How to Book the Best Hotels for Less

To get the best price, book directly on the hotel's website after using price aggregators, and always check for 'member-only' rates. Avoid booking on weekends if your schedule allows, and never finalize a reservation without searching for AAA, senior, or corporate discount codes.

1. Use search aggregators to find the baseline price. Use sites like Google Hotels, Kayak, or Skyscanner to see a map-based view of prices for your specific dates. Don't book here—just note the lowest price for the properties you like.
2. Check the hotel's direct website. Visit the hotel's own website. Often, they offer a 'Best Price Guarantee' or lower rates for loyalty program members. If the direct rate is the same as the aggregator, book direct to make future reservation changes significantly easier.
3. Use Incognito mode and clear cookies. Travel sites often track your search history. Search in an 'Incognito' or 'Private' window to ensure you aren't being shown higher prices based on your previous search frequency.
4. Call the hotel front desk. Call the property directly during local business hours and ask: 'What is your best rate for these dates?' If you are booking for a multi-night stay, mention you are looking for a deal. They often have internal authority to waive fees or offer upgrades that online platforms cannot.
5. Look for non-refundable vs. flexible rates. If your plans are 100% locked, select the non-refundable rate to save 10-15%. Only do this if you have travel insurance, as you won't get your money back if plans change.

Do hotel comparison sites actually have hidden fees?

Yes. Many third-party sites add 'service fees' at checkout. Always check the final payment screen before clicking 'book' to ensure the price hasn't jumped.

Does calling the hotel actually work?

Yes, but call the front desk of the specific hotel, not the 1-800 central reservation line. The front desk staff can see occupancy rates and are more likely to offer a discount to fill an empty room.