Hotel Hacks We All Wish We Knew
7 Hotel Hacks We Wish We All Knew
When I first started researching hotel hacks, I thought it would take me a couple of hours—read a few articles, jot down some notes, and boom, done. Two weeks later, I was still obsessing over forums, travel blogs, and Reddit threads, trying to uncover the best hotel tips out there. But in the end, it was worth it because these hacks? They’re game changers.
There are some good ones out there – especially the ones that involve credit card rewards. But not everyone has access to credit card rewards. I want this to be accessible to anyone. Being flexible with your dates can help save money too, but sometimes your dates can’t flex.
So here’s why they made my final list: they save the most money, or they build rewards over time (so every trip gets a little easier), and they’re ridiculously easy to work into your travel plans. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first solo adventure, these tips will upgrade your hotel experience without breaking a sweat.
The Hotel Hacks you Need to Know!
Book Directly with the Hotel
Hotels prefer direct bookings because they avoid paying third-party commission fees. That’s why many offer perks for booking through their website, such as free breakfast, better room choices, or even a welcome drink. They often will also have special packages for romantic weekend getaways or other special events that won’t be listed on third-party sites. All you need to do when researching is check the hotel’s website for direct booking offers or exclusive rates. If you’re really brave you can call the hotel and mention the price you found on third-party sites—they might match it and add perks like free Wi-Fi or an upgrade.
Use Price Tracking Tools
Apps like Hopper, Google Hotels, or even Booking.com allow you to monitor room rates and get alerts when prices drop. It’s like having a little travel genie working 24/7 to save you money.
I personally love booking hotel for a host of reasons, and its usually where I start my search. With booking.com I can compare hundreds of hotels based on location, price range, and they even offer a price match (which is next on this list!)
With any of these apps, search for your desired hotel in the app and activate price alerts. But! Be patient. Price dips often happen closer to your travel date, especially for non-peak seasons. With booking.com, you can often find hotels that allow you to book now, and pay later so if a better deal comes along (and I got a doozy of a better deal to share in a sec!) you can cancel risk free, and book the better option.
HOTEL HACKS: Leverage Price Match Guarantees
Found a better deal elsewhere? Many hotels will match it and sometimes throw in extras. Major chains like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG offer price guarantees to keep your loyalty. Each website will have their own way of submitting a claim but basically you’ll want to screenshot the lower rate and ensure it’s for the same room type and date. And then you’ll submit the claim via the hotel’s website or call their customer service line.
Bundle Flights and Hotels
Combining flights and hotels into one booking can unlock package discounts that are often lower than booking separately. This hack is especially useful for long-haul trips. Search for packages on platforms like Expedia, Travelocity, or your airline’s vacation package site. Compare the total cost of a bundle versus separate bookings to confirm you’re getting a deal. If you plan on staying in multiple places during your trip, Expedia will let you book a hotel for a portion of your trip, then you can add other accommodations after you book your package.
I often can find incredible deals where the hotel is essentially free if booked together! This does, of course, depend on the quality of the hotel and the length of your stay. The plane ticket is always the lowest price available, and sometimes doesn’t isn’t the best option for your trip – so make sure you consider all parts of your bundle before purchasing.
Ask for an Upgrade Politely
Sometimes all you need to upgrade your stay is a friendly smile and a simple request. Hotel staff often have the discretion to offer upgrades, especially during off-peak times. All you need to do is be brave while you’re checking in and ask, “Are there any complimentary upgrades available today?”
If you’re celebrating something special—like a birthday or anniversary—mention it! Hotels love making your stay memorable. Worse case scenario the front desk attendant will likely offer you a congratulations and doesn’t that always feel good?
HOTEL HACKS: Book Refundable Rates and Rebook if Prices Drop
This is slightly different from Booking.com’s prepayment not needed option, and I’ve used this before with great success. Opting for refundable rates gives you the flexibility to cancel and rebook if prices go down. It’s a no-risk way to ensure you’re always getting the best deal. I was sure I was going to stay in the hotel I originally booked for my trip to Seoul and paid up front for it. But I decided a few weeks later I wanted to extend my trip a few days, and the hotel couldn’t accommodate my new dates, so I had to cancel. Total bummer, right? I ended up booking at a different hotel – for 4 extra days, and saved over $1200 in the process.
Refundable rates tend to be a bit higher than non-refundable rates, so take that into consideration, and use price tracking tools like hopper or google hotels occasionally. If you find that lower rate, make sure you cancel then rebook the room.
Check for Free Airport Shuttles
This is one of my favorite ways to save a little extra money. Many hotels near airports or in popular tourist areas offer complimentary shuttle services. It’s a great way to save on transportation costs, especially in cities where taxis or rideshares are expensive. Sites like booking.com give you an option to filter hotels that have free airport shuttles. If you’re booking directly through the hotel’s website or app, look to see if they list it as one of their amenities.
Make sure you reach out to the hotel after booking to figure out how the airport shuttle works. You may need to reserve it ahead of time, and it might stop running after a certain hour. Definitely make sure you reach out again when you’re ready to leave so you catch the shuttle on time!
Relax during your next trip no matter where you choose to stay
So there you have it—seven simple but powerful hotel hacks that can save you money, earn you perks, and make your travel experiences smoother. Ready to give them a try? I got some deals for you for making it all the way to the end!
Whether you’re tracking prices with Hopper (sign up here for x off your first x), snagging last-minute deals on Booking.com, or planning excursions with Klook or Viator, these tools make travel hacking even easier. Click the links below, grab your favorite, and let’s get you on the road to smarter solo adventures!