In a world where luxury often comes with a hefty price tag, the idea of booking a top-tier hotel experience without emptying your wallet might sound impossible! But, let me tell you – indulging in a lavish hotel stay without breaking the bank is a doable thing. With the right strategies and a bit of savvy, scoring a deal on a luxury hotel is more achievable than you might think. In this guide, I am sharing some tips on how to book a luxury hotel for cheap that you can implement right now!
These tips on how to book a luxury hotel for cheap are not just empty talk! They come from a passionate traveler and a person who is an employee of a five-star hotel chain! Although I will not discover which one, I feel confident enough to share a deep insight into how the hotel world works.
Timing is everything
Timing your hotel bookings right can help you snag a luxury hotel at a fraction of the price. Off-peak seasons such as weekdays or shoulder seasons are the best times to look out for discounted rates as hotels try to fill their rooms. It is best to avoid booking hotels on weekends and holidays as they get booked out by foreign travelers and locals, which leads to higher prices.
Before traveling to a destination, check for any events, such as movie festivals, marathons, or other sports events. These events draw people from all over the world, and hotels in the city will be occupied. As a result, hotels will try to generate more revenue by increasing their room prices during these events.
Use Price Comparison Websites
A great tip on how to book a luxury hotel for cheap is to utilize price comparison websites and online travel agencies to compare rates across multiple platforms. Websites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com often offer exclusive deals and discounts that can significantly lower the cost of your stay.
Did you know that you can save up to 30 percent on luxury hotel rooms by using these websites? What’s the catch, you ask? Simply, online travel agencies and hotels have a mutual deal and hotels pay commissions to them, just because they know that many people usually choose to book a luxury hotel room instead of directly with them. That being said, it does not mean automatically that the price will be always cheaper on these websites. Sometimes, hotels offer better deals so my genuine advice is to compare the prices on both websites before booking.
Use different websites to book a luxury hotel on a budget
Did you know that many websites out there offer vouchers for hotel stays at much lower prices than popular websites like Booking.com or Hotels.com? For instance, if you’re planning to travel to Germany, Secret Escapes is a website that provides package deals for travel and luxury accommodation, even in remote locations, and frequently offers last-minute deals.
Groupon is a website that provides affordable products and services, including retail, beauty, and cheap hotel deals. To find these hidden treasures, type “luxury hotel deals,” “discounted luxury accommodations,” or “budget-friendly luxury stays” when searching for luxury hotels online. This can help you discover lesser-known properties that offer luxurious experiences at a fraction of the cost.
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs
Are you one of those who think that rewards programs are simply a trick to get you into more buying? While that is true with some businesses, hotel reward programs can be quite beneficial.
Many luxury hotel chains offer loyalty programs that provide members with exclusive benefits, including discounted rates, room upgrades, and complimentary amenities. Sign up for these programs to take advantage of member-only deals and earn points that can be redeemed for future stays. Big hotel chains such as Marriott Bonvoy and IHG hotels give an offer to buy points. These points can be used to book a luxury hotel room cheaper instead of with cash. There is a huge chance that you will save some bucks this way!
Book Directly with the Hotel
In some cases, booking directly with the hotel can result in lower rates and additional perks. Many hotels offer price-match guarantees, so if you find a lower rate elsewhere, they’ll match it. Sometimes they will even throw in a bonus, such as complimentary breakfast or spa credits.
If you like some hotel, call their reservations department and ask if they have some deal going on right now. If you are coming because of some special occasion such as a honeymoon, or birthday, do not forget to mention that with the person you talking to. Even if that does not affect price, that person will most likely note that down and you might get some surprise from the hotel side.
Be Prepared to Negotiate
One of the best tips on how to book a luxury hotel for cheap is to negotiate with the hotel directly. Hotels are businesses where nothing is “written in the stone”, prices especially. If you’re booking last minute or during a slow period, no hotel employee (largely those who are in charge of the hotel’s revenue) will turn you down. Hotels would rather fill their rooms at a discounted rate than leave them empty, so there’s often room for negotiation, particularly if you’re a repeat guest or booking multiple nights.
Save on hotel amenities
You found a luxury hotel that you would like to stay at and you are reading all possible guides and videos on the subject of how to book a luxury hotel on a budget, yet the price of the room is still too high?
Sometimes, hotels may increase their prices when occupancy is high, even for loyal guests. In this situation, consider saving money on other hotel amenities. You can ask the reception if they offer a discount on breakfast or spa treatments, or you can even ask for complimentary items. If it’s an unreasonable request, you will get a straight “no”. However, if your request is doable, the staff may try to accommodate it.
“Play dirty”
Most of the hotels especially luxury ones are largely dependent on guest reviews. It’s what you first read when deciding which hotel to book, right? Would you consider booking a hotel, even if the rating is poor? Probably, not but even if you do, your expectations and impressions of the hotel will be very low. Probably you will never book there again.
If hotels get a guest who is unhappy with his stay they will try to compensate simply because they are afraid that you might leave a bad review about them. A bad review means less revenue for them. Becoming an “unhappy” guest can be a way to get some free stuff in a hotel. Not saying that you should lie or turn into a difficult guest who always complains, but a little bit of “dirty play” can be beneficial. For you, of course.
Use the power of Social Media
Follow luxury hotel brands on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to stay informed about special promotions, contests, and exclusive offers. Some hotels even offer discounts or free upgrades to followers who engage with their content. Keep your finger on the pulse of flash sales and last-minute deals offered by luxury hotel chains. These limited-time offers can provide significant savings on room rates, but you’ll need to act fast as they often sell out quickly.
Subscribe to the hotel newsletters or follow them on social media as it is where they will share the newest promotions.
Consider Alternative Accommodation Options
While luxury hotels are synonymous with opulence, don’t overlook alternative accommodation options such as boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, or vacation rentals. They often offer comparable amenities and personalized service at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you might be pleasantly surprised by the unique charm and character of these alternative accommodations.
Another tip for saving money is to stay open-minded about your location. By exploring neighborhoods just outside the city center or less touristy areas, you can find great deals on five-star hotels that still provide top-notch service. For example, booking a hotel close to the airport can be a smart move, as you’ll likely enjoy the same great experience at a lower cost. Not only will these tips help you save money on accommodations, but they’ll also allow you to discover a different side of your destination. So, don’t hesitate to try something new and exciting on your next trip!
Booking a luxury hotel on a budget may require some extra effort and research, but the rewards are well worth it. By utilizing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can enjoy all the amenities and indulgences of a high-end hotel stay without breaking the bank. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, there’s no reason to settle for anything less than a proper luxurious gateway!
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