How to Book the Best Hotels at the Lowest Prices
Booking a hotel can feel like a gamble—one minute you think you’ve scored a great deal, and the next, you realize there’s a hidden $40 resort fee, the room is half the size you expected, and the “city view” is actually just a brick wall. But with the right tricks, you can find great places to stay at even better prices—without getting stuck in a windowless box.
I’ve booked everything from boutique hotels to old-school chambres d’hôtes in France, cozy guesthouses in Italy, and even the occasional last-minute hostel when plans fell through. No matter where you’re staying, the key is knowing when and how to book to get the best deal.
Compare Prices Across Multiple Sites
There’s no single site that always has the cheapest rates. Google Hotels, Kayak, and Trivago are great for comparing prices, but always check the hotel’s direct website. Many offer price matching or perks like free breakfast when you book directly.
For budget stays, Agoda is often better in Asia, while European hotels sometimes list cheaper rates on regional booking sites. If you’re booking a longer stay, Vrbo or Plum Guide might have better options than hotels.
Timing Matters More Than You Think
Booking at the right time can make or break your deal. Here’s what works:
Last-minute stays: Hotels drop prices when they have empty rooms, so if you’re flexible, booking within a week can save money.
Popular destinations: Book at least three months in advance to lock in lower prices before rates spike.
Luxury hotels & resorts: Best booked during shoulder seasons—just before or after peak times—to get lower rates and fewer crowds.
Weekdays are often cheaper than weekends, and avoiding major events or holidays will almost always save you money.
Use a VPN to Unlock Local Deals
Hotels and booking sites often show different prices based on where you’re booking from. To get the best rates:
Use a VPN (like TunnelBear or NordVPN) to switch your location and check for lower prices.
Try booking through country-specific hotel websites—Agoda for Asia, HRS for Germany, or even the local version of Booking.com.
Clear your cookies or search in incognito mode to prevent price hikes based on repeated searches.
This trick doesn’t always work, but when it does, the savings can be huge.
Get the Most Out of Rewards Programs
Hotel loyalty programs can save you a lot, even if you don’t travel often. Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt all offer free nights, late checkout, and perks like free breakfast.
Some travel credit cards let you earn points that transfer to hotel programs, making it even easier to score free stays. If you don’t stay in hotels enough to rack up points, use cash-back sites like Rakuten for extra savings on bookings.
Consider Alternative Stays
Hotels aren’t your only option. Depending on where you’re going, consider:
Chambres d’hôtes in France: These family-run B&Bs are often cheaper than hotels and offer a more authentic experience.
Ryokans in Japan: Traditional inns where you can sleep on tatami mats and enjoy a local breakfast.
Guesthouses & boutique hotels: Often more personal and unique than big chains, sometimes with lower rates.
Apartments & vacation rentals: Perfect for longer stays, and often cheaper if you need a kitchen or extra space.
Call the Hotel Directly
This is an old-school trick, but it still works. Many hotels will match or beat online prices if you book directly. Plus, you can sometimes negotiate perks like free parking, breakfast, or an upgraded room just by asking.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees
Some hotels advertise low rates, only to hit you with extra charges. Always check for:
Resort fees (sometimes mandatory, even if you don’t use the amenities)
Parking fees (especially in city hotels)
Wi-Fi charges (yes, some hotels still do this)
City taxes (these vary by destination and might not be included in the upfront price)
Before booking, read the fine print and make sure the deal is actually a deal.
Look for Package Deals
If you’re also booking flights or a rental car, bundling them with your hotel can sometimes be cheaper. Expedia, Priceline, and other travel sites offer package deals that might save you money compared to booking separately.
This works best for resorts, all-inclusive hotels, and destinations with high hotel prices.
Use Cash-Back & Discount Programs
Stacking discounts is the best way to maximize savings. Here’s how:
Use a travel rewards credit card that earns points or gives hotel perks.
Book through cash-back sites like Rakuten to get money back on your stay.
Check Groupon or Travelzoo for exclusive hotel discounts.
Even small savings add up over multiple trips.
With the right strategies, you can score great hotel deals without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or just looking for the best value, these tips will help you find the perfect place to stay—at the best possible price.