How to Find Discount Hotels

How to Find Discount Hotels
Finding discounts on hotel prices is not hard if you are willing to put in some time and effort doing research. For the average, less-active traveler, a discount chain such as Motel 6 or Comfort Inn may prove satisfactory. For the active traveler, preparation is a must in order to find a hotel with the accommodations that fit an active lifestyle at the lowest price.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Finding Discount Hotels

Step 1
Start your research as soon as you determine that you will need a hotel. The earlier you begin your search, the lower the hotel rates should be.
Step 2
Utilize a discount hotel website such as Hotwire, Orbitz, or Expedia. These websites should be able to find rates that are less expensive than booking a room directly through the hotels.
Step 3
Determine the accommodations you desire. Active individuals should expect to pay a little more if they want a hotel near popular destinations such as hiking routes or ski slopes. On the other hand, proper research can uncover a discount hotel chain that is close enough to the amenities you want to utilize.
Step 4
Check for membership discounts. For example, AAA members can find discounts at hotels all over the country. If you are a AAA member or a member of another group that offers discounts, check the website you are using to book your room or call the hotel directly and inquire.

Tips & Warnings

 
Of all the steps, starting your search early is the most important tip to remember.
 
Of all the steps, starting your search early is the most important tip to remember.
 
This article does not guarantee that you will find discount hotel rates. But following these steps should help increase the probability of finding the cheapest hotel prices available for your trip.
 
This article does not guarantee that you will find discount hotel rates. But following these steps should help increase the probability of finding the cheapest hotel prices available for your trip.

Article Written By David Montoya

David Montoya graduated from University of California, Los Angeles School of Law and holds a Master of Arts in American Indian studies. His writings, covering a range of topics including law and travels, have appeared on various websites. Montoya passed the February 2011 California State Bar Examination.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword