When you’re traveling, there are always a few things that seem to add up before you know it. From the hidden taxes at checkout to the other “little” things like breakfast, Wi-Fi, and bottled water in your room — we’re looking at you Marriott! Point is, it’s always tempting to go on a luxury vacation as opposed to opting for an affordable hotel when traveling. Check out these top hotels globally. But if that’s not in the cards for you this time around, fret not — here are 10 guilt-free hotel tips for those of us with a budget.
1) Check which hotels have Family Suites and Packages.
Sometimes, package deals are in fact available at a slightly higher rate than a single room! For example, the Times Square Sheraton offers a 3-pack of rooms with one bathroom and one queen bed for $199/night.
It’s also worth noting if there are additional perks like free breakfasts or free nights for kids. As far as adults go, the Hampton Inn St. Louis in Chesterfield has an incredible package consisting of two rooms and two beds for around $220/night (available through here).
2) Ask about the “Boutique” Hotels
Sometimes, the more unique and smaller hotels may be less expensive than others in your area. And while you’re probably not going to find a “budget” hotel that has a daily spa treatment room and hipster bar, you may get lucky in the boutique realm.
3) Ask about their Amenities
Many times these days, the amenities offered by hotels are worth the extra money. Are they pet friendly? Are there any areas where you can bring your dog for free? Is there an exercise room? Set up morning yoga classes to save on those mornings at a fitness center.
4) Ask about special deals at “Mom and Pop” Hotels
If you’re in need of something closer to home but don’t want to pay a premium for it, ask if they have any deals going on with local hotels or chains. For example, the Hampton Inn has a partnership with the St. Louis chain Holiday Inn Express where two rooms at Holiday Inn Express will be included in a hotel stay at Hampton Inn.
5) Check for daily deals
Before you book your hotel, always check for any daily deals offered by your local hotels. Many times these are worth staying for and can save you money on your stay. They usually include perks like breakfast and Wi-Fi, as well as a discount on the room rate.
6) Sign up for the Hotel’s Loyalty Program
Oftentimes, a hotel’s loyalty program is worth joining whether you’re already planning to go there or not. Signing up for the loyalty program offers rewards like extra points for free nights on future stays and free Wi-Fi (and don’t you just love it when hotels offer a free breakfast even if it’s only continental).
7) Lock in your Rate before you Leave Home
If you know where you want to stay and when you want to stay there, make sure you lock in your rate before leaving home. This gives you the peace of mind knowing you won’t have to worry about finding a cheaper rate and being forced to cancel.
8) Ask if there are other Offers
Many times, hotels offer specials on a package or two. So ask if they have any offers available in the area for weekend rates, last minute deals, and if they have any special offers for military personnel or senior citizens. They may also be willing to give you their best rate based on your stay dates.
9) Check out Hotwire’s website(s)
While Hotwire doesn’t usually offer the same deals as hotels do, it does offer some cool hotel discounts along with airline baggage fees that hotels themselves may not but sometimes are worth looking into. For example, the Holiday Inn Downtown St. Louis is currently at a $59/night rate for non-members with this code.
10) Don’t forget about your Credit Card Points
Many times, you may be able to cancel or change your stay or upgrade your room and pay less than paying in cash. This usually works best if you book directly through the hotel rather than through another site like Orbitz.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there are a lot of ways to save money when traveling. The most important thing is to ask about any possible deals for your stay at a hotel or package and if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask the hotel agent. Whether you’re looking for something affordable in the suburbs or a luxury hotel in the city, these 10 tips should help out with your search and help you find something both comfortable and within budget!
Traveling is all about experiences — but staying at a stunningly luxurious hotel is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. Being pampered with every amenity available can make even the most stressful trip feel downright relaxing.
