The accommodation of course represents a large percentage of any travel budget. However, there are several ways to spend less on your next getaway. Here are 20 ideas for you to save on your next hotel booking.
#1 Search for a discount code
Simple but effective! Before making your reservation, do a quick search on the internet to see if you could find a discount code that would help you save on your next stay. Look for several variations with the hotel name, city and dates for more chances to find.
#2 Book directly on the hotel's website
Several booking sites say they offer the best price, but this one is often also on the website of the hotel you are coveting! In addition, by eliminating intermediaries, you eliminate the risk of mistakes and commissions, which often results in a cheaper rate.
#3 Book two room types
This technique is risky because it is not guaranteed to work. However, it may be worth trying! On your next stay, book the first night in a higher priced room, then the subsequent night in a lower priced room. If the hotel is not full, to avoid the housekeeping fee, they might offer to keep the same room for the second night, even if you paid less!
#4 Check if you have access to a discount
Are you a CAA member? Are you part of a professional association? Do you work for a company for which many people have to travel frequently? You may have access to group discounts! It is well worth checking in and choosing your hotel accordingly.
#5 Check if a package would be more advantageous
Sometimes it is more advantageous to buy your flight and hotel separately (and maybe even rent a car). Sometimes it is more advantageous to get them together. Take the time to do the comparison before clicking "book".
#6 Subscribe to the loyalty program
Subscribers to the hotel chain loyalty program may have access to discounted rates and exclusive sales. If you often do business with one of the major hotel chains (Hilton, Wyndham, Accor, etc.), subscribe to their program to save.
#6 Use a credit card affiliated with the hotel
The credit card affiliated with the hotel (where there is one) sometimes allows, among other things, not to have to pay the reservation fees, which of course saves money. In addition, it sometimes doubles its points in the loyalty program!
#7 Pay with your miles and points
Nothing is used to accumulate miles and points without using them. Many airlines offer to use your miles in participating establishments, including hotels, and you can of course use the points of the frequent flyer program when you have had enough. This allows you to enjoy a stay at a small price!
#8 Take advantage of weekly stays
If you can, try to focus on weekday stays, which will usually cost you less. Many hotels offer cheaper prices on weekdays than weekends, as there is less demand.
#9 Choose the right type of hotel
Do you travel with your family during the weekend? Look for a hotel whose prime customer is business people on weekdays. Conversely, you are in town for a conference on Tuesday? Look at the offers of hotels mainly for families. Since hotels are more likely to be less busy at this time, you might have a better rate.
#10 Do business with a travel agent
Travel agents have access to several special offers that you will not be able to find by doing your own research. Moreover, in Québec, dealing with them protects you in the event of a glitch thanks to the Travel Agent's Compensation Fund
#11 Subscribe to the hotel's newsletter
Hotels often send special offers to subscribers to their newsletter. If you plan to visit a specific destination in the near future, check if the coveted hotels offer a newsletter and subscribe before booking.
#12 Appointment on site without reservation
If this option does not stress you and you are visiting a city during a low-traffic period, you can go to the coveted hotel in the early evening and ask if they can make a special price on their rooms still free .
#13 Use an app to discover last-minute offers
If you move without a guarantee to be able to enjoy a special rate you are not interested, some applications, such as HotelTonight, allow to see last minute offers on the vacant rooms before moving.
#14 Call and negotiate
Another technique that few people think: take the phone and ask if it is possible to get a better rate. This is even more likely to work if you are getting a better price on a booking site other than that of the hotel.
#15 Clear your browsing history
Several booking sites use a dynamic pricing system, ie they adjust prices based on your previous searches. To make sure you get the best rate, frequently delete your browsing history or use private browsing.
#16 Use the blind booking sites
To get a good rate, use the blind booking sites like Priceline and Hotwire. With these, you can choose the neighborhood, services and price of your hotel ... but without knowing which one it is. Sometimes, huge savings are possible!
#17 Check the cancellation policy
It is always advantageous to ensure that the cancellation is free, in case you find a better fare thereafter. Some sites even offer an equal price guarantee (or more) if you find a cheaper room elsewhere.
#18 Prioritize new hotels
New hotels often seek to build a customer base by offering much more attractive prices. Also, since they are often less crowded, it's time to request an upgrade and get a better room for a lower rate.