Traveling and hotels are one of the largest expenses associated with taking a vacation. So it’s no wonder that many people are rethinking their travel plans in the wake of rising costs. But what many don’t realize is that there are quite a few strategies for saving money on hotels.
Some of the best are to book directly with the hotel – and in some cases, they’ll match a deal offered by an online travel agency. Plus, you can earn loyalty points and status when you book direct. Another trick is to book a hotel outside of the tourist area – and walk or take public transit to what you want to see. It can be half the price and often much quieter and more comfortable.
Another way to save is by booking a hotel designed for business travelers. These typically offer longer stays, larger rooms, a kitchenette, strong Wi-Fi and a well-designed workspace. They may also have discounted rates on holidays and weekends and sometimes lower ones if you’re an AARP or AAA member.
To help you find the perfect place to stay, Travel + Leisure surveys thousands of readers each year to identify their favorite hotels, resorts, islands, cities, cruise ships, spas and airlines. Our 2024 World’s Best Awards are based on the results of this survey. This year, more than 186,000 T+L readers weighed in on their experiences.