Discover the Hidden Gems of how to book cheap hotels

/ Articles / By Sarah Rothschild

Finding the perfect hotel room is like discovering a hidden gem in a busy city. With so many choices, getting the best deal might seem hard. But, with smart strategies and travel rewards, you can enjoy luxury without spending too much. This guide will share expert tips on finding the best hotel deals. You’ll learn how to use search engines, rewards programs, and last-minute deals to save money.

Key Takeaways

Booking.com offers the largest selection of cheap accommodations, while Agoda excels in providing deals in Asia¹.
Google is the best booking site for finding the cheapest hotel rates by aggregating results from various platforms¹.
Loyalty programs from Booking.com and Hotels.com can provide up to 20% discounts on hotel stays¹.
HotelTonight can offer accommodations up to 50% cheaper if booked after 4 pm on the day of staying¹.
Roomer allows you to purchase hotel reservations at a significant discount from those unable to use their bookings¹.

Leverage Search Engines for Cheap Hotel Deals

Google: The Ultimate Hotel Booking Site

Google is now the top choice for finding cheap hotels. Just type in where you want to go, and Google shows you the best deals from many booking sites². This saves you time by showing all the lowest prices in one place.

It’s easy to use: click “View hotels,” enter your travel dates, and sort by price. Google’s tool makes comparing prices simple, helping you find the best deals³.

Using search engines like Google changes the game in finding hotel deals. Google’s wide coverage and focus on low prices make it the best site for saving money²³.

“Google’s hotel search feature provides a comprehensive overview of your options, making it the go-to resource for budget-conscious travelers.”

Unlock Discounts with Booking Site Rewards Programs

Signing up for free rewards programs with major hotel booking sites, like Booking.com, can give you big discounts and perks for your next trip⁴. By making a Booking.com account and getting to higher Genius membership levels (up to 20% off), you get benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast, and cash back on future bookings⁴.

The more you book through Booking.com, the higher your Genius status and the more you save⁴. Other sites like Hotels.com and Expedia also have their own loyalty programs. It’s a good idea to check them out to see which one fits your travel style best.

Booking.com Genius Membership Levels	Discounts and Rewards
Level 1	10% discounts on stays and rental cars⁴
Level 2	10-15% discounts on stays, 10% discounts on rental cars, free breakfasts, and free room upgrades⁴
Level 3	10-20% discounts on stays, 10% discounts on rental cars, free breakfasts, free room upgrades, and priority support on stays⁴

To get to Level 2, you need to make 5 bookings in 2 years. To get to Level 3, you need 15 bookings in 2 years⁴. Discounts are given before taxes and charges, and there are over 390,000 properties worldwide where you can get these discounts⁴. Genius options are easy to spot with a blue label.

Many booking sites also offer cash back or credit rewards that you can use for future bookings⁵. You usually get the reward on your credit card or Booking.com Wallet 30-60 days after you check out⁵. You can combine these rewards with Genius discounts and other deals for even bigger savings on your hotel stays⁵.

By using these booking site rewards programs, you can get big hotel booking discounts and budget travel savings on your next trip⁴⁵. Looking into the options and making the most of your membership can help you find the best deals and stretch your travel budget.

how to book cheap hotels: Mobile App Discounts

Looking to save on hotel stays? Think about using mobile apps. Big names like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hostelworld give special “mobile-only” deals. These are for those who book through their apps⁶.

Booking.com has over 28 million places to stay and more than 130 million reviews. This means lots of choices and tips to find great prices⁶. Airbnb charges a 14% fee but doesn’t usually offer discounts. Hostelworld gives 5% of booking fees to UNICEF and promises the best prices against sites like Expedia and Booking.com⁶.

Hotels.com has over 20,000 last-minute deals on their site and app⁶. HotelTonight lets you book up to 100 days ahead. They offer same-day bookings until 2 am for extra savings⁷.

By comparing prices on desktop and mobile apps for the same hotels, you can save a lot. Sometimes, you can save up to 20% or more just by using your phone⁶. This is a great way to get more discounts and stretch your budget when looking for cheap places to stay.

“The Cheap Hotels App offers up to 75% discounts on accommodations from 2 million hotels worldwide. You’ll find motels, B&Bs, resorts, vacation rentals, and apartments. The app has last-minute deals and a lowest price guarantee for short and long stays.”

Whether you’re going on a sudden trip or a planned vacation, mobile-exclusive hotel discounts can really help. By using these special offers, you can save a lot and still get great places to stay without spending too much.

Go Direct for Potential Savings

Booking hotels often means checking prices on sites like Booking.com or Expedia. But sometimes, booking directly with the hotel can save you money⁸. Some hotels or those in less visited places might offer lower rates or match prices if you contact them directly. They aim to avoid big commissions from major booking sites⁹.

Hotel websites might give you extra discounts if you book directly. This can save you money by avoiding commission fees.

Hotel websites might not be as easy to use as big booking sites. But, it’s worth exploring direct booking options. Travelodge and Premier Inn are often great choices that you can book directly. Booking directly can also give you perks like free parking, breakfast, or more that you won’t get through OTAs⁹.

Telling hotels about special occasions like honeymoons or anniversaries might get you upgrades or extra perks.

Contact Hotels Directly for Price Matching

If you find a lower price on an OTA, contact the hotel directly to ask them to match or beat that price⁹. Sites like Kayak show hotel rates across many websites, helping you find where you can save the most. By looking into direct booking, smart travelers can find hidden savings and enjoy a more personal hotel stay⁸⁹.

Leverage Membership Discounts and Gift Cards

Savvy travelers can save money by using hotel membership discounts and gift cards. AAA and AARP offer special rates at many hotels. Anyone can join AARP to get these deals¹⁰.

Buying discounted hotel gift cards from sites like GiftCardGranny.com can also save you money. These gift card discounts can be used with other savings, like earning rewards points or using a travel credit card. This way, you can get the most out of your hotel bookings¹⁰.

By combining these savings, like the average $32 from Hotels.com ‘secret deals’ and a free night for every 10 nights booked, you can save a lot on hotels¹⁰.

Discount Source	Savings
AAA and AARP Membership	Special hotel rates
Discounted Hotel Gift Cards	Up to 33% off
Cashback Portals	Up to 6% at Hotels.com
Travel Credit Card Rewards	$350 value from 35,000 Avion points

Using these hotel membership discounts, gift cards, and other perks can save you a lot on luxury hotels¹⁰.

“Stacking these discounts and perks can lead to incredible savings on luxury accommodations.”

Explore Last-Minute Deals and Mystery Bookings

Travelers with flexible plans can find big savings on hotels through last-minute deals and mystery bookings. Apps like HotelTonight offer up to 50% off on same-day bookings. This is great for those who love to save money¹¹.

Priceline’s Express Deals and Hotwire’s Hot Rates let you book quality hotels for less. You won’t know the hotel name until after you book. It’s a fun way to get a good deal on a great hotel¹¹.

Lastminute.com, owned by Travelocity, offers up to 40% off on Top Secret Hotels. You won’t know the hotel name until after booking. Groupon and Hotels.com also have great last-minute deals thanks to their hotel chain partnerships¹¹.

Looking for a spontaneous trip or want to stretch your travel budget? Last-minute hotel deals and mystery bookings can change the game. You could save 20% to 60%¹¹. This approach helps you find great hotels without spending a lot.

Platform	Potential Savings	Example Deals
Priceline Express Deals	Up to 60%¹¹	DoubleTree hotel in New York City nearly $50 cheaper than other sites¹¹
Lastminute.com (Top Secret Hotels)	Up to 40%¹¹	Hotel name hidden until after booking
HotelTonight	Up to 50%¹¹	Average summer hotel price in New York is $154, compared to $219 across all hotels¹¹
Hilton’s App	$20 per night savings¹¹	Booking through the app can result in significant discounts

Remember, the surprise of mystery bookings can make travel exciting. But, always check the booking sites’ reliability for a smooth trip. With flexibility and an eye for deals, you can find great travel bargains¹²¹¹.

Conclusion

Booking affordable hotels doesn’t have to be hard. By using search engines smartly, joining booking site rewards, and looking for mobile-only deals, you can save a lot. You can also get great hotels without spending too much¹³.

Using membership benefits and finding last-minute deals can also help you save. This way, you can make the most of your travel budget and find amazing deals on hotels.

With the right strategies and some research, you can easily save money on hotels. These tips work for both experienced travelers and beginners. They help you spend less and have more fun on your trips¹³.

So, get ready for your next adventure with confidence. You have the tools and knowledge to book hotels like a pro¹⁴. Be flexible and let the savings add up¹³. Your dream vacation is just a few clicks away. Start planning your next trip today!

FAQ

How can I use search engines to find cheap hotel deals?

Google is now the top site for booking hotels, making it easy to find the cheapest rates. Just type in where you want to go, and Google will show you the lowest prices from all major booking sites. This saves you time and effort.

What are the benefits of signing up for hotel booking site rewards programs?

Joining rewards programs with big hotel booking sites like Booking.com can get you big discounts and perks. By signing up and reaching higher levels, you get room upgrades, free breakfast, and cash back on future bookings.

How can I find mobile-only discounts on hotel bookings?

Many booking sites give special discounts to users who book through their apps. These “mobile-only” prices encourage app use and loyalty. Travelers prefer apps for their convenience and ease of use.

When should I book directly with the hotel instead of using an online travel agency?

Sometimes, booking directly with the hotel can save you money compared to using an OTA like Booking.com or Expedia. Independent hotels or those in less visited areas might offer lower rates or match prices if you contact them directly. They aim to avoid paying big commissions to booking sites.

How can I utilize membership discounts and gift cards to save on hotel stays?

Groups like AAA and AARP have special hotel rates. Anyone can join AARP for these discounts. Also, buying discounted hotel gift cards from sites like GiftCardGranny.com can save you more when booking directly with the hotel.

What are the benefits of exploring last-minute deals and mystery bookings?

If you’re flexible with your travel plans, last-minute deals and mystery bookings can save you a lot on hotels. Apps like HotelTonight offer up to 50% off on same-day bookings. Services like Priceline’s Express Deals and Hotwire’s Hot Rates let you book hotels at a big discount, but you won’t know the exact hotel until after booking.

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