How to Save Big on Hotels Without Using Rewards Points
If you've ever searched for a hotel online, you've probably noticed something strange. The exact same room can appear at several different prices on different websites, sometimes only minutes apart. One website advertises a "special deal," while another charges considerably more for the exact same room. Hotel pricing is one of the most confusing parts of travel because there is very little transparency about why prices change.
I've turned saving money on hotels into a bit of a game. I don't mind spending money on a great vacation. I just don't like wasting money. If I can save $50 or even $100 on the exact same hotel room, that's money I'd rather spend on a nice dinner, a snorkeling excursion, or another night on vacation.
One of the biggest money-saving strategies I've learned is to book hotels that offer free cancellation. When I find a price I'm comfortable with, I reserve it right away instead of waiting. Then, as my trip gets closer, I continue checking prices. If I find the same room for less, I simply cancel my original reservation and book the lower rate. Just make sure you read the cancellation policy carefully and know exactly when free cancellation ends.
My Simple Hotel Booking Routine
This is the routine I follow before booking almost every hotel:
- Compare prices on several hotel booking websites.
- Check the hotel's own website.
- Book a room with free cancellation whenever possible.
- Call the hotel directly and ask if they'll match or beat the lowest online price.
- Continue checking prices until my trip if my reservation can still be canceled.
This entire process usually takes less than fifteen minutes, and it has saved me far more money over the years than any hotel rewards program.
Don't Forget Discount Programs
One of my biggest challenges is simply remembering all of the discounts I might qualify for.
Before booking, I always check for:
- AARP
- AAA
- Military discounts
- Senior discounts
- Government rates
- Corporate or employer discounts
Interestingly, these discounts are not always the lowest price. Sometimes the discount is calculated from the hotel's standard rate instead of a promotional rate. I've seen many situations where the public online price was actually cheaper than the discounted rate, so it's worth comparing both before making your reservation.
Call the Hotel Directly
After finding the lowest online price, I sometimes call the hotel directly before booking.
Many hotels would rather book your room themselves than pay a commission to a booking website. Because of that, they will often match or even beat the lowest online rate.
One tip I've learned is don't ask for the "best price." Some hotels actually have a rate in their system called the "Best Available Rate," and it isn't always the cheapest one. Instead, tell them exactly what you found online and simply ask if they can match or beat that price.
Sometimes booking directly also comes with extra perks like a better room, free parking, late checkout, or a complimentary upgrade.
Keep Checking After You Book
Most people stop shopping once they've made their reservation. I do the opposite.
If I booked a refundable room, I continue checking prices every week or so before my trip. Hotel prices can fluctuate quite a bit depending on demand, cancellations, and local events. If I find a lower price, I simply cancel the original reservation and book the cheaper one.
If you've booked directly with the hotel, it never hurts to call and politely ask if they'll adjust your rate. Many hotels are willing to do that because keeping an existing guest happy often costs less than finding a new one.
A Few More Tips That Can Save You Money
Here are a few other tricks that have worked well for me over the years:
- Search several times during the week because hotel prices constantly change.
- If prices seem unusually high, wait a day or two and check again.
- Try using a private browsing window if you've searched the same hotel repeatedly.
- Always compare the final price after taxes, parking fees, and resort fees are added.
- If your travel dates are flexible, adjust them by a day or two and compare prices.
Sometimes the difference can be surprisingly large.
Before You Book
Saving money on hotels isn't about being cheap. It's about being smart with your travel budget. I'd much rather spend my savings on experiences than overpay for the exact same room someone else booked for less.
With a little patience, a few price comparisons, and one quick phone call to the hotel, you can often save enough money to make your next vacation even better.