An Easy Guide: How to Find the Best Hotel Deals

With this easy guide, you’re learn how to find the best hotel deals. It’s a must read!

With the desire to travel increasing, we know that planning a vacation can take hours of research and preparation. Travelers are always on the hunt for the best deals.

Here is the key: finding the best hotel deal requires diligent research and comparison of prices.

But have you wondered if you really save money when using Groupon or travel websites like TripAdvisor, Hotels.com, or Expedia? Do you ask yourself “How can I get the best deals when booking a hotel”?

We made it a mission to determine how to get the best hotel deal and, in this guide, we will share, step-by-step, how to find the best rates on hotels.

Evaluating the Deal

The largest vacation expenses are the accommodations (depending on how long you stay), the flights (depending on where you go), followed by food, and entertainment.

There are ways to save on food and entertainment, as well as flights, but we will only focus will be on getting cheap deals for hotels.

Many online platforms offer tools and filters to help travelers discover the best hotel deal for their budget and preferences.

To start, you’ll want to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. So the criteria should be the same for each property. In particular, the

• Duration — eg. 7 nights, with the same check-in and check-out dates
• Accommodations — eg. 1 King bedroom accommodations for 2 adults
• Location — each hotel should be in the same area, eg. the historic district of Savanna, GA
• Hotel Rating — each hotel property should have the same number of stars

The rating is important because there are several types of hotels, and you want to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. How do you find the hotel rating?

We recommend the U.S. News & World Report. They rank hotels in the USA based on an analysis of industry awards, hotel star ratings, and user ratings.

Navigate to the state of choice, then change the Hotel Class in the left navigation bar. Narrow the criteria more by filtering the amenities or brands most important to you. 

Select three hotels from the area where you want to stay. Next, use any travel discount website to establish the baseline.

Since Groupon advertises deals in things to do, food and drink, car rentals, hotels, and travel, we selected three hotels in the historic district of Savannah, then compared them to the hotel’s website and a third-party booking website like Expedia.

Next, consider each property in detail and be sure they meet your needs.

Things to Consider When Booking

Aside from the cost, several factors should be considered when selecting a hotel.

Location

Location is one of the most important features when selecting a hotel. It will determine how quickly you could access points of interest and enjoy your surrounding sites. The further you are away from highly desired areas, the more you can save. 

Amenities

There are two types of amenities you should be aware of before booking a hotel.

Property Amenities

These amenities will vary by star rating so it’s important to know the level of services to expect. The conveniences experienced at one property may not be standard at another. For example, luxury hotels in Chicago will offer various amenities that are uncommon, like premium bedding and personalized experiences like private shopping experiences.

In-Room Amenities 

These amenities increase your comfort and conveniences during your stay. Imagine not having to leave your room for a freshly brewed cup of coffee!  

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy should be clear and flexible enough for you to make adjustments should your plans change. Once you find potential lodging, keep track of property information so that you can compare with others.  

Some hotels will have a no cancellation policy, or they will allow cancellation up to a date and time for a full refund. Partial refunds may apply because you forfeit the cost of one night’s stay after cancellation. Understand this policy before you commit.

If you find a great price with a full refund cancellation policy, book it! You can always keep looking for better deals. However, it’s important to note the cancellation date (and time, including time zone). 

Fees

Additional fees may be built into the cost of a stay, but are not entirely obvious at booking. Hotels may charge additional fees for internet connectivity, resort fees, parking, pets, city taxes, etc.

These fees should be disclosed and itemized in the total cost, but some third-party websites note them in a separate paragraph.

You will usually see these separate fees in a boutique or European hotel. Guests are caught off-guard when asked to pay a bit extra at check-in or check out.

There could also be additional fees for a late check-out unless otherwise agreed.

Reviews

Guest reviews are one of the most important keys to finding a great hotel. Nothing gives more credibility to an establishment than guests who have stayed and given constructive feedback.

I have used several sources for guest reviews, including TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, and other hotel booking sites. Bad reviews don’t necessarily mean it is the right property for you.

Look for Management’s response either in the review or to the review. Was the issue addressed promptly? Was the resolution satisfactory? Are bad reviews a recurring theme? It’s ok to disregard a one-time incident. It may be an instance where a guest expected 5-star service at a 3-star hotel.

All things considered, after reviewing the Groupon website, the travel website, and the hotel’s website, WE FOUND THE BEST DEAL on the hotel’s website!

The lesson learned here is that many sites will advertise savings and discounts, but the savings may be much better when you book direct. So, take the time to compare the costs and amenities of hotels deal for deal!

More Tips for the Best Hotel Deal

1. Flexibility in travel dates and destinations can increase the chances of finding the best hotel deal.
2. Subscribing to newsletters and loyalty programs of hotel chains can provide access to exclusive offers and discounts for the best hotel deals.
3. Take advantage of flash sales and limited-time promotions for significant savings on the best hotel deals.

Ways to Save Money

• Consider a hotel with a lower star rating. Just because it’s a two-star that doesn’t mean it’s a dump. It only means that the accommodations are very basic. A bed, towels, and toiletries may be enough in some cases. You can also pack the extra things you need (for example, a hair dryer or a water cooler bag to keep drinks chilled).
• Negotiating the rate takes a bit of finesse and is best-done face-to-face. If booking by phone, speak with a front-desk supervisor or a property sales manager. Call centers that handle reservations do not have the authority to give discounts or negotiate. There are several to negotiate a better rate or upgrades.
• Another way to save money is to show a competitor’s price and then ask the hotel to meet or beat it to win your business. This works best during a non-peak season when demand is not high. If you are a loyal customer who repeatedly books with the same brand, let them know.
• Consider staying in a different area. The further you are from the main attractions, the more economical the nightly fees will be. The distance won’t matter if you took a road trip and have a car. But if you can get around without a car, that’s a saving you can apply to hotel expenses.
• Are you traveling with grandparents or other members of the family who qualify for discounts? Book the reservation in their name and take advantage of savings offered to students, senior citizens, government employees, the military, and AAA.
• Did you know that many sites share content? Expedia and Hotels.com serve amalgamated data. AAA uses hotel information from hotelsbycity.com or hotelsbycity.net (psst! you don’t have to be an AAA member to take advantage of the same savings)!

Things to Know

Here are a few more things we want to share, and we hope this information will be helpful.

• For a quieter stay, request a room away from elevators, ice machines, a staircase (noise from slamming doors), and noisy streets.
• Housekeeping services, since covid-19, have changed tremendously. Hotels are practicing enhanced cleaning measures for guest safety and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces in common areas. Some other changes include no housekeeping services during your stay unless requested. To add, housekeeping staff may not enter to perform services unless the room is empty. Check carefully for restrictions, especially when staying more than 2 or 3 days.
• To minimize contact with staff, many hotels have suspended room service. If you were looking forward to in-room dining and relaxation, check ahead of arrival to confirm what services are available. You may need to order food via a delivery service like GrubHub or UberEats.
• If you are going to arrive late (after 9:00 PM local time), call the hotel and let them know. Boutique hotels may not have staff available after a certain period or charge extra for late check-ins. Did you know that you could receive an upgrade if the room is sold to another guest?

Final Thoughts on How to Find the Best Hotel Deals

I’ll be honest, scouring the internet for the best hotel deals is almost as exciting to me as the trip itself. I consider it a victory when I’m able to plan an awesome vacation at minimal expense.

It’s a rewarding process. By taking the time to research, compare prices, and explore different options, I have been able to uncover hidden gems and incredible savings.

One thing to keep in mind is that the best hotel deal goes beyond just the price tag. It encompasses factors like location, amenities, and the overall value offered.

There were times when I scored a great hotel rate, but there was a 40-minute one-way time expense to all the activities that we planned. After day 2 or 3, walking to a train station for a 30-minute ride gets old.

Whether you’re planning a luxurious getaway or a budget-friendly adventure, investing effort into finding the best hotel deal ensures a memorable and satisfying experience.

So, don’t settle for less when it comes to your accommodation. With careful planning and a discerning eye, you can discover the perfect hotel deal that suits your needs, preferences, and budget, creating unforgettable moments on your journey.

Have any tips to share with our readers? Type them in the comments below. Then plan your next dream destination and click here to find cheap hotel prices!