Traveling, whether for business or leisure, can be a fantastic experience, but there’s always room for improvement when it comes to making the most of your hotel stay. While booking a hotel may seem like a straightforward process, there are plenty of hotel hacks that can transform your experience, help you save money, and even provide you with perks you didn’t know existed. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just someone looking to have a smoother vacation, these hotel tips can ensure that your stay is as pleasant as possible.
In this article, we’ll explore some top hotel hacks that every savvy traveler should know.
1. Book Directly for Better Rates and Perks
One of the most important hotel hacks is booking directly through the hotel’s website rather than through third-party booking sites like Expedia, Booking.com, or Airbnb. Many hotels offer best rate guarantees when you book directly, meaning you can often get a lower price than what’s listed on third-party websites.
Additionally, hotels may provide exclusive perks for guests who book directly, such as free upgrades, early check-ins, late check-outs, or free breakfast. These benefits are often not available through third-party booking platforms. Always check the hotel’s official website or call them to ask about potential discounts and benefits for direct bookings.
2. Use Discount Sites for Lower Prices
While booking directly often gets you the best perks, there are times when third-party sites like Priceline or Hotwire may offer lower prices. Opaque booking sites, like Hotwire and Priceline, offer discounts on hotels without revealing the name of the property until after booking. While this means you won’t know exactly where you’re staying until you pay, it can often lead to huge savings, sometimes up to 60% off.
If you’re flexible about where you stay and you’re looking for a deal, these sites can provide excellent value. Keep in mind that you can also use websites like Trivago to compare prices across various platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
3. Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Many major hotel chains, like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, offer loyalty programs that can provide significant benefits to frequent travelers. By signing up for these programs, you can earn points for each stay, which can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and even exclusive access to lounges or airport transfers.
One of the best hotel hacks is to make sure you enroll in loyalty programs even if you’re not planning to travel often. The points and benefits can add up quickly. Many programs also offer welcome gifts for new members, such as free breakfasts, Wi-Fi, or parking.
4. Request Room Upgrades
If you want a room upgrade without paying for it, here’s a simple trick: ask politely. While room upgrades are often given to guests who book premium rooms or who have loyalty status, many hotels are willing to offer upgrades for free if you ask. The trick is to be polite, friendly, and timing-conscious.
The best time to ask for an upgrade is during check-in, as the front desk agent may have available rooms that are being unbooked. If you’re booking directly with the hotel and the hotel is not fully booked, there’s a good chance that you may get a better room for the same price or a small additional charge. However, it’s important to remember that timing and politeness are key.
5. Book Your Stay During Off-Peak Times
When it comes to hotel pricing, timing is everything. Hotels tend to have higher rates during peak travel seasons, holidays, and weekends. If you want to save money, plan your trip during off-peak times. This could mean traveling mid-week rather than on weekends or booking during seasons when business travel is low.
For example, hotel rates in popular vacation spots may be significantly lower in the spring or fall compared to the summer. By avoiding the busiest travel times, you can save money and often enjoy a more relaxing stay without the crowds.
6. Check for Freebies and Complimentary Services
Hotels often offer free amenities that you may not know about unless you ask or look for them. These perks can include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, or even free airport transfers. Be sure to ask the front desk about any additional complimentary services when you check in. In some cases, they may also offer free bottled water, toiletries, or snacks in the lobby.
Some higher-end hotels provide happy hours, where you can get free drinks or snacks in the evening, as well as free access to gym facilities or spa services. Research the hotel amenities before your stay to make sure you’re taking full advantage of what’s included.
7. Use Your Credit Card for Perks
Certain credit cards come with travel-related perks, such as hotel discounts, room upgrades, or free nights. For example, premium travel credit cards often partner with hotel chains to offer benefits like elite status, early check-in, or late check-out. Some credit cards even offer cash back or points that can be redeemed for hotel stays or upgrades.
Before booking a hotel, check if your credit card offers any travel benefits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and Citi Premier cards, for example, offer valuable travel-related perks that can enhance your hotel experience.
8. Request a Quiet Room
When checking into a hotel, you may want to request a quiet room if you’re sensitive to noise. Many hotels have rooms that are farther away from elevators or vending machines, and are located on higher floors or in quieter corners of the property. Let the front desk know if you’re looking for a peaceful, serene environment and they’ll be more than happy to accommodate your request, especially if the hotel isn’t fully booked.
9. Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks
Hotel prices for food and drinks can be outrageously high. Whether it’s the mini-bar, hotel restaurant, or room service, you’re often paying a premium for basic snacks and beverages. A simple hotel hack is to bring your own snacks and drinks. Many hotels allow you to store items in the room’s fridge, so you can save money by stocking up on healthier options, bottled water, and snacks from local convenience stores.
If you need a caffeine fix, consider bringing your own coffee-making supplies or purchasing a cheap portable kettle. Not only will this save you money, but it will also ensure that you always have your preferred snacks and drinks available.
10. Use Google Maps for Parking Information
Finding parking near your hotel can be a hassle, especially in busy cities. Instead of relying on the hotel to give you parking recommendations, use Google Maps to locate nearby parking lots or garages that may offer lower rates than what the hotel charges. In some cases, there may be free street parking options or discounts available for parking near your hotel.
11. Pre-Book Popular Hotel Services
If your hotel offers popular services such as spa treatments, restaurant reservations, or excursion bookings, it’s a good idea to pre-book them in advance. Booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on sought-after services, especially during busy travel seasons. Plus, some hotels offer discounts or special offers for guests who pre-book certain amenities.
12. Use Apps for Check-in and Room Keys
Many hotels now offer mobile check-in options through their official app, which allows you to check in before you arrive and even use your smartphone as a digital room key. This not only saves time at check-in but also reduces contact with the front desk, a bonus for health-conscious travelers. By using these apps, you can streamline your hotel experience and enjoy a more efficient stay.
Conclusion
By taking advantage of these hotel hacks, you can enhance your travel experience in more ways than one. From booking directly for the best rates and perks to joining loyalty programs for future rewards, there are many ways to make your hotel stay more enjoyable and cost-effective. The next time you check into a hotel, remember these tips to ensure you’re getting the best possible experience for your money. Whether it’s saving money, getting room upgrades, or enjoying exclusive services, these simple hotel hacks can make all the difference in making your stay truly memorable. Safe travels!