Vacation travel is booming in the United States as pent-up demand is released. Consequently, travel may be more expensive than ever.
Besides using the best travel credit cards , there are other ways to unveil deep discounts on your hotel stays.
Here are 10 ways to get epic upgrades and freebies for your hotel stay.
Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel 1. Price compare on third-party sites
Before approaching the hotel for a reservation, make sure to do a little research. Sites like Hotel Engine, Priceline, Expedia, and Booking.com often run deep discounts on hotel stays.
These sites are one-stop shops that can help you nab added discounts on travel, excursions, necessities, and more.
Even if you do not find a deal you want to settle on in your precursory search, you can bring price-matching options with you when you contact the hotel for rates.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. Book directly with the hotel
When you book directly with a hotel via email or their location’s local number, you may be privy to better deals than others. Hotel representatives often try to upsell you on items, but they also have the power to grant you discounts and opportunities.
Plus, booking directly through the hotel where you will be staying may earn them more money from the sale than booking through a third party or website.
Feel free to ask the rep you are speaking with what types of deals may be going on, and keep your ears open for any you haven’t noticed online. You may just get out of it with a couple of nights free.
3. Join the hotel loyalty program
Most hotel chains have loyalty or rewards programs that you can plug into for deep discounts, especially as you accrue points.
These programs are so popular and encourage so many return customers that boutique hotels and smaller chains have started implementing their own loyalty opportunities.
If you're consistently staying at specific hotel chains and utilizing their rewards programs, then you could qualify for free stays and upgrades.
Hotel giants like Wyndham, Marriott, World of Hyatt, and more offer member-only experiences at destinations around the world, including extended sauna and gym hours, free food, and much more.
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4. Add a browser extension
Nowadays, you can sift through coupons and offers automatically with a browser extension. This is an app downloaded directly to your browser, like Hive, Rakuten, and The Guestbook.
These extensions scan through available deals, and often offer up to 10% cash back. Choose the extension that has partnerships with brands that you frequent, as you have real potential to earn cash-back checks.
5. Cozy up to the staff
It should come as no surprise that we encourage respect for every member of the hotel staff and fellow guests. It should also be obvious that the nicer you are to people, the more they may be willing to engage with you and help you out in a bind.
If you are friendly, you may be able to ask the bellhop about upgrade opportunities or get a deal of a meal out of room service. Front desk staff will be more likely to answer your questions and let you know what discounts may be available to you as well.
Avoid being creepy, and never go into a situation expecting freebies. If you have a specific request, feel free to ask. Sometimes it just takes clear, kind communication.
6. Host a special event at the hotel
All-inclusive resorts and hotel chains around the world will offer special discounts — and even free stays — to people who bring a block of customers to the location.
For example, resorts like Beach Palace Cancun or Hyatt Ziva Cancun will host a free wedding and throw in several free nights for the couple if they bring in about 30 guests for a minimum stay at the property.
A hotel wants to keep customers who bring groups coming back. You are likely to be a repeat customer for anniversaries and other events. You helped them book rooms that would otherwise be empty.
Speak with your hotel rep about what they can offer you if you plan on hosting your next big event there.
Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40 7. Let the hotel know you’re celebrating
Even if it isn’t necessarily true, a great way to get an upgrade or even free items is to let the hotel clerk or bellhop know you are celebrating.
It might not be your wedding, anniversary, honeymoon, family reunion, bachelorette party, or otherwise, but staying at a hotel is absolutely a cause for celebration.
If you want to see what the hotel can offer, communicate that you are celebrating an event. They will want the stay to be extra memorable for you.
8. Send a personalized note
Consider sending a personalized email to the representative whom you booked with. If you do not have any personal contact information, reach out to the location via their publicly displayed email address or submission form.
Send any details about your trip that you are excited about or a line of gratitude for helping you get the best price. This may warrant them flagging your account with details, offers, or other small touches for your stay.
Pro tip: Follow up with another email a day or two before your arrival to confirm your reservation. This will keep you and your enthusiasm top of mind for freebies and fun.
9. Reserve during a slower time
If your travel isn’t being scheduled around an event or specific timeframe, try reserving your hotel during a slower time. Peak season and weekends are more difficult to find rooms, with travel, weddings, getaways, conventions, holidays, and more.
Vacancies are highest in the middle of the week and during off-seasons, when the hotel may be more willing to offer a discount. Rooms are also more likely to be listed online at better prices during this time.
Bottom line
There are so many great ways to take advantage of better prices when you are traveling. Being kind and inquisitive is key.
If all else fails, child, student, and senior travel discounts are usually options to explore. Remember, if you don’t ask, you won’t get anything. So put on your best manners and ask for a little extra.
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