Short answer: the easiest ways to save on hotels without giving up comfort are to travel in the off-season or shoulder season, book early with free cancellation, compare the final price for the same room across booking sites, and pick a hotel that includes what you’d pay for anyway, like breakfast or a kitchen. Longer stays, loyalty programs and travel credit card rewards can cut costs even more.
Budget travel doesn’t have to mean a lumpy mattress and a shared bathroom down the hall. We’re big fans of spending less on the room and more on the fun stuff, without sleeping badly. Here are the ten tricks we use.
1. Pick a destination where your money goes further
Some places are just friendlier to your wallet. Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and much of South America are known for great value. A week in Thailand, with hotel, food and activities, can cost less than a few days in Paris or New York. Before you decide, add up the flight plus the hotel for each option. The cheaper flight isn’t always the cheaper trip.
2. Book early, with free cancellation
Booking ahead gives you more choice and often better prices, especially for popular dates and family rooms. Choose a free-cancellation rate, then check the price again before the deadline. If it drops, rebook. Here’s our full guide to when to book a hotel for the lowest price.
3. Travel in the off-season or shoulder season
Hotels usually charge less when there are fewer tourists. The shoulder season, just before or after the peak, is often the sweet spot: decent weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. You get the same beach with fewer elbows.
4. Compare prices across booking sites
The same room can cost different amounts on different booking sites, at the same moment. Comparing by hand takes forever, so we built Hotel Ninja, a free Chrome extension that shows the final checkout price for the same room on Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Agoda and other supported sites, taxes and fees included. It takes seconds and it’s often the biggest single saving on the trip.
5. Consider other types of places to stay
Hostels with private rooms, vacation rentals, aparthotels and B&Bs are often cheaper than hotels, and can be more comfortable for families. An apartment with a kitchen and a living room beats squeezing four people into one hotel room, and cooking a few meals saves a lot.
6. Join hotel loyalty programs
They’re free to join and can bring member rates, free nights and perks like breakfast or late check-out. Big ones include Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors and IHG One Rewards. Just don’t pay much more for a room only to earn points. Here’s our take on whether hotel loyalty programs are worth it.
7. Look for discount codes
Booking sites and hotel chains run promotions and member deals. A quick search before you book can turn up a code. Just compare the final price after the discount with what other sites charge for the same room.
8. Ask for a better rate on longer stays
Staying a week or more? Contact the hotel and ask for a better rate. Many hotels offer discounts for long stays. If you’ve seen a lower price online, mention it and ask if they’ll match or beat it. Worst case, they say no.
9. Use credit card rewards
Travel credit cards can earn points, miles or cash back on hotel bookings, and some include hotel credits. Pick a card with no foreign transaction fees for trips abroad. More in our guide to debit vs. credit cards for travel.
10. Go non-refundable, but only when you’re sure
Non-refundable rates are usually cheaper. If your plans are set in stone, they can be a smart saving. If there’s any chance plans change, stick with free cancellation. Losing the whole booking wipes out any discount. Our hotel cancellation policy guide explains the trade-offs.
Bonus tips
Want even more? Here are our 12 hotel booking hacks, plus how to dodge hidden hotel fees.
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Frequently asked questions
How can I save money on hotels?
Travel off-season or in the shoulder season, book early with free cancellation, compare the final price for the same room across booking sites, and choose hotels that include what you’d pay for anyway, like breakfast or parking.
Is it cheaper to book hotels in advance?
Often, especially for popular dates and family rooms. Book a free-cancellation rate early, then check again before the deadline and rebook if the price drops.
Are vacation rentals cheaper than hotels?
Sometimes, especially for families and longer stays, since you get more space and a kitchen. Compare the total cost, including cleaning and service fees, with hotel prices for the same dates.
