If you’re looking to travel but are still deciding whether to break the bank, there are plenty of ways to shop for hotel deals and discounts.
The best way to find a good deal is to be patient and search for a room in your price range. Remember that prices can vary daily and week to week, so it’s important to be flexible when shopping for a hotel.
Comparison Sites
When reserving a hotel, comparison websites are a good method to save money. These websites can be a fantastic resource when you shop now for current hotel discounts in your neighborhood and worldwide.
These websites will show you a range of providers and allow you to filter by price, availability, and other important criteria. This will ensure you only see the best possible deals without wasting time contacting many hotels to find out which one is the cheapest.
Some comparison sites will even let you set up price alerts to ensure you get the best prices on your next stay! This is a handy feature, especially on a tight budget.
Another useful tool for finding the best possible price is directly checking with the hotel. Some hotels will offer extra room types or discounts they don’t provide to comparison sites, so this is a good place to look.
Booking Direct
One of the easiest ways to shop for hotel deals and discounts is to book directly through your website. Hotels often offer lower rates when guests book directly with them than on search engines because they don’t have to pay a booking fee to third-party sites.
Another benefit of booking direct is that hotels don’t have to pay a commission to OTAs, meaning they can keep more revenue. This can help hotel revenue managers drive more direct bookings and boost profit margins.
Some hotel chains have rolled out discounts for loyalty program members that require them to book directly with the hotel. The benefits of direct booking for loyalty program members can include better service and perks. These rewards can be as simple as a free room upgrade or a complimentary breakfast.
In addition, some hotel chains also offer rewards for booking through their websites, which is a way to encourage people to make repeat trips to the property. These perks can be especially useful for frequent travelers who want status credit or a variety of other perks at their preferred hotels.
Having a strong social media presence can also help to boost direct bookings. Ultimately, a great customer experience is key to driving direct bookings. To achieve this, you need to focus on optimizing the user experience of your website so that visitors are more likely to convert into direct bookings.
Calling the Hotel
When you call a hotel to book your stay, ensure you are talking to the right person. Many people tend to need clarification on the various terminology used on hotel websites, so it’s important to speak with someone familiar with the property. This will ensure that you get the best deal possible for your stay and have a pleasant experience.
When calling the hotel, be sure to ask about any special deals or discounts the hotel offers at the time of your booking. This includes asking about room upgrades, free parking, and breakfast.
In addition, be sure to verify the cancellation policy, fees for pet-friendly rooms, and other details that could affect your stay. This will help you determine whether the hotel is a good deal and may save you money in the long run.
Some hotels offer extended stay discounts that you can get by calling the reservations line or front desk. These can be useful for last-minute stays but are not always advertised on the website, so it’s a good idea to call before you plan your trip.
In addition, some hotels are willing to negotiate their rates with travelers who have a relationship with them. This can be especially helpful if you are a frequent customer and know you will give them business on your next trip.
Signing Up for Marketing Alerts
One of the best ways to shop for hotel deals and discounts is by signing up for marketing alerts. These emails alert you when special hotel promotions or offers are available, as well as other relevant information about your property.
You can set up alerts for anything that mentions your business or property name online, from news and blogs to discussions, videos, and book reviews. You can also monitor competitor hotel events, as well as guest reviews.
This is a great way to stay on top of the competition and see what kinds of offers they’re running and what kind of press coverage their hotel has received. It’s also a great way to learn what content gets the most buzz, so you can be sure your marketing content is up-to-par.
Another type of marketing alert that hotels should be implementing is push notifications. These messages automatically notify your users when something changes, such as their reservation being delayed or changed. They’re a great way to help your guests stay informed, especially during high-demand or low-occupancy periods.
Having a fully-fledged list of email addresses for your customers is essential to any hotel’s success. You can begin engaging with them with your discount offers and other promotions via broadcast lists and SMS.
