As much as I appreciate the communal vibe of hostels, there’s an undeniable allure to the comfort and amenities of hotels: the pristine rooms, cozy beds, workspaces, and the indulgence of a hot shower.
However, luxury often comes at a steep price.
Hotels can be expensive, and I’m not keen on shelling out for a room I’ll only be using for a few hours. That’s why I usually opt for hostels – they’re more budget-friendly, foster social connections, and offer a more immersive travel experience. Hotels, on the other hand, can feel isolating, like a sterile bubble separating you from the destination you’re visiting.
The Best Platforms for Booking Cheap Hotels
Booking.com consistently delivered the most affordable options – a crucial factor for budget-conscious travelers. Agoda secured the runner-up position, particularly excelling in the Asian market.
Today, however, Google reigns supreme.
But wait – how can a search engine be the best hotel booking site?
Allow me to elaborate!
Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Step 1: Conduct a Google Search
- Head to Google and input your desired destination, such as “New York City hotels.”
- Google will compile results from various booking platforms and highlight the cheapest option, streamlining the booking process significantly.
Step 2: Narrow down your search
- Click on the “View hotels” button to access Google’s hotel search hub.
- Specify your travel dates and preferences to narrow down your options. Filter by price and location to pinpoint a hotel within your budget and desired area.
- Click on “view prices” to explore your booking choices. Ensure to scroll past the advertisements to uncover any hidden deals.
Step 3: Confirm Your Reservation
Once you’ve identified the most economical option, proceed to book directly through the website
or should call the hotel directly and ask for a lower price. I have seen many cases where they agree.
Additional Tips for Getting the Best Price
- Use discount rates: If you are part of the AARP or AAA, you can get special rates that are cheaper.
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Use cashback websites: If the lowest rate is through a major booking site like Booking.com or Expedia, go through cashback websites like Mr. Rebates or Rakuten to get additional savings.
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Check last-minute deals: HotelTonight is perfect for last-minute bookings, offering discounts of up to 50%.
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Sign up for loyalty programs: Hotels.com and Booking.com offer members 10-20% off bookings.
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Buy discounted gift cards: You can book major hotel chains with discounted gift cards.
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Explore Roomer: Often people can’t go on a trip and can’t cancel the reservation, so hotels put these rooms on Roomer, where they sell it at a discount to earn some money back.
Just spend 30 minutes on booking a hotel using the steps above to get a good deal and enjoy your trip quicker.
And if you find yourself staying in a lot of hotels, consider getting a hotel credit card to start earning points towards free stays!