Top Strategies to Secure the Best Hotel Deals

Travelers today prioritize smart spending and memorable experiences over lavish, costly accommodations. Finding affordable hotel packages is essential for budget-friendly travel. The rise of online booking platforms offers numerous deals, but comparing deals across multiple sites can be time-consuming.

Here are effective tips to help you find the best hotel offers and have an unforgettable trip.

Register for memberships
Signing up on hotel booking sites often grants access to exclusive discounts, loyalty rewards, and special offers. Many platforms offer reward programs where accumulating points can lead to free nights or upgrades. Even if you opt-out of newsletters, signing up once can yield significant savings.

Popular sites with reward programs include:

• Booking.com
• Agoda
• Hotels.com®
• Expedia
• HotelsCombined

While deals may seem similar, some sites add extra fees. These trusted platforms commonly provide the best hotel packages.

Reserve early
Booking in advance, especially during weekdays or off-peak seasons, guarantees better rates. Opt for hotels offering free cancellation to secure flexible booking options. Be mindful of cancellation policies, as some deals are only refundable within specific timeframes, such as 48 hours after booking.

Earn loyalty points
Repeated bookings with the same hotel brand or booking site accumulate points, leading to free stays or upgrades. Many hotels and booking websites have loyalty programs allowing flexibility across different hotel chains, e.g., Hilton or Marriott.

Key loyalty programs include:

• Hotels.com® Rewards: 10 nights = 1 free night
• Expedia+ Rewards: Points on hotels, car rentals, vacations
• Orbitz Rewards: Points on flights and hotels

Major hotel chains offer exclusive perks, from free Wi-Fi to late check-out, especially for loyalty members. Partnered credit cards and travel alliances enhance these benefits.

Notable hotel reward programs are:

• Starwood Preferred Guest
• Marriott Rewards
• Radisson's Club Carlson
• Choice Privileges®
• Best Western Rewards

Use credit cards with hotel reward perks
Applying for credit cards that offer hotel points is an easy way to maximize savings. Bonus points can be earned through everyday purchases, reducing overall travel costs. Popular options include:

• Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card: 50,000 bonus miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months, 10 miles per dollar at Hotels.com
• Chase Sapphire Preferred®: 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months, transfer options to travel partners