How to Find Inexpensive Places to Stay
Hotel fare comparison websites are useful tools for finding great deals, but they may not tell the whole story. In smaller towns, mom-and-pop motels and local favorites may not have an online presence or may be overshadowed by well-known hotel chains. By comparing your options, you may discover that commercial hotels do not always offer the cheapest rates.
We've arranged some food-for-thought below so that you can take extra steps to find the best possible prices for your lodging needs. We hope it helps you find the best deal out there.
Before Your Search
- Plan Off-Peak. Every travel destination is affected by traffic. As the weather warms and the travel season begins, some places have a higher influx of visitors than others. At peak times when rooms are in highest demand, they will also be at their most expensive. Plan your stay to avoid peak times, major events, or holidays, and you'll likely avoid price inflation.
- Stay Flexible. Flexibility is key to travel savings. If you are willing to stay a few miles outside of a major city, or even just a few blocks away from the airport, you may find much more reasonable rates. Remain as open as possible, and arrive a few days earlier or later if travel fare and lodging will be less expensive at that time.
- Start Early. You're far more likely to find the best deals by getting an early start on your accommodation search. In general, hotel operators and similar representatives at other lodging facilities like to know well in advance when you're going to be there. In fact, they are more likely to offer discounts and packaged deals to those who plan ahead.
Where to Look
- Online Message Boards. When searching for bargain lodging, your first thought might be to head over to one of the many popular airfare and lodging websites that are advertised on TV. But as helpful as these sites are, there is no substitute for valuable word-of-mouth communication. Online message boards are generally filled with tips and lodging suggestions for travelers just like you.
- Local Information. If you're traveling to a smaller town or rural area, you may have trouble reserving a room online without limiting your search to the popular commercial chains. However, in these areas, smaller local offerings and mom-and-pop locations sometimes offer the best rates. Try calling information for the area you're traveling to and asking for the numbers of local favorites, or if your operator isn't sure, request the number of any local information centers or tourist hubs.
By giving alternative lodging a chance, you could find yourself saving more than you expected. You may also find that a bed and breakfast or small inn can bring you closer to the local community and can provide more intimacy than a traditional hotel. Depending on how you prefer to travel, this could add a little something extra to your overall experience. If you'd like more suggestions about booking accommodations, take a look on our planning pages to see what we've put together for you.