The Best Websites for Finding Cheap Accommodations
One of the fastest ways to blow your travel budget? Overpaying for a place to sleep. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a months-long adventure, the cost of accommodations adds up fast. The good news: you don’t have to shell out a fortune to find a clean, safe, and even charming place to stay. You just need to know where to look.
Over the years, I’ve tested all kinds of booking platforms—some great, some terrible, and some that were only worth it for very specific situations. Below is a breakdown of the best websites I’ve found for finding cheap accommodations that don’t feel like you’re compromising comfort for cost.
1. Booking.com
If I had to pick just one site to check first, this would be it. Booking.com consistently offers a huge range of options—from hostels to boutique hotels to guesthouses—and often includes perks like free cancellation or breakfast.
Why it’s great:
Huge inventory, especially in Europe and Asia
Excellent filters (search by budget, rating, amenities, etc.)
Genius loyalty program gives you discounts after a few bookings
Pro tip: Always compare the mobile app and desktop versions. Prices can sometimes vary slightly between the two.
2. Hostelworld
Even if you’re not into sharing a dorm room with 10 strangers, Hostelworld is still worth checking. Many hostels offer private rooms, often at a fraction of hotel prices.
Why it’s great:
Focuses on budget travelers
Tons of reviews and accurate info
Great for solo travelers looking to meet others
Pro tip: If you find a place you like, check if it’s cheaper to book directly with the hostel—it sometimes is.
3. Agoda
Agoda flies a bit under the radar in some regions, but if you’re traveling in Asia (or looking for cheap accommodation Oahu or other island destinations), it’s worth a look. Prices are often surprisingly low, and the site frequently runs flash deals.
Why it’s great:
Often cheaper in Asia and island destinations
Offers last-minute and “hidden” deals
Clean interface and good mobile app
Watch out: Prices can jump during checkout if you’re not paying attention to taxes and fees.
4. Airbnb
Airbnb can be a great alternative to hotels—especially if you’re staying longer, need a kitchen, or just prefer having your own space.
Why it’s great:
Good for long stays and unique properties
Often cheaper for groups or families
Some listings offer weekly/monthly discounts
Pro tip: Always filter by total price to avoid being surprised by cleaning and service fees. And read the reviews—especially about the host’s communication and check-in process.
5. Google Hotels
Not a booking platform in itself, but more of a meta-search engine. Google Hotels aggregates listings from various platforms so you can compare prices in one place.
Why it’s great:
Excellent overview of options in one search
Often includes price tracking/history
Lets you see which site is offering the best deal
Pro tip: After finding the best price, check the hotel’s own website—sometimes they’ll match or beat the rate if you book direct.
6. Hotwire & Priceline (Express Deals / Opaque Bookings)
These two are ideal for flexible travelers. You won’t know the exact hotel until after you book, but you’ll know the area, star rating, and basic amenities.
Why it’s great:
Deep discounts, especially last-minute
Great for major cities and short stays
Hotels are often higher quality than expected
Pro tip: Look up “Hotwire Hotel Revealer” tools or forums if you want to guess the hotel before committing.
7. TrustedHousesitters & Housecarers
Want to stay somewhere for free? House-sitting sites connect you with people who need someone to care for their home (and usually their pets) while they’re away.
Why it’s great:
Free accommodation, sometimes in stunning homes
Ideal for digital nomads or slow travelers
Often includes perks like use of a car or home office
Pro tip: You’ll need a membership and good references to get started. Not ideal for short trips, but unbeatable for longer stays.
8. Couchsurfing
If you’re comfortable with the idea, Couchsurfing is a truly budget-friendly way to travel. Hosts open their homes (and sometimes their couches) for free, with the expectation of cultural exchange, not cash.
Why it’s great:
Completely free
Great way to meet locals and get insider tips
Often leads to meaningful conversations or new friendships
Pro tip: Use your intuition and read reviews carefully. It’s not for everyone—but for the right traveler, it’s a gem.
9. Hopper
Primarily known for flights, Hopper also lets you book hotels and predicts when prices will rise or fall—kind of like a crystal ball for your travel budget.
Why it’s great:
Mobile-only but very easy to use
Price prediction feature is surprisingly accurate
Good for flexible travelers who can wait for the right price
Pro tip: Turn on notifications for price drops. And don’t sleep on their hotel flash deals.
10. Hotellook
Hotellook is a hotel comparison site that pulls listings from over 80 booking platforms (like Booking.com, Agoda, and Hotels.com) so you can see the best available rate in one place. It’s clean, fast, and great for comparing without opening 10 tabs.
Why it’s great:
Compares across multiple booking sites in one search
Great filters and intuitive interface
Especially useful when prices vary a lot between platforms
Pro tip: Once you find the best price, you can click through to book directly—and yes, you can still earn loyalty points depending on the provider you book through.
Looking for Cheap Accommodation in Oahu?
Oahu might be paradise, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you’re searching for cheap accommodation in Oahu, Booking.com and Agoda usually offer solid deals on budget hotels and guesthouses across the island. For something more unique (or longer stays), Airbnb has shared rooms or entire studio apartments that won’t drain your savings. And occasionally, you’ll find Oahu listings on TrustedHousesitters, especially around Honolulu—perfect if you’re open to pet-sitting your way through paradise.
Bonus Tips to Save Even More
Book non-refundable rates only if your plans are solid—they’re usually cheaper.
Join loyalty programs (like Booking.com’s Genius or Agoda’s Rewards).
Clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode to avoid dynamic pricing.
Consider staying just outside major tourist zones—you’ll often find better deals and a more local vibe.