Introduction (25 Hotel Hacks)
While travel is an adventure, finding the perfect mix of comfort and good value in your hotel stay can be one such challenge. Thankfully, there are tons hotel hacks you can use to make the most out of your trip without spending a fortune. As a first-time traveler or returning guest, these 25 hacks assure you an upgraded hotel stay that will keep it together for as long.
Table of Contents
- Better Deals When You Book Direct
- Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
- Benefits of Membership
- Earning and Redeeming Points
- Utilize Credit Card Rewards
- Off-Peak Season Travel
- Use Booking Sites to Your Advantage
- Comparing Prices
- Finding Last-Minute Deals
- Ask for free upgrades
- How to Ask Politely
- Special Occasions
- Utilize Package Deals
- Negotiate Your Rate
- Explore Discount Websites
- Make Use of Hotel Amenities
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Free Services
- Choose Your Room Wisely
- Corner Rooms
- Low Floors Vs High Floors
- Utilize Local Discounts
- Stay Longer for Reduced Rates
- Sign Up for Hotel Newsletters
- Review Your Bill Thoroughly
- Leave Detailed Reviews
- Bring Your Own Essentials
- Toiletries
- Snacks and Drinks
- Use Hotel Technology
- Mobile Check-In
- Hotel Apps
- Be Polite and Friendly
- Know Your Hotel’s Policy
- Use Concierge Services
- Explore Hotel Dining Options
- Stay Active
- Check for Special Promotions
- Plan Ahead
Direct bookings are Cheaper
Bottom line: direct booking is usually your ticket to the lowest rate with its own set of exclusive benefits, done deal. Because hotels do not need to pay third-party commissions for direct bookings, they often sweeten the deal with perks like complimentary breakfast room upgrades late checkout
Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Benefits of Membership
Game, set and match for the frequent traveler with loyalty programs. They get points for each stay that they can turn in to redeem free nights, room upgrades and the like. A great example of such a program would be Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors and IHG Rewards.
Earning and Redeeming Points
Collect points from your first stay. You can get paid more as you travel. You can redeem them for free hot breakfasts, a discounted drink in the evening and even gift cards to make your stay more fun.
Utilize Credit Card Rewards
Most credit cards that give travel rewards provide you with a benefits relating to hotel stays. While those cards dole out points/miles per dollar spent, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP), American Express Platinum and Citi Premier. The benefits are rewards that you can convert for complimentary or discounted hotel rooms, which make your traveling more valuable.
Stick to Off-Season Travel The obvious time when everyone wants to fly is around the holidays.
Though this is more reason to travel during low-peak seasons, where accommodation costs are at a lower side as well. This is when hotels drop their prices to encourage people in and you can treat yourself to those luxury stays for a fraction of the price. Not only that, the fact that less tourists visiting foster a more serene experience.
Use Third Party Booking Websites
Comparing Prices
Websites: Expedia, Booking com, and Kayak hotel prices. These platforms get you offers and sales that are often in limited period. But as always compare it with direct rates by hotel to make sure this is the cheapest you get
Finding Last-Minute Deals
Sites such as HotelTonight focus on last-minute bookings and typically provide heavily discounted same-day reservation deals. The iOS app helps you search for rooms in an area months ahead, but only allows reservations within a week’s window of time from the date your booking is made. You can score insane luxury digs, if you are flex.
Ask for free upgrades
How to Ask Politely
When you check-in, do not be afraid to ask the agent for any free upgrades available. By simply calling them and asking, friendlylike too),You might be able to get upgraded for little or no money at all.
Special Occasions
If you are there for a special occasion such as birthday, anniversary or on honeymoon — inform the hotel staff. The occasion also allows for that special treatment many hotels relish in providing, particularly complimentary upgrades or treats.
Use the package as an offer.
Every now and then it is cheaper to book a package that includes your flight, hotel, and car rental. You could find these packaged deals on travel websites or directly from the hotel.
Negotiate Your Rate
It can be daunting at first, but negotiating rates with your hotel will stop potential money staying there for more than one night! Literally call the hotel and see if they can beat/offer a lower price than you find online.
Explore Discount Websites
They include such sites as Groupon and Travelzoo, which offer deals on hotel stays at rates for luxury properties. Due to the large discounts offered by many of these sites when it comes to lodging, dining and activities check them out before booking any services.
Make Use of Hotel Amenities
Complimentary Breakfast
Hotels with free breakfast can add up and save you a good deal of money if the stay is for multiple days. A free breakfast may make whatever you have planned fun to begin and also relatively easy on your travel budget.
Free Services
Another tactic is to use their freebies: airport shuttles, wifi, concierge services and health clubs. These can make your stay a little better at no added price.
Choose Your Room Wisely
Corner Rooms
A corner room is usually larger, quieter with more space and a better view. If you have the chance, ask for a corner room when making your booking or at check-in.
High Floor vs Low Floor
Upper floors seem to offer better views and less noise, but they can be costlier. A room on a lower floor, in return for not having the full view nullptrIf you don’t really care about this one its more budget-friendly.
Utilize Local Discounts
Some hotels have deals with local companies that pass on discounts to their guests. Check with the front desk to see if they are reliable for discounts of a nearby restaurant, attractions or shopping place and safe money while staying.
Stay Longer for Reduced Rates
You could also save some $$ by staying in one place longer-the Hoxton and Manzil are two of the hotels offering deals for lengthy stays. If you are going for a longer time, ask them if they have any more discounts on staying like 5 nights or something. It is a good way to stay free from lodging expenses.
Sign Up for Hotel Newsletters
Subscribe to your favourite hotel brands Newsletters From time to time they send out unique offers, flash sales and promo codes for their subscribers. It is also a simple method to remain knowledgeable on potential savings.
Review Your Bill Thoroughly
Once ready to check out, go over your bill carefully with an eye for any unexpected fees. If you notice anything amiss, inform front desk immediately. It is harder to fix billing problems in person than when you have already left.
Leave Detailed Reviews
Write a thorough review of the hotel on its website or some travel site such as TripAdvisor shortly after your return. Hotels like feedback, and sometimes they may even offer discounts or other special deals to guests who write a review on popular hotel booking sites.
Bring Your Own Essentials
Toiletries
They are also useful for making you feel at home and more often than not superior to those of the hotel, which means that if you bring them yourself then there is no reason whatsoever for going into reception in order to get some. Bring along anything like shampoo, conditioner & toothpaste.
Snacks and Drinks
If you have a mini fridge in your room, bring some snacks and drinks. This allows you cut down a little on the overprice minibar costs and late-night snacking.
Use Hotel Technology
Mobile Check-In
Mobile check-in dresses should be worn in a (albeit somewhat unappealing compared to the high street) reality where you can avoid the laboursome lift pitch from reception and go straight to your room. If you have just come off a long flight, that can even save time and trouble.
Hotel Apps
Get your hotel app that allows for mobile service requests, room service and local recommendations. While other applications may have exclusive offers, which can make your overall experience a bit better.
Be Polite and Friendly
Trust me, kindness matters. Be polite to the hotel staff The rooms will be upgraded, local tips delivered and anything that can help you while making your stay memorable is also possible to provide.
Know Your Hotel’s Policy
Get to know about the hotel’s cancellation policy,early check-in time and late-check-out times as well. These policies can affect your stay by adding additional fees to the overall cost, so make sure you take them into account.
Use Concierge Services
She (the concierge) is there to ensure that you have a pleasant stay. This includes restaurant reservations, show tickets and tips on things to do locally. Utilize their knowledge and make your journey better.
Explore Hotel Dining Options
Also, do not underestimate the dining available at your hotel. Most hotels will also have great restaurants (with discounts for guests). Inquire about any promotions and happy hour services.
Stay Active
Take advantage of the hotel gym or pool to keep your body moving while on vacation. A few hotels also provide free yoga classes, bicycle rentals and guided tours. Being active makes you more energetic and feel better.
Check for Special Promotions
Hotels have regular holiday, weekend and even slow time promotions. Visit the hotels website or give them a call to see if they are running any offers that might save you money.
Plan Ahead
If you plan ahead, you will have money to spend and still get a worthwhile experience. Make a Hotel reservation previously, save some seats at the dinner table and also look for to recognize about regional locations. The better prepared you are, the easier your travels goes.
Conclusion
Having a great time in your hotel room or taking advantage of some perks for the guests that are spending most likely more times there, doesn´t have to be something expensive. With these simple 25 must-know hacks, you can have the feels without paying expensive luxuries. Ive learned a range of travel hacks, from tricks for booking accommodations and taking full advantage of reward programs to making the best use out everything up until hotel services as well as local discounts you would be silly not wanted get. Happy travels!
FAQs
How do I get a room upgrade for free
Ask politely at the check-in counter and mention any special occasion you are celebrating. You may also increase your odds by signing up for the hotel’s loyalty program.
Why Should You Opt to Book Directly With a Hotel
Direct bookings have the bonus of having better rates and special deals like free breakfast, late check-out and more.
What do credit card rewards have to do with hotel stays?
Hotel points or miles from travel credit cards are those that belong in this category, which can be redeemed for a free hotel stay directly. And some cards come with elite status perks as well.
When it comes to booking hotels last minute, is cheaper better?
Booking at the last minute can occasionally mean big discounts (especially through apps like HotelTonight), but this depends on room availability and demand.
But, are hotel loyalty programs really worth it?
Yes, you get free membership and earn points for complimentary stays, room upgrades & exclusive experiences to make your hotel experience better over the years.
