Insider Secrets for Finding the Best Hotel and Vacation Rental Deals

Everyone loves a good deal, especially when it comes to travel. Hotels and vacation rentals are often one of the biggest expenses on a trip, but with the right strategies, you can save big. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a long-term adventure, finding great accommodation without breaking the bank is possible. The trick is knowing where to look, when to book, and which platforms offer the best deals. Here are the top secrets to scoring unbeatable hotel and vacation rental deals for your next trip in 2024.

Timing is Everything: Book Smart for the Best Prices

One of the most important factors in snagging a great deal on accommodation is knowing when to book. The timing can make a significant difference in the rates you’ll pay, whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel or a cozy vacation rental.

• Book in advance: Hotels often offer early bird discounts for travelers who plan ahead. For popular destinations, aim to book at least 2-3 months in advance. This is especially true during peak travel seasons.
• Last-minute deals: If you’re flexible, waiting until the last minute can sometimes pay off. Apps like HotelTonight or websites like Lastminute.com offer incredible discounts on rooms that haven’t been booked yet.
• Avoid peak seasons: Travel during shoulder seasons (the period between high and low seasons) when there are fewer tourists and better deals. For example, traveling to Europe in early spring or late fall can result in major savings on both hotels and vacation rentals.

Leverage Hotel Loyalty Programs and Membership Perks

Loyalty programs aren’t just for frequent travelers—they can help anyone save money. Many hotels offer free memberships to their loyalty programs, and joining can lead to exclusive discounts, free upgrades, and even complimentary stays.

• Sign up for hotel loyalty programs: Brands like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG Rewards Club offer points for every stay. These points can add up quickly, leading to free nights or discounted stays in the future. Even if you’re only an occasional traveler, joining these programs can still offer perks like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, or room upgrades.
• Utilize membership platforms: If you’re a member of organizations like AAA, AARP, or a frequent traveler with credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum, you can often access discounted rates or special offers.
• Trip Trick: If you’re booking through a third-party site like Expedia or Booking.com, you may miss out on hotel loyalty perks. Booking directly with the hotel (after price-matching third-party deals) can often give you the best of both worlds: a great price and loyalty benefits.

Compare Across Multiple Platforms for the Best Rate

Never settle for the first price you see. With so many booking platforms available, it pays to compare rates across multiple sites. Different sites may offer different deals, so taking the time to shop around can result in significant savings.

• Use price comparison tools: Websites like Trivago, Kayak, or Google Hotels are great for quickly comparing prices across multiple platforms. They let you see the range of available deals for the same property, helping you choose the cheapest option.
• Check the hotel or rental’s direct website: Once you find a good deal through a third-party site, check the hotel or rental’s direct site. Many times, they’ll match the third-party price or even offer better perks, like free breakfast or flexible cancellation policies, for booking directly with them.
• Triptuition: Before you book, ask yourself: “Am I really getting the best value for my money?” A slightly cheaper room might not always be the better deal if it comes with hidden fees, poor reviews, or lacks amenities you’ll need. Always read the fine print and reviews.

Use Discounted Gift Cards and Cashback Sites

One often overlooked trick for saving on hotels and vacation rentals is through cashback websites and discounted gift cards. These methods might require a bit of extra effort, but the savings can add up, especially for longer stays.

• Buy discounted gift cards: Websites like Raise or CardCash sell discounted gift cards for popular hotel chains or travel websites. Purchasing a gift card at 10-20% off can significantly reduce the total cost of your stay.
• Use cashback websites: Platforms like Rakuten (formerly Ebates) or TopCashback offer cashback when you book through their affiliate links. It might not seem like much at first, but earning 5-10% cashback on hotel stays can make a noticeable difference, particularly for longer trips.

Be Flexible with Location and Accommodation Type

Sometimes the key to finding the best deal isn’t about the timing or the website—it’s about being flexible with where you stay. Consider alternatives to traditional hotels, and explore areas outside of the main tourist zones for better deals.

• Stay outside the city center: Accommodations located just outside the main tourist areas are often much cheaper than those right in the heart of the action. With public transportation, staying a little farther out can save you big without sacrificing convenience.
• Try vacation rentals over hotels: Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer better rates, especially for longer stays. Vacation rentals often include amenities like a kitchen, which can save you money on dining out.
• Consider alternative accommodations: Hostels, boutique hotels, or even house swaps can offer incredible savings. Websites like Couchsurfing or TrustedHousesitters can provide free lodging if you’re open to a more unique experience.
• Trip Tale: On a trip to Paris, I found an Airbnb in a quiet neighborhood just 10 minutes from the Eiffel Tower by metro. It was half the price of the hotels in the center, and the local cafés and bakeries in the area turned out to be some of the best parts of my stay!

Sign Up for Deal Alerts and Newsletters

If you’re always on the lookout for the next great deal, consider signing up for deal alerts and newsletters. Many travel websites and platforms will send out exclusive offers to subscribers, giving you first dibs on discounted rates.

• Set price alerts: Websites like Skyscanner or Google Hotels allow you to set alerts for specific destinations. You’ll get notified when prices drop, helping you lock in the best deal at the perfect time.
• Join email lists: Many hotels, vacation rental platforms, and booking websites offer email newsletters that provide exclusive deals and promo codes. Be sure to subscribe to these before your trip planning, so you don’t miss out on any special offers.
• Follow social media: Some hotels and vacation rentals announce flash sales or limited-time offers via social media. Follow your favorite brands or booking platforms on Instagram or Twitter to stay in the loop.

Negotiate for Better Rates on Longer Stays

If you’re planning to stay somewhere for more than a few nights, don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better rate—especially when booking a vacation rental. Many property owners are willing to offer discounts for longer stays, but you’ll need to ask for it.

• Reach out directly: Contact vacation rental hosts directly through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo to inquire about discounts for extended stays. Owners often prefer longer bookings since it reduces vacancy gaps, and they may offer you a deal to secure your reservation.
• Book directly with small hotels or guesthouses: Smaller, independently owned hotels or guesthouses are often more open to negotiation than large chains. If you’re staying multiple nights, reach out directly and ask about special rates for long stays.

Conclusion: The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Big Savings

Finding the best hotel and vacation rental deals doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little research, flexibility, and the right tools, you can save a significant amount on your next trip. Whether it’s timing your booking perfectly, leveraging loyalty programs, or thinking outside the box with accommodation types, these strategies will help you travel smarter in 2024. So, get ready to plan your next adventure—and know that you’ll be saving every step of the way.

Sadie is the queen of snagging the best travel deals—think of her as your personal bargain hunter. With years of experience working with hotel and flight aggregators, she’s got a sixth sense for finding those once-in-a-lifetime deals.

Sadie Porter, Writer, The Deal Diva