Looking to stretch your travel budget without sacrificing comfort?
These hotel hacks will transform how you book accommodations forever.
From insider booking strategies to clever tricks, these twelve techniques can help you score significant discounts, and maximize every dollar spent on hotel stays.
12 Hotel Hacks To Save Your Money That Actually Work
Here is our list of 12 hotel tips that will help you to save money.
1. Book Direct After Research
Use comparison sites like Hotels Combined and Trivago to find the cheapest price for your hotel, then call or email the hotel directly to negotiate.
Many hotels offer price matching (although I always ask that they give me a better price, not just a price match) plus additional perks when you book directly.
2. Utilize Incognito Mode
Hotel booking sites often use cookies to track your searches and may increase prices based on your browsing history.
Use private browsing to avoid price hikes. (This applies for purchasing your flight tickets as well).
3. Check Mobile App Pricing
Booking platforms like Booking.com and Agoda frequently offer exclusive mobile-only discounts and deals that aren’t available on their desktop sites.
Always compare prices between the website and the app before finalizing your reservation.
4. Book Last-Minute or Far Ahead
Hotels offer significant discounts either very close to check-in date (to fill empty rooms) or months in advance (for guaranteed bookings).
5. Choose Refundable Bookings
Opt for refundable rates even if slightly higher in price, then regularly check if prices have dropped.
If you find a better rate, simply cancel your original reservation and rebook at the lower price.
This strategy works particularly well on sites like Booking.com and can save hundreds of dollars. I just saved $200 on a 4-night stay by using this strategy.
6. Join Loyalty Programs
Even if you don’t stay frequently, hotel loyalty programs often provide immediate benefits like free WiFi, late checkout, or room upgrades.
Platforms like Booking.com also offer a rewards systems that provide incremental perks like 10-20% discounts, free breakfasts, and room upgrades.
7. Try Secret Hotels or Mystery Deals
If you’re willing to book without knowing the exact hotel name upfront, platforms like Priceline’s “Express Deals” and Hotwire’s “Hot Rates” can offer discounts of up to 50% off standard rates.
These mystery bookings usually reveal the hotel’s general location, star rating, and amenities, just not the specific property name until after booking.
8. Buy Someone Else’s Reservation with Roomer
Travelers who can’t use their non-refundable hotel bookings often sell them at a discount through platforms like Roomer.
This marketplace connects people who can’t use their reservations with travelers looking for deals, creating a win-win situation.
9. Set an Alert For Hotel Price Drops
Hotel prices often decrease after reservations are made. Services like Pruvo monitor your bookings and alert you when prices drop.
Simply install their Chrome extension and secure a refundable rate through any major booking platform.
They’ll notify you if a better deal appears, allowing you to cancel and rebook at the lower rate.
10. Leverage Travel Credit Cards
Select credit cards offer substantial hotel benefits beyond just points, including room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and more.
Many premium travel cards also include trip cancellation protection and rental car insurance.
11. Use Cashback Portals
Before booking hotels online, activate cashback services like Rakuten or Mr.Rebates to earn rebates on your reservations.
Simply install their browser extension, activate it before checkout, and receive automatic cash back on qualifying purchases.
These rebates typically range from 1-10% and can be combined with other discounts and loyalty program benefits for maximum savings.
12. Look for Luxury Package Deals
Sites like Luxury Escapes, Secret Escapes, and Voyage Privé offer limited-time luxury hotel packages during off-peak periods.
These deals typically bundle valuable extras like room upgrades, airport transfers, and daily breakfast at significant discounts.
What makes these packages exceptional is the additional inclusions you might receive—resort credits, spa treatments, and sometimes even unlimited dining or drinks.
Final Thoughts on How to Save Money on Hotel Bookings
Armed with these hotel hacks, you’re now equipped to save hundreds on your next stay.
But your travel journey doesn’t end there! Your wallet will thank you for checking out our other money-saving travel guides:
- What to Do Before Boarding a Plane – Essential pre-flight strategies that make travel smoother and more affordable
- Airport Hacks – Navigate terminals like a pro while avoiding costly airport traps
- What Not to Do on a Plane – Common mistakes that waste money and ruin the flying experience
