Tips to Book Cheap Hotels and Get a Steal Deal

This blog explores some proven tips that will let you get a steal deal while booking hotels.

Updated On: November 19, 2024
8 min, Read

Trying to book a cheap hotel for yourself? There are tips and tricks to find affordable hotels that require some planning and some through-through strategies. A cheap hotel doesn’t mean it wouldn’t have the best amenities; the idea is to find a place that promises the best amenities at the most affordable rates. For someone who likes to travel or is a frequent traveller, it takes some homework and smart tactics for you to understand the intricacies of booking a cheap hotel

Let us explore some proven tips that will let you get a steal deal while booking hotels. Let’s understand the process of booking hotels at affordable rates through this guide.

1. Book Early, But Not Too Early

Let’s get to the basics first. Booking your hotel stay in advance means getting good deals. But one needs to be cognizant of the fact that if you book your ticket very early, you might not get very cheap deals. However, keep checking if the hotels release any discount tickets closer to your travel date. It is recommended you keep checking hotel deals 2-3 months prior to your journey, as you can get the best deals during this window.

The hotels also release early bird deals. So, if your travel is planned and locked, you might want to take advantage of these deals. If your trip is flexible, looking for last-minute deals can also help you get a good price for your hotel booking, and you can snag some surprising discounts on your bookings.

2. Use Price Comparison Websites

These days, a lot of price comparison websites are readily available on the internet. These portals help you find the best possible price for a particular property by aggregating prices from multiple booking websites.

It is also a good idea to check the hotel’s website before booking so you can be doubly sure about the price offered by the authentic source. These days, hotels provide price-match offers, so you get a deal with the lowest possible price if you choose to book directly.

3. Sign Up for Alerts and Newsletters

Hotel prices are subject to fluctuation in accordance with the season, holiday time, off-season, etc. If you don’t have the patience to spend time checking websites for the best hotel deals, you can subscribe to the price drop notification from these hotels and get notified whenever a good deal is available.

Hotels often run seasonal promotional offers through their newsletters, and you can get access to these deals if you subscribe to these communications, which sometimes aren’t promoted on the websites.

4. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs

Many high-end hotels offer loyalty points if you are a valued frequent traveller. It is advisable to use their loyalty programs to get great discounts on deals. You can also get room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, late check-outs, etc., and other added complimentary services if you are a valued loyalty member.

5. Look for Hidden Discounts

Many credit cards offer discounts on hotel stays and even complimentary stays if you cross a high transaction limit. These banks usually have paid partnerships with some hotels or booking platforms, which help you get discounts on your hotel booking.

Adani One, along with ICICI Bank, has launched a travel-friendly credit card. One of its joining benefits is complimentary hotel booking vouchers. Plus, any transaction on Adani One platform through Adani One Credit Card offers 7% Reward Points. Also, there are promotional offers on hotel deals on the platform, which makes your hotel booking seamless and a win-win deal.

These offers are quite lucrative and should be utilised to get great discounts on your booking.

6. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to securing the best deals in hotel bookings. Hotel booking offers a lot of flexibility. For example- you can get cheaper booking rates on weekdays as compared to weekends.

If your travel plans allow, shift your stay dates by a day or two and see how it impacts the price. Use flexible date search options on booking platforms to compare prices across different days.

7. Use Mobile Apps for Exclusive Deals

Many hotel booking platforms offer exclusive discounts when you book through their mobile apps. These app-only deals are designed to encourage travelers to use the app, and they often come with extra perks like free cancellations or last-minute discounts.

Be sure to check the app deals in addition to the website deals for any additional savings.

8. Leverage Cashback and Coupon Websites

In this digital age, getting cashback on hotel bookings is easier than ever. Websites like Rakuten, Ebates, or Honey offer cashback on hotel bookings through their platforms. All you have to do is create an account and book through their links to earn a percentage of your total spend back in cash.

Similarly, always search for coupon codes before finalizing your hotel booking. A quick search for “[Hotel name] + coupon code” can reveal hidden deals and discounts.

9. Check for Non-Refundable Rates

Many hotels offer two types of rates: refundable and non-refundable. If you're sure about your travel dates, opting for a non-refundable rate can often save you 10-20% off the total price. This is a great way to secure a steal deal if you’re 100% confident about your travel plans.

However, always weigh the risk of unforeseen circumstances that may require a change in plans. If there's any doubt, it's best to stick with the refundable rate.

10. Consider Location Wisely

While staying in the heart of a city is convenient, hotels in central locations tend to charge a premium. If you're on a tight budget, consider staying slightly outside the city centre and using public transportation to get around.

Often, you can find cheaper, quality accommodations in these less tourist-heavy neighbourhoods. You’ll save not just on hotel costs but also on overpriced meals and other tourist-centric expenses.

11. Book with Free Cancellation and Re-check Prices

Once you’ve booked a hotel with free cancellation, don’t stop checking for better deals. Hotel prices can drop after your booking, and if your reservation is cancellable, you can always rebook at a lower rate. Set a reminder to check prices every week leading up to your trip to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.

Remember, it’s all about timing, flexibility, and using the right tools. Whether you’re booking a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation, these strategies will help you book the perfect stay without overspending.