Planning an overseas trip? You may discover that finding cheap hotel deals could be a challenging and frustrating process. Planning for your business or leisure trip ought to be hassle-free and enjoyable with more time allocated to planning the activities for the trip instead. However, the over-abundance of information about such deals may leave you feeling lost as to where and how to start searching for the deal that best works for you and your purpose of visit.
It is important that you know where to look for the best deals available so that you can enjoy a stay at a decent hotel without burning a hole in your wallet Hence I have compiled a list of useful tips that you may follow to make sure that you are getting the best hotel deals possible.
1. Surf the Internet for the best hotel deals.
The Internet is the best place to start your search for cheap hotels, as there are many aggregate online travel sites which have links to numerous hotels around the world. These sites specialize in comparing rates between different hotels and websites, as well as provide all the information that you need to know about the hotels including the facilities, location and images.
You can even use these sites’ powerful search tools to further streamline your search to only include comparisons of hotels with similar characteristics, such as being in the same vicinity, having the same star rating, or belonging to the same price range. In this manner, you can make an informed decision by comparing the rates of these hotels while taking into account their facilities and location.
The aggregate sites usually offer rates that are very competitive in relation to those offered by the hotels’ websites themselves. This is however subject to fine print which may include additional charges, or a non-refundable clause.
2. Search for online portals that offer cheaper options during peak travel periods.
Hotels usually raise their room rates in conjunction with peak travel seasons to take advantage of the arrival of a larger number of tourists and other visitors. These peak seasons may include long weekends, festive seasons (such as Christmas and Chinese New Year), major events (such as the World Cup and World Expo) in your destination and of course, extended school vacation periods.
However, there are some online portals that do specialize in offering cheaper deals during such periods. Hence it is a good idea to book your hotels through these websites to ensure that your hotel costs remain affordable.
3. Select a hotel further from the city centre.
The location of the hotel is also an important consideration when looking for low hotel rates in your destination. Generally, try to find a hotel in areas such as the suburbs that is slightly less accessible or is located away from the city centre as it is usually cheaper than one that is in a more convenient location. You can also consider less-known independent local hotel chains which can provide cheaper accommodation too.
4. Look out for additional offers and discounts.
Special offers and discounts on your hotels can save you a lot of money if you know where to look. For instance, there may be limited time promotional deals and offers for selected hotels on the online booking portals. Hence, you should try to take advantage of these deals whenever you can, as you can chalk up good savings on your hotel costs if you do so. Do remember to take note of any requirements that you have to fulfill before you can enjoy these deals, such as the minimum number of nights that you are required to stay.