Subscribe Feed (RSS)Over the next few months vacationers will be hitting the road in a bid to see the country and to get some much needed rest and relaxation. Many travelers will be staying in a hotel for at least part of their trip, a step that can greatly add to the price of a vacation.
Fortunately, hotel stays don’t have to be a budget buster, with some offering a good room rate and complementary breakfast, but only if you shop around. Let’s take a look at some ways you can save money on your upcoming trip:
Call Directly – Although you may be comparing rates online, sometimes the best deal can be had if you call the hotel directly. Hotels often have a wide price range for the same room, offering varying levels of discounts to different travelers. While the internet will sometimes show ways in which you can get a discount, you may find that the best deal can be had by talking to someone directly at the front desk.
Hotel Website – Hotels have some of the most elaborate websites, offering detailed information about rooms, amenities offered, local information and much more. If you find that contacting the hotel directly isn’t giving you the satisfaction you seek, then check the website directly. Some hotels will show you their standard rate which can be reduced if you meet certain eligibility criteria. That criteria can include AAA or AARP membership, military discount, government rate, business discount, etc.
Travel Sites – Have you ever found a rate online through a third party site that was cheaper than what was listed on the hotel’s site or what you were quoted by the front desk specialist? I have. Some of the big travel site such as Orbitz, Priceline, Travelocity and Expedia seem to have among the lowest rates found. Hotels.com, for instance, will give to you a free night if you book ten nights through them. SayFunTravel.com is another site to consider as is Bing.com’s new travel section.
Frequent Stayer – If your stay takes you back to the same place you’ve stayed previously or if you frequently stay at the same hotel chain wherever and whenever you travel, then a club or rewards card may gain you additional discounts. However, don’t rely on just a card to get you a good rate — if you’re a frequent stayer, then just tell them so – hotels love loyal customers and will often reward them with a better rate and/or a room upgrade.
Compare Deals – We recently found a hotel rate that couldn’t be beat, but breakfast wasn’t included in the price. That’s okay with us because right near to the hotel are several places where we can eat. However, when it comes down to amenities and price, if the same price is offered but the amenities are not included, then the “extras” will determine where we will stay.
Hotel rooms are being offered at a discount this summer because fewer travelers are hitting the road. Some discounts are published, while others aren’t. You can find a deal on a hotel room if you comparison shop and employ the methods used above to reap decent savings.
Tags: Bing, discount hotel, Expedia, hotel stay, hotels, Hotels.com, motels, Orbitz, Priceline, Travelocity
As with any economic condition, that old Charles Dickens maxim “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times” holds true. And, if you are planning to make any sort of major purchase or take a trip over the next few months, you could find some of the best bargains in recent years including:
High fuel prices and an economy teetering on the brink of recession may not keep people from traveling this summer after all.
