How to Find a Cheap Hotel

Vacations can be expensive--there are flights, travel insurance, rental cars, admissions fees and tour costs to pay for, and that's before you even book a place to stay. Whether you're a hopeless romantic looking for a luxury hotel weekend or an adventure traveler needing a place to crash before hitting the trail, there's no reason to pay more for a hotel. There are many resources available to budget-conscious travelers looking for cheap accommodation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Compare rates online. The easiest way to start looking for a cheap hotel is to go online to one of the major travel booking sites--Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, or Priceline.com. Each web site will compare available rates across dozens of hotels in the most popular destinations. Use an aggregator website like Kayak.com to search across multiple websites at once.

Step 2

Use special discounts. Many credit cards and rewards programs offer miles or cash back on hotel bookings. You can also get discounts through some auto insurance memberships and business associations. Join the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) to get special discounts on YHA-affiliated hotels and hostels, and don't be afraid to ask if the hotel offers a reduced rate for students, teachers or active military personnel and their families. Many destinations have local tourism bureaus which collect information on special deals--for example, Sandiego.org has coupons for local hotels as well as restaurants, tours and attractions.

Step 3

Be flexible with dates. Hotel prices fluctuate according to demand, so use your head when trying to find the best date. Popular tourist destinations will be most in demand from Friday through Sunday, so plan for a midweek visit to get the best rates. You'll also find good deals immediately after the holidays.

Step 4

Look outside the city center. If your destination is well-served by public transport or you plan to travel by car, consider staying a little out of town to get the best rates. Chances are you'll want some peace and quiet after a long day outdoors!

Step 5

Be aware of hidden charges. Before booking a cheap hotel, ask about extra fees and service charges. Will you pay more for phone service, Internet, or parking? Some four and five-star hotels charge up to $35/night to park your car. Factor in these hidden charges before deciding if that discount luxury hotel is really a good deal.

Article Written By Hailey Williams

Hailey Williams is a freelance writer and editor from Los Angeles, California. She has a particular interest in culture, lifestyle, health, and women's interest reporting, and her work has been published in magazines including TV Week and Sugar. She graduated from the University of Sydney.

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