How to Save Money on Hotels for Your Next Road Trip
Are you planning a road trip and want to save money on hotels? Accommodations are one of the most biggest parts of a road trip budget, and while hotels can one of the easiest ways to stay on the road, they’re also one of the most expensive. This post is part of my Accommodations on the Road series and will help you save money on hotels to cut that budget down while you’re traveling!
Trying to save money on your road trip? Check out my post on how to save money on fuel:
Why Hotels?
There are several reasons you might want to stay in a hotel or a motel on your road trip:
- Flexibility – depending on where you’re going and the season, hotels are often a great option for people who don’t want to commit to a specific place to sleep on their trip. As opposed to other accommodation options like rentals by owners or hostels, hotels are often found all along the road and often have availability. All you have to do is pull over and talk to the front desk staff, and you have someplace to sleep!
- Travel Points – if you have a credit card that offers travel points, staying in a hotel may actually be free! What’s not to love about that?
- Safety – depending on your other options, hotels might be the safest option for you while traveling (especially if you’re on a solo road trip).
How to Save Money on Hotels
So let’s get right into it, shall we? Here are the top eleven ways to save money on hotels:
1. Travel in the off-season
If you’re flexible about when you’re able to go on your trip, consider traveling during the off-season. (This will vary depending on where you’re going… for example, winter may be ski season in the mountains but the off-season in nearby cities.) Some hotels may cut their prices up to 50% during non-peak travel seasons.
If you do travel during off-season, consider calling the hotel to ask if there is any construction planned for while you’re there. If you’re only staying the night on a cross-country trip, this may be fine, but construction can definitely impact your experience if you’re planning to stay more than one night.
2. Stay mid-week
If you can’t change the time of year you’re traveling, you may want to try to stay in hotels during the week and not Thursday through Sunday as these nights are typically higher-priced. (The exception to this rule, I’ve found, is in areas that cater mainly to corporate travelers, in which case the weekends are actually cheaper.) Point being: do your research and consider other days of travel when you can.
3. Consider hotel auction sites
I’ve had mixed results with hotel auction sites like Priceline or Hotwire in the past because I didn’t have any control over the location of the hotel for which I was paying. However, if you’re just looking for a place to crash on a road trip, it might be that you’re flexible on where exactly where you’re staying. In this case, consider hotel auction sites and compare the prices to other accommodation options you’re seeing.
4. Search online for promo codes
Depending on where you would like to stay and how you’re booking, you may be able to search online for promo codes to save money on your booking. (For example, RetailMeNot.com is currently offering codees for 40% off bookings through Hotels.com. This might be a great way to save money on your hotel!
5. Sign up for a loyalty program
Many hotels offer loyalty programs which may include free nights or members-only privileges. While this could limit your hotel options while on the road, you could also end up saving money on your trip.
6. Ask for cheaper rates
Consider simply calling and asking for the cheapest nonrefundable rate. Sometimes the person on the other end of the line will be able to offer you deals not found online, and you could end up saving money along the way! Remember, if you don’t ask, the answer is already “No.”
7. Check for a “best price” guarantee
Some hotels and hotel auction sites offer “best price guarantee.” Expedia, for example, will not only meet a better price if you find one, but will give you a $50 travel coupon! Definitely a great idea if you’ve already booked your room and find a cheaper price somewhere else!
8. Employer perks
This is something I wouldn’t have thought to do in the past, but it’s such a great idea! Depending on where you work, check with your employer to see if they offer any discounts on travel accommodations such as hotels.
9. Club memberships
If you’re a member of clubs such as AAA or AARP, check to see if there are hotel discounts for you while you’re on the road! You may also belong to another club that offers similar benefits.
10. Consider staying further away from popular destinations.
Depending on your schedule, you might be better off staying an hour or more away from your destination and saving money on your room. Widen the geographic areas you’re hotel shopping in and see if it lowers your expected room rate for the night. 🙂
11. Consider other options
If you do all of the above and the hotel you’re looking at is still eating up too much of your budget, consider other options! There’s nothing saying you have to stay in a hotel–check out local rentals by owners, hostels, or even camping sites if you feel like getting outdoors. You could also deck out your car and sleep in your car. The world is your oyster. 🙂
