Anyone who has planned a trip or multi-week stay knows that booking a room can leave a big dent in the budget. Fortunately, there are several ways to lower what you pay before booking and after you check in.
This guide will provide some helpful pointers on how to save money on hotels so you can secure the lodging you need without breaking the bank.
Key takeaways
- Booking directly and timing your reservation carefully can help lower hotel costs.
- Longer stays, rewards programs, promotions and special rates can all reduce your nightly rate.
- Staying slightly outside the center of a destination may give you a better rate without putting you too far from the action.
- Credit card points and hotel amenities can help reduce what you spend during your stay.
1. Book direct
If you're wondering how to save money on hotel rooms, one of the simplest strategies is to go directly to the source and book with the hotel. Third parties may charge additional fees and may not allow you to take advantage of the hotel’s rewards program.
Lesser-known, third-party booking sites can be even worse, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that some even charge a $250 tax recovery fee.
When you cut out the middleman and book direct on esa.com, you save money while getting access to our Best Rate Guarantee. Booking direct may also give you more flexibility to change or cancel a reservation, depending on the hotel.
2. STAY longer. Save more.®
Do hotels give discounts for extended stays? In some cases, yes.
For example, Extended Stay America's STAY longer. Save more.® discount helps lower your nightly rate the longer you stay.
With that in mind, consider extending your stay to take advantage of this type of discount. When you search for a stay of 7+ nights, the discounted weekly hotel room rate is automatically applied. The same goes for the monthly hotel room rate on reservations of 30+ nights, which saves up to 45%* at any of our 650+ locations.
3. Join a hotel rewards program
Another simple hotel hack to save money is signing up for a hotel rewards program, many of which are free to join.
Extended Stay America's rewards program, Extended Perks, offers members an Exclusive Member Rate on every future booking, discounts at thousands of national and local brands, streamlined check in and more.
Plus, you get a one-time registration discount to use on your next reservation, just by becoming an Extended Perks member. You’ll also get free early check in and late check out** on stays of 7+ nights, as well as faster booking options.
Combine this tip with other ways to save money on long trips to make your next vacation or business trip as inexpensive as possible.
4. Sign up for marketing emails
Consider signing up to receive marketing emails from travel companies so you get notified every time there is a promotion. This will ensure you don’t miss a seasonal sale or limited-time discount. Emails will often include a discount code you can apply to your next reservation.
Note: Beware of phishing emails and other scams. Be cautious when opening emails from addresses you don’t recognize and refrain from opening attachments from untrusted sources.
5. Check if you’re eligible for discounts
You may qualify for discounts you didn’t even know existed. It’s always a good idea to check. For example, veterans are often eligible for a military discount on hotel rooms and travel.
Extended Stay America offers special discounts for:
- Veterans, United States federal government employees and military members
- Seniors (55+)
- AAA members
- Guests who reserve well in advance
If you aren’t sure what discounts are available or whether you qualify, call your desired hotel to inquire.
6. Follow the company on social media
Companies share promotions and specials on social media the same way they do through email. These deals typically aren't just for followers, but following ensures you won’t miss a promotional post.
Many companies, including Extended Stay America, also run social media contests and sweepstakes with prizes like gift cards and travel vouchers.
7. Time your booking
Timing can play a big part in getting a better price on your next hotel stay. Not just when you choose to take your trip, but also how far in advance you make your reservation.
So, does booking a hotel early save money? The truth is it depends on several factors.
For travelers with fixed dates, especially around holidays, conventions or peak tourist season, booking further ahead can help lock in a lower rate before demand rises. Some hotels, including Extended Stay America, also offer advance purchase discounts. However, booking too far ahead isn’t always the cheapest strategy. Some hotels may keep rates higher when there’s little pressure to fill rooms.
According to a Kayak study, the cheapest time to book a hotel room is three weeks before your desired date. However, there are no guarantees prices will drop, and waiting can backfire if rooms sell out. If you’re flying, booking your flight at the last minute could also increase your overall travel costs.
8. Be strategic about location
Sometimes booking a room a mile or two away from your target destination can make a big difference in price. Hotels outside the city center in the suburbs or off a highway exit are often significantly cheaper than a comparable property close to an airport or convention center.
That said, there’s a bit of a trade-off with this strategy. If you’re using a rideshare service and have to travel long distances, you may end up spending more than if you booked a hotel closer to the action. However, you can save a good amount of money if you take advantage of the city’s public transportation system. Just do a little research and factor in transportation costs when comparing prices.
9. Use your travel rewards points
If you have a credit card with a travel rewards program, you may have already accrued some points you can use to save money on your next booking. You may be able to redeem those points through a travel portal such as American Express Travel or Chase Travel.
10. Saving money once you're there
Whether you’re on a business trip, family excursion or budget-friendly couple’s vacation, saving money involves more than finding discounted hotel prices.
There are other hotel hacks to save money you can use once you’ve arrived, including:
- Taking advantage of free amenities: Complimentary breakfast and wi-fi can reduce daily expenses.
- Cutting transportation and travel costs: Traveling during less busy seasons, packing light and using public transportation can help you avoid additional travel expenses.
- Cooking some of your own meals: Extended stay hotels with in-room kitchens give you the option of preparing food instead of eating out for every meal.
Book and save on an extended stay hotel today
Learning how to save money on hotels is not just applying one trick, but a combination of habits that can be broken down into three categories:
- Booking smart. Choose a strategic time to book direct with a hotel instead of using a third-party middleman.
- Searching for hotel discounts wherever you can get them. This includes taking advantage of weekly or monthly rates, rewards programs, credit card points and promotions.
- Making small but impactful choices once you’ve arrived. For example, you might eat the complimentary breakfast, cook your own meals and opt for public transit.
Extended Stay America is built around making longer stays more affordable. Competitive rates for extended visits, a robust rewards program and discounts for military members and seniors all help bring costs down.
There's even more value built into the included amenities, like free wi-fi, free breakfast at participating locations and on-site guest laundry. These extras help you save more, no matter how long you plan to stay.
Save today and book your upcoming hotel stay without jeopardizing your budget.
*Terms and conditions apply
**Based on availability
