Whether planning a business trip or a vacation, everyone loves to save money on hotel rooms! From upgrades to discounts, you can cash in on a bargain in many ways! Even in a capital city like London. From boutique to budget hotels, finding reasonable room rates is easy when you know where to look.
In this guide, we give insight on how to save on your next stay, making you feel less like you’ve been fleeced of your hard-earned cash on check out and more like you bagged a bargain. Read on to discover more.
Sign Up for a Rewards Program
Most modern-day hotels, such as the Standard Hotel London, offer exclusive rates and incentives when you sign up for their rewards program. In addition, as a member, you’ll be the first to know about exclusive deals, events, and seasonal promotions.
Some establishments will even offer incentives in the shape of points. For every dollar you spend with them, you’ll be privy to incentives such as room upgrades, complimentary beverages, or a discount on your room rate.
Signing up takes little to no time. All the hotel requires is a few contact details. Once a member, you’ll be granted a unique membership number, which can be used at chains across the globe. Larger hotel chains often award loyal customers with items such as free Wi-Fi, room upgrades, and late checkout.
Book Direct
More often than not, going directly through the hotel you wish to book a room with can save you money. Partner sites charge admin fees on top of initial prices, whereas official hotel sites don’t. If you book directly with a hotel, they’re often willing to knock between 5-20% off the room rate, as this avoids them having to pay a fee to the booking site. Certain establishments will even offer an instant discount code to anyone who lands on their official website.
However, just because we live in a digital world doesn’t mean you can’t use the old-school method of calling the front desk and asking for the best rate. More often than not, hotels have various deals up their sleeves that aren’t available online. These comprise everything from early check-ins and late check-outs to complimentary breakfast and a free pass to the spa.
In addition to these incentives, many hotels promise to match rates found elsewhere within 24 hours of booking. It’s always worth enquiring.
Look Out For Coupon Codes
When booking directly through a hotel website or a partner provider, on the payment page, you’ll spot a box that says ‘add coupon code’. These coupons are readily available online and will take you a matter of minutes to search for. You’ll be privy to everything from a 10% discount on the final fee to a welcome drink or early check-in.
New hotels, as well as those looking to fill rooms in off-seasons, will release coupon codes. These will encourage patrons to book with them over other establishments. All without any motivating factor driving the sale other than the promotion itself. In addition, hotels will often use these codes to determine the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, allowing them to fine-tune each social handle.
Sign Up for a Booking Site
Instead of booking as a guest, sign up to a booking site. This will provide you with a unique membership number. Every time you book through this site, you’ll gain points. These can translate into air miles or be used to discount your next booking. Some will even offer a free night’s stay for every ten nights booked. If you travel regularly, for business or leisure, it’s worth joining a booking site’s member program. They often feature hotels, flights, and packages to various destinations across the globe, providing a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.
Avoid Peak Times
Flexible with your travel dates? Avoid school holidays and weekends. This is when hotels rack up their rates. This is particularly the case in popular destinations, such as London. Nightly prices on Fridays and Saturdays are sometimes up to three times the price of room rates on Sunday through Thursday nights.
In major cities, events occur throughout the week, not just at the weekend. This means you’ll never miss out on the fun if you visit on a Wednesday instead of a Friday. This is worth considering when booking your next adventure, particularly as hotel occupancy will increase by 2.5% globally next year.
The Bottom Line
When you know where to look, there are numerous ways to save on your next hotel booking, even on a trip to a major city like London. Provided you have the patience and follow the tips above, you’ll likely save a few dollars on your next hotel stay.
From booking directly to searching for coupon codes and signing up for rewards programs, many budget-friendly avenues are available. And who doesn’t love a bargain? Especially when average daily hotel rates are projected to rise by 4.9% in the next 12 months. When we bag a deal, it makes the entire trip, be it for business or leisure, more enjoyable.
