With the approaching holiday season, we are all starting to give thought to how to find the best deals out there, especially when it comes to gift-giving. For those who incorporate travel into their holiday plans, finding deals is just as important - especially when it comes to hotels.
Not surprisingly, hotel properties - capitalizing on the increase in travel during the holidays - increase their rates. So it’s more important than ever to seek out great deals for holiday stays. The good news is that if you are willing to put the time in to doing your research, you will find that there are a lot of deals to be had. Here are 7 ways to get the best hotel deals this holiday season:
1. Start early. Planning is your friend when it comes to find the best hotel deals for the holidays. When you have time on your side, you have the ability to closely follow pricing on the particular properties in which you may be interested. Check the hotel’s website often to keep up on rates and jump on a deal when you see it.
2. Online travel companies. There’s no better tool at your disposal than online travel companies which can show you prices on a number of properties at once. This is especially helpful if you’re not set on staying at one particular property but rather in just a particular area. Through many of these sites, you also have the option to sign up for email updates so that you can receive an alert if the prices drop to a set number. Also an option through some of these sites is the ability to bid on a hotel room in a particular area. While you can’t choose a hotel by name, you can specify the area and the type of hotel that you want - three-star, four-star, etc. - and set a price that you would be willing to pay. If your price is accepted you can get a great room in a great hotel at a great price.
3. Check hotel specials. While online travel companies are a fantastic way to find a great deal, don’t overlook the specials offered by hotels directly. Check back with hotels to see if they offer any holiday packages or specials. Many times, hotels will offer free nights if you book a particular number of days; or some packages may
come with free meals, spa services or other activities - fantastic additions for your holiday stay.
4. Book hotel/flight packages. Oftentimes, when you book flights through an online travel service, you are able to package airfare with hotel stays. Packages of these kind are a great way to save money. This is especially true during the holidays when there are a variety of holiday vacation packages.
5. Follow travel blogs. While finding a deal on a hotel room may be something that you embark on a handful of times during the year, there are people who are dedicated to staying on top of travel deals. Their job is to research and compile the information on their travel blogs and these blogs are, hands down, some of the best ways to find travel deals on hotels, flights, packages and more.
6. Look for last minute deals. There are also sites online where you can find last minute deals - so if you haven’t started early looking for great deals, it may be advisable to start late. Call hotels directly to ask about last minute deals; some hotels may have their properties almost completed booked and just have to sell a few rooms for maximum occupancy - and they may be willing to sell you those rooms at a discount.
7. Use your credit card. Don’t overlook your credit card when it comes to finding the best hotel deals. Credit card companies offer points that you can convert into free nights, upgrades, and more. Call your credit card company to find out what they may have to offer.
If you’re planning to travel during the holidays, then finding the best hotel deal should be at the top of your list. Getting educated about the tools available to you is the first step in getting the very most for your money. Do your research so that you have all the tools that you need at your fingertips and before you know it, you’ll have a great place to stay - in a location of your choosing - at a fantastic price.
About the Author:
Leah Bunson, the author of this article writes on behalf of DealLookup.com. If you’re looking some exclusive deals on cell phones or planning a trip this upcoming holiday season and are looking for some great deals on hotels, do get in touch with him today.
Not surprisingly, hotel properties - capitalizing on the increase in travel during the holidays - increase their rates. So it’s more important than ever to seek out great deals for holiday stays. The good news is that if you are willing to put the time in to doing your research, you will find that there are a lot of deals to be had. Here are 7 ways to get the best hotel deals this holiday season:
1. Start early. Planning is your friend when it comes to find the best hotel deals for the holidays. When you have time on your side, you have the ability to closely follow pricing on the particular properties in which you may be interested. Check the hotel’s website often to keep up on rates and jump on a deal when you see it.
2. Online travel companies. There’s no better tool at your disposal than online travel companies which can show you prices on a number of properties at once. This is especially helpful if you’re not set on staying at one particular property but rather in just a particular area. Through many of these sites, you also have the option to sign up for email updates so that you can receive an alert if the prices drop to a set number. Also an option through some of these sites is the ability to bid on a hotel room in a particular area. While you can’t choose a hotel by name, you can specify the area and the type of hotel that you want - three-star, four-star, etc. - and set a price that you would be willing to pay. If your price is accepted you can get a great room in a great hotel at a great price.
3. Check hotel specials. While online travel companies are a fantastic way to find a great deal, don’t overlook the specials offered by hotels directly. Check back with hotels to see if they offer any holiday packages or specials. Many times, hotels will offer free nights if you book a particular number of days; or some packages may
come with free meals, spa services or other activities - fantastic additions for your holiday stay.
4. Book hotel/flight packages. Oftentimes, when you book flights through an online travel service, you are able to package airfare with hotel stays. Packages of these kind are a great way to save money. This is especially true during the holidays when there are a variety of holiday vacation packages.
5. Follow travel blogs. While finding a deal on a hotel room may be something that you embark on a handful of times during the year, there are people who are dedicated to staying on top of travel deals. Their job is to research and compile the information on their travel blogs and these blogs are, hands down, some of the best ways to find travel deals on hotels, flights, packages and more.
6. Look for last minute deals. There are also sites online where you can find last minute deals - so if you haven’t started early looking for great deals, it may be advisable to start late. Call hotels directly to ask about last minute deals; some hotels may have their properties almost completed booked and just have to sell a few rooms for maximum occupancy - and they may be willing to sell you those rooms at a discount.
7. Use your credit card. Don’t overlook your credit card when it comes to finding the best hotel deals. Credit card companies offer points that you can convert into free nights, upgrades, and more. Call your credit card company to find out what they may have to offer.
If you’re planning to travel during the holidays, then finding the best hotel deal should be at the top of your list. Getting educated about the tools available to you is the first step in getting the very most for your money. Do your research so that you have all the tools that you need at your fingertips and before you know it, you’ll have a great place to stay - in a location of your choosing - at a fantastic price.
About the Author:
Leah Bunson, the author of this article writes on behalf of DealLookup.com. If you’re looking some exclusive deals on cell phones or planning a trip this upcoming holiday season and are looking for some great deals on hotels, do get in touch with him today.