When planning a vacation, hotel accommodations are typically the biggest ticket item. Whether you’re searching for an opulent grand hotel fit for royalty, a quirky boutique that feels straight out of a movie set or a beachfront resort complete with all-inclusive meal plans, a great hotel can make or break your trip. This is why it’s essential to know how to find the best hotel deals.
The travel industry is a complex and multifaceted business. Hotels, for example, provide lodging ranging from basic beds in private rooms to luxury suites with round-the-clock staff and prices that reflect the upscale experience offered. In addition to accommodation, some hotels also act as venues for conferences and events, both corporate and private. Some even provide on-site dining options.
One of the best ways to get a good deal on a hotel stay is by booking in advance. Special rates are often available for booking 21 days or more in advance, and this allows the hotel to manage their occupancy levels more effectively. Generally speaking, rooms booked in advance are cheaper than those offered at the hotel’s “rack rate”, the standard price quoted for a room on its website and in print ads.
In addition to advance bookings, hotels are generally interested in having as many guests as possible book through their own channels, such as the company’s websites and call centers. These bookings often cost less than those made through third-party online travel agencies (OTAs).
Another way to save on a hotel is by keeping tabs on pricing fluctuations and taking advantage of discounts. It’s not hard to do; just go online and sign up for alerts from various OTAs. These will notify you of any price drops on the hotels that are of interest to you.
Some hotels have specific check-in and checkout times, which are usually the earliest hour that guests can check in and the latest hour they must check out. The reason for these restrictions is that the hotel must allow enough time between check-in and checkout for housekeeping to clean and prepare a room that has been vacated.
Lastly, some hotels offer special discounted rates for bookings that are prepaid before the day of check-in. These are known as “early bird” rates and can save you a significant amount of money.
Other types of lodging include camp sites, which are primarily used for outdoor activities and can range from basic shelters to luxury accommodations with all-inclusive meal plans. Bed and breakfasts (B&B) are similar to hotels, but they tend to be converted family homes where the owners still reside in the property. Finally, hostels are a form of budget lodging that can be very social and sometimes more like an apartment than a traditional hotel. This type of lodging is typically reserved for younger travelers. Some hotels also have loyalty programs where guests earn points for each dollar spent at the hotel, and these points can be redeemed for free nights or other travel-related items.