Easy Money-Saving Vacation Tips - Hotels

With the cost of just about everything going up, we need to dig a little deeper to find the best ways to save money so that dream trip is filled with memories and not thoughts of how broke you will be once you get home.

Key words to start this off – Do some research! Before you book anything, check out things like what the hotels have to offer, the costs of car rentals, side trips that you’d like to take, nearby attractions, coupons, shopping, etc.

The focus today is on hotels. To have the best vacation, taking a few moments to ask a few questions will make all the difference.

Are you traveling with kids? Is the hotel you are checking out kid friendly? Do they offer play areas? How about breakfast? Does the hotel offer complimentary breakfast or at least kids eat free? Do they offer kids meals on their menu? I ask because I have run into these issues in the past. Hotel restaurants in general are more expensive than the local restaurants. Does the hotel offer kitchenettes? This one feature can save a bundle when traveling with or without kids. Find the local store and stock up on easy to fix meal items.

All-inclusive resorts are wonderful. Things have changed a little since I was last at one, but an all-inclusive usually means that all your food and soft drinks are included in your price. Check what’s included with the resort(s) that you are interested in. Some do include mixed drinks, but each resort is different. Some resorts have specialized upscale restaurants that are not included in the all-inclusive price. Reservations are usually required, and many times are only open on certain days. Look to see if there are dress codes.  

Most hotels have pools and hot tubs. Ask ahead on this. I once got a hotel only to find out their pool and hot tub were under construction. Bummer! Another time, I booked a hotel which ended up being filled with several schoolgirls’ baseball teams. In general, the girls were absolutely fine, but the pool and the free breakfast areas were always crowded. Since I am pretty flexible when on vacation, this was not a problem, but if you are looking for some peace and quiet, if might pay to ask if your hotel is booked. And here is a quirky ask when booking. If you need an elevator, call the hotel and ask. Again, something that I have run up against. Nothing is worse than lugging several bags up a flight or two of stairs.

Once you get into your hotel room, quickly look to see if you have enough towels, that the tv & internet work etc. This gives the staff more time to replace or fix items before you want to use them.

Also, read the reviews about your hotel before booking. You would be surprised at the great photos and amenities that the hotel seems to offer, but discover the reviews are awful. Please note, however, that there will always be a bad review or two, so read several and make your own judgements. 

Make your own reservations. This is a loaded comment. If you are bundling airfare and hotel, you will get a better deal, sometimes saving hundreds of dollars. Compare the bundled discount prices between each site and go with reputable companies that can back you up in the event something comes up. Read the fine print to see what is included such as having to cancel if you become ill or your luggage gets lost. But if you take a quick jaunt somewhere and need a hotel for one night, I have found that calling the hotel directly has saved me extra fees that the 3d party charges by going directly through the hotel. I noticed the online fee was one amount, but when I called (thinking I was talking directly to the hotel), I found that there was an additional $20 being charged. I had to dig, but I found the actual hotel number and called them. I got a better room and saved the extra fees! Win-win!

I know some people hate having to go to the trouble of doing research, but I find it enjoyable to plan for my vacay! But the biggest win is when I know I found a great place and at a great rate. Take the time. And happy traveling! Let me know your finds!