re checked in and ready to head off and explore the city, just get a metro card and the city is at your fingertips.
Travel at off-peak times
You can make major savings by traveling outside peak season. The weather might not be quite as good, but you’ll find much better value and hotel availability.
Hotels need to keep their rooms filled. In the off-season, after the crowds have either left or not yet arrived, they will often slash prices. Some will also provide added perks to lure your business. Such perks may include spa credits, discounted meals in the hotel’s restaurant and other incentives. Look also at business hotels for weekend stays.
Similarly, if you’re booking a mini-break, consider a midweek stay or a Sunday night, which are typically much cheaper than Fridays and Saturdays.
Book a refundable room in advance
Many hotels allow reserving a room with the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance. If you find a great deal, book it right away! You can always cancel later on if you find something better.
Keep an eye out for last-minute deals
Sometimes good things come to those that wait. That’s not usually the standard rule, but it’s always worth a shot. Depending on what’s going on in the city, you can find some very nice deals a few days before you leave or even at the very last minute!
Check all booking costs
Whenever you book a hotel online, be certain to check additional fees. Although some websites may show a lower price, it may not include all the taxes and miscellaneous charges like the obnoxious “resort fee.” The sites of many brand hotels will likely include all fees, but it never hurts to ask.
Consider a private room in a hostel
The word hostel usually conjures up images of sprawling rooms filled with bunk beds and a party-hard clientele. But travelers in search of a deal shouldn’t overlook hostels. There are several hostels that offer private rooms for hostel prices in a more adult atmosphere.
Split your stay
Split your trip and spend the first part of your trip at a more affordable place while you do the majority of your activities and exploring. Then move to a nice resort or luxury hotel for the last part of your trip to spend a few days just relaxing and “being on vacation.”
Use price matching
At This Hotel, we partner with Booking.com and Hotels.com. Both booking websites offer the lowest price guarantee. If you find your reservation cheaper on another website, you can claim a refund for the difference. Just remember to contact Booking or Hotels.com at least 24 hours before check-in and give them the link to the other (better) offer.
The other offer has to be for the same property and accommodation type. It also needs to have check in and out dates that are exactly as ours, with no changes made. Plus, the better offer must have the same cancellation policy and conditions.
Last but not least, you should also check out our articles about cheap hotels. These guides list the three best affordable hotels in each destination. See for example our articles about the best cheap hotels in New York City or London.
