We’ve done the research and taken the guesswork out of finding luxury hotel deals. Check out these great hacks for planning upscale vacations without the big expense.
You might think that an extravagant vacation is beyond your reach, but if you know where to look and the best time to book hotel accommodations, you can find luxury hotel deals at a surprisingly affordable cost.
Booking hotel package deals
Third-party travel websites like Expedia and Hotwire often offer packages that bundle flights and hotels together. Along with keeping things simple and avoiding the hassles of booking everything individually, these packages can often save you money.
This type of deal is perfect for those who are attempting to plan a last-minute vacation. A study from cheapair.com found that you need to book a flight roughly 70 days in advance to save the most money on your ticket. If you can’t do that, a package deal could save you money.
One travel blog did the math and discovered that you can save an average of 12 USD to 68 USD by booking as a package. It’s not a life-changing amount, but every dollar adds up. Anything you don’t spend on flights and accommodations can go toward tours, events, attractions, and fine dining.
Bundled travel packages aren’t for the spontaneous
Booking travel is a complex thing, and depending on when and where you’d like to go, it may be cheaper to buy your flight separately. Travel packages will also limit you to certain hotel options or locations that might not align with your idea of a dream vacation.
If you’re the spontaneous type who likes to arrive in a new country and then play it by ear, you’ll also want to avoid this option. With a package deal, you’ll be locked into one hotel and location for the duration of your booking.
Taking advantage of the luxury hotel deals of the day – Expedia
Expedia’s daily deals can save you up to 40 percent on hotel bookings around the world. The deals are offered for certain dates at specific hotels. If you’re flexible with your travel plans, this can be an excellent choice. Expedia offers new deals every 24 hours, so if you don’t see your dream destination on the list, you can continue checking back each day. If you don’t have a certain destination in mind, checking these deals could help you discover a new area you’d really like to explore.
Expedia specials won’t work if you’re set on a certain resort
If you’ve been planning your dream vacation for the past few years, and you already have a certain luxury resort picked out, this might not be the best option. The same goes for those who will be taking a vacation within a certain time frame or those who want to leave on their trip very soon. The listed deals are typically for dates at least a month in advance, so they’re not great for a spontaneous trip.
Visiting countries with cheap hotels
You can save a lot of money simply by choosing the right destination. Some popular tourist destinations, such as Bali and Thailand, have very affordable hotel prices.
Do your research
While certain countries are more affordable than others, sometimes it pays to do the research. Factors such as weather conditions and time of year can play a factor in deciding where to go and when. This could greatly affect how big of a win you get with certain luxury hotel deals.
Last minute hotel booking
If you’re too spontaneous for Expedia’s deals, this is a good option for you. Certain apps, such as Hotel Tonight, allow you to make last-minute bookings on rooms. Hotels offer these rooms at a discount because they would most likely remain empty otherwise. However, you should always book through the app to receive the discount. If you walk in and ask about a room, you’ll usually be charged full price.
Last-minute bookings don’t allow for choosiness
Anyone who is attached to the idea of staying at a certain hotel may not find a room available there at the last minute. This option is best for people who are flexible and don’t care where they stay as long as it’s in a certain area.
Using a hotel booking app
Not only do hotel booking apps make it easy to browse a number of hotel deals at once, but they also offer reward programs. For example, with Hotels.com, you get a free night for every 10 nights you collect. The value of this free night is calculated by averaging the cost of the other 10 nights. If the amount is lower than the cost of your desired room, it will simply discount the cost.
Those with refined tastes may not find what they’re looking for
Although third-party apps often have great deals, it’s still cheaper to book directly with the hotel in some cases. There’s also the fact that these apps tend to focus on discounts and affordability, so while there are many nice hotels on the app, they won’t necessarily be the best of what’s out there.
Another issue is frequency of travel. Rewards programs can help you save a great deal of money, but if you don’t travel often enough for the rewards to add up, or you can’t find a special deal within your time frame, you might better off booking directly with the hotel.
Using hotel rewards programs
Many hotels have their own loyalty programs similar to the program offered by Hotels.com. If you prefer a certain hotel chain and use it during all your travels, this is a good option for you.
Loyalty programs only work if you’re loyal
If you don’t have a preferred hotel chain, it makes sense to use Hotels.com to get your rewards. Since the rewards are based on staying with one hotel for a longer period of time, this option also doesn’t make sense for those planning a vacation that will only last a few days.
Booking a castle and feeling like royalty
Staying in a castle certainly isn’t the cheapest option, but if you’re aiming for a luxurious vacation to remember, this could be the route to take. Expedia and other sites offer deals on castle stays around the world, and if you want to save even more money, opt for a castle bed and breakfast versus a full hotel. They are often more affordable while still providing guests with that royal feeling.
The castle experience isn’t for everyone
If you prefer more modern accommodations or find castles spooky, you might want to go with a traditional hotel.
Now that you’ve learned about the various options for saving money on your accommodations, consider booking your ground transportation in advance. Book a Blacklane chauffeur service to provide a stress-free transfer at a cost you can afford.
