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Imagine enjoying a free stay at a hotel. Wouldn’t it be wonderful?
For travel enthusiasts, staying in hotels for free is a dream. It’s not just wishful thinking; it’s possible. Companies like Trivago even pay you to stay in hotels. There are numerous methods to enjoy hotel stays, both domestically and internationally, without spending a dime.
If you’re a travel enthusiast like me, these tips can help you save a lot of money on your trips. Saving money means you can travel more, and who wouldn’t want to travel more?
We’ve compiled a list of tips, hacks, and tricks to help you score free hotel stays.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay at hotels without paying, keep reading!
Join hotel rewards programs
Let’s start with hotel rewards programs.
With these programs, you earn points for every dollar you spend at hotels. Later, you can use these points to get free stays.
Many hotels, both large chains and smaller brands, have their own rewards programs.
If you frequently stay at the same hotel chain, joining their rewards program is a smart choice.
Here are some hotel rewards programs that offer free stays. Take a look to see if your preferred hotel is listed.
1. Marriott Hotel
Marriott Hotel Rewards offers points that you can earn. With over 4,700 Marriott Brand Hotels across 92 countries, you have many options for where to stay.
This program is convenient because it gives you a wide selection of locations, even if you prefer to stay exclusively at Marriott hotels.
You earn 5 to 10 points for every $1 spent at Marriott brand hotels, including participating Ritz-Carlton locations worldwide. Most spots give you 10 points per dollar, while a few Marriott hotels offer 5 points. Learn more about earning points here.
There are numerous ways to collect points. For instance, refer a friend and earn 50,000 points.
Once you accumulate sufficient points, you can exchange them for hotel stays. The number of points required varies based on the hotel category.
To get a free night’s stay, you’ll need at least 7,500 points (or just 6,000 with PointSavers rewards). Find out more about redeeming points for a free stay here.
A cool perk of this program is that after you redeem four free nights, you’ll get the fifth one for free.
Besides free hotel stays, you can also redeem your points for:
- Experiences like sports events.
- Gift cards from popular retailers.
- Spa gift cards.
- Dining gift cards.
- Merchandise such as tech and fashion items.
This program offers great flexibility.
2. Wyndham Rewards
- Sign up at: https://www.wyndhamrewards.com
Introducing Wyndham Rewards, the next hotel rewards program on our list.
As a member, you earn 10 points for every dollar spent, or 1,000 points, whichever is greater.
You can redeem a free night’s stay at one of their 8,000+ hotels once you reach 15,000 points.
With such a vast selection, you’ll have plenty of options for where to enjoy your complimentary nights.
You can use your points for various items, such as:
- Merchandise
- Experiences
- Gift cards
Additionally, Wyndham Rewards offers different membership levels.
The more you stay, the more benefits you unlock, such as late checkout and early check-in. At the Platinum level, you receive a 3,000-point bonus, and at the Diamond level, you get a 6,000-point bonus.
3. Starwood Preferred Guest
Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) is a loyalty program with over 1,500 hotels and resorts.
The program consists of several membership tiers, which you advance through as you stay at SPG hotels.
Depending on your tier, you can earn between two to four Star Points per stay.
Free stays begin at 2,000 points but may require over 20,000 points.
Moreover, when you redeem points for four free nights, you’ll receive the fifth night for free.
Besides complimentary stays, members enjoy various perks based on their membership level:
- Free in-room internet access.
- Late checkout upon request.
- Guaranteed room availability.
- Upgraded room upon checkout.
- Access to club and executive-level lounge privileges.
4. Choice Privileges
- Sign up at: https://www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges
Earn 10 points per dollar spent at Choice Privileges hotels. Get 10 points for every dollar spent on vacation rental stays, including villas, homes, cabins, or condos.
You can redeem nights from 6,000 to 35,000 points.
With over 6,300 hotels worldwide, there’s a wide range of locations to pick from.
5. Best Western Rewards
This program features membership tiers based on how frequently you stay at the brand’s hotels. Your membership level increases as you stay more often.
Upon joining, you earn 10 points for every dollar spent. As you progress through the tiers, you receive bonus points ranging from 10% to 50% per stay.
Unlock additional perks beyond the initial tier, including room upgrades and priority access to the reservations line.
Earn between 8,000 and 36,000 points for a free night’s stay, depending on the property’s type and location.
With over 4,200 hotels across 100+ countries, Best Western offers abundant options for your stay.
6. Hilton Honors
- Sign up at: http://hiltonhonors3.hilton.com/en/index.html
You earn points for every dollar you spend with this program. There are multiple membership tiers. Start at the first tier and get 10 points per dollar spent. As you advance through membership tiers, you earn between 12 to 20 points per dollar.
Redeem points for dining, purchases, experiences like concerts, and free nights.
You need at least 5,000 points for a free night’s stay.
7. World of Hyatt
- Sign up at: https://world.hyatt.com/
As a World of Hyatt member, you earn 5 points for every dollar spent at Hyatt hotels. Redeem your points for free nights starting at 5,000 points. The program offers different membership tiers. As you progress, you unlock more benefits, such as:
- Free internet.
- Exclusive reservations line for members only.
- Late checkout.
- Room upgrades.
8. IHG Rewards
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) runs over 5,000 hotels across 100+ countries, featuring brands like Crowne Plaza and Candlewood Suites.
As a member, you earn 5 to 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels. You can use these points for various rewards, such as:
- Shopping
- Games
- Dining
- Books
- Gift cards
Plus, you can redeem points for free nights. To get a free night’s stay, you need a minimum of 10,000 points.
9. Le Club AccorHotels
AccorHotels boasts 5,000 hotels across 100 countries, providing a diverse range of locations for travelers.
Joining its loyalty program means earning points with every €10 spent. You can earn between 5 and 44 Rewards Points, along with 5 to 25 Status Points. To qualify for a free stay, you’ll need a minimum of 2,000 points.
10. Radisson Rewards
- Sign up at: https://www.radissonrewards.com/
The Radisson Hotel Group has 1,100 properties globally. If you stay at one of their hotels, consider joining Radisson Rewards.
As a member, you earn 35 points for every dollar spent on stays, as well as on food and beverages. These points can be redeemed for a free night’s stay. To get a free night, you need at least 9,000 points.
11. La Quinta Returns
- Sign up at: https://www.lq.com/en/la-quinta-returns.html
Earn points with La Quinta Returns when you stay at any of their 800+ hotels. You get 10 points for every dollar spent. You can redeem a free night’s stay starting at 6,000 points.
You’ll also enjoy several additional perks, such as late check-out upon request and express check-in.
The program offers various membership levels. The more you stay, the higher you move up. Higher tiers come with bonus points. For instance, reaching Gold level after 10 nights grants you a 20% bonus on base points earned.
As you progress through the membership levels, you enjoy added benefits such as:
- Bonus points
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free snacks
- Room upgrades for free (based on availability)
- Better availability for free stays
12. iPrefer Hotel Rewards
- Sign up at: https://preferredhotels.com/iprefer
Preferred Hotels & Resorts offers the iPrefer Hotel Rewards program, providing free nights for members.
When you stay at any of their 650 hotels across 85 countries, you earn points.
Members earn points for every dollar spent, with the amount varying based on their membership level, ranging from 5 to 10 points per dollar.
Points can be redeemed for Rewards Certificates at the following rates:
- 12,500 points: $25 certificate
- 25,000 points: $50 certificate
- 50,000 points: $100 certificate
- 125,000 points: $250 certificate
- 250,000 points: $500 certificate
Additionally, members enjoy various benefits such as:
- Complimentary internet
- Room upgrades
- Early check-in
- Late check-out
- Exclusive member rates
13. Omni Select Guest
- Sign up at: https://www.omnihotels.com/loyalty
As an Omni Select Guest member, you can earn free nights and enjoy added perks such as complimentary Wi-Fi and exclusive offers.
Simply stay 20 qualifying nights at a qualifying rate to earn a free night’s stay.
14. Shangri-La Golden Circle
As a Golden Circle loyalty program member at Shangri-La, you earn one point for every dollar spent.
The program offers various membership tiers. As you progress through the tiers, you’ll earn bonus points ranging from 25% to 50%. You can redeem free nights starting from 1,000 points.
15. Global Hotel Alliance Discover Program
- Sign up at: https://www.discoveryloyalty.com/
This program is distinct from others because it’s not limited to one hotel chain.
It’s a rewards program that lets you can earn points at various hotel brands, including:
- Al Faisaliah Hotels
- Alila Hotels & Resorts
- Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas
- Atura Hotels and Resorts
- AVANI Hotels & Resorts
- Bristoria Hotels
- Corinthia Hotels
- Discovery Destinations
- The Doyle Collection
- Elewana Collection
- GLO Hotels
- Grace Hotels
- JA Resorts & Hotels
- Kempinski Hotels
- The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts
- Lungarno Collection
- Marco Polo Hotels
- Meritage Collection
- Meydan Hotels & Hospitality
- Mokara Hotels & Spas
- Mysk Hotels
- Niccolo Hotels
- NUO Hotels
- Omni Hotels & Resorts
- Outrigger Hotels & Resorts
- Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts
- PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts
- QT Hotels
- The Residence by Cenizaro
- Rydges Hotels & Resorts
- Shaza Hotels
- Thon Hotels
- Tivoli Hotels & Resorts
- Ultratravel Collection
- Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
GHA doesn’t offer free nights per stay, but being a member includes perks like special discounts.
You can enjoy a 10% discount on your bookings. When you calculate your trip expenses, this 10% saving might add up to a free night, depending on your stay’s cost and duration.
Additionally, members receive benefits like complimentary bottled water, free internet, early check-in, and late checkout.
Get a Credit Card that gives you free hotel stays
Consider applying for a travel credit card as our next tip.
These cards offer rewards across various locations, providing flexibility.
While hotel rewards programs are beneficial, opting for a travel credit card allows you to accumulate rewards regardless of where you stay, unlike hotel rewards programs which tie you to a specific chain.
These cards typically offer points or cash back for spending, which can be redeemed for travel rewards.
Just be sure that the annual fee, if applicable, justifies the rewards you’ll receive to ensure it’s worth it for you.
Keep this factor in mind when selecting a card.
In this section, we’ve divided the cards into two categories:
- Cards offered by banks.
- Cards offered by hotels.
Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Let’s discuss bank-issued credit cards.
The cards listed below reward you with points whenever you make purchases for your daily needs. This means you can accumulate points every time you use your card, even on regular purchases like groceries, which can eventually be redeemed for free hotel stays.
Here are some options worth considering:
16. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, $95 afterward.
- APR: 24.49% to 49%
Get 50,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months of opening your account. Redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards and they’re worth 25% more, making the bonus points worth $625.
You earn 2x points on travel and dining purchases and 1x points on all other purchases.
17. Capital One Venture Miles Rewards Credit Card
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, $95 afterward.
- APR: 49%, 20.99%, or 24.49%
Introducing the Travel Rewards credit card. Earn 2x miles for every dollar spent on daily purchases. Plus, get 50,000 bonus miles if you spend $3,000 within the first three months of opening your account.
Each mile is valued at one cent, totaling $500!
Bookings made through Hotels.com/venture earn you 10x miles.
No foreign transaction fees apply when using this card.
18. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 0% for the initial 12 billing cycles. 16.49% to 24.49% will apply afterward
Get 1.5 points for every dollar spent on purchases everywhere with this card. Redeem points for free hotel stays. Points can also cover hotels, vacation packages, baggage fees, rental cars, and cruises.
You’ll earn 20,000 bonus points if you spend at least $1,000 in the first 90 days after opening your account, redeemable for a $200 statement credit toward travel purchases.
No foreign transaction fees apply.
19. American Express Platinum Card
- Annual fee: $550
- APR: American Express says, “No interest charges if you pay your balance in full every month.”
This card is ideal for frequent travelers who plan to use it enough to justify the annual fee.
If you spend $5,000 in the first three months, you’ll earn 60,000 Membership Rewards Points.
This card offers numerous benefits, including:
- 5X Membership Rewards Points: Earn when booking flights directly with airlines, through American Express Travel, or prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.
- Fine Hotels & Resorts Program: Enjoy complimentary benefits, like daily breakfast for two and room upgrades, valued at an average of $550.
- Airline Fee Credit: Receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by a chosen qualifying airline, covering expenses like checked bags or in-flight meals.
- Uber credits: Get $15 in Uber Credits each month for U.S. rides, plus a $20 bonus in December, totaling up to $200 in annual Uber savings.
This card offers many other benefits, making it a great choice for frequent travelers.
Hotel Reward Credit Cards
Many hotels offer credit cards that come with various benefits. These cards can earn you free nights and other perks.
Here are some hotels that offer credit cards:
20. Best Western Rewards MasterCard
- Annual fee: Regular card $0, Platinum card $0 for the first year, then $59 annually
- APR: Regular card 24% or 24.24%, Premium card: 18.24% or 24.24%
Best Western offers two credit card options:
- Best Western Rewards MasterCard
- Best Western Rewards Premium MasterCard.
With the Premium card, you can enjoy up to four free nights with bonus points and automatically gain Platinum membership status, skipping the first two tiers of the Best Western Rewards program
For the regular Rewards MasterCard, you can earn up to two free nights with bonus points.
Earning Points:
- Premium Card: 20 points per dollar spent on Best Western Stays (10 points as a Best Western Rewards Member and 10 points for using the Premium MasterCard), plus 2 points per dollar spent elsewhere
- Regular Card: 13 points per dollar spent on Best Western Stays (10 points for being a rewards program member and 3 points for using the MasterCard), plus 2 points per dollar spent elsewhere
Both cards also offer access to a member-only discounted hotel rate, where you can get at least a 10% discount by selecting the Best Western Rewards Rate at bwrcarddiscount.com.
21. Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 0% for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, it’s either 16.74%, 21.49%, or 26.49%.
Get 32,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days, enough for up to four free nights.
For spending $10,000 or more by your account anniversary, you’ll earn 8,000-anniversary bonus points, redeemable for a free night’s stay.
Earn 15 points for every dollar spent at eligible Choice Privileges locations with your Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card and membership.
Receive 5 points per dollar spent on hotel gift cards or points and 2 points for every dollar spent elsewhere.
Plus, you receive 10% bonus points each time you book a stay with Choice Hotels.
22. IHG Rewards Club Credit Cards
- Annual fee: Vary depending on the card you choose.
- APR: Vary from card to card
IHG offers two main credit cards:
- IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card:
You earn 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels. And 2 points per dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. You also earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card:
You earn the same points for purchases as the Premier card. You also earn 5 points for every dollar spent on hotel stays at IHG hotels.
Regardless of the card you pick, points earned can be redeemed for free nights at IHG hotels.
Additionally, there are four other credit cards available, which you can find more information about on their website.
23. Marriot Rewards Premier Plus Credit Card
- Annual fee: $95
- APR: 24.49% to 49% (26.49% for cash advances)
Earn 100,000 bonus points by spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of opening your account.
Plus, enjoy a complimentary night award every year on your account anniversary.
You earn 6 points for every dollar spent at Marriott hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
24. Hilton Honors Ascend Card from American Express
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 24% to 26.24%
Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points by spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months with the card. Plus, enjoy a complimentary weekend night award after your first year of card membership.
With this card, you’ll earn:
- 12x Hilton Honors Bonus Points per dollar spent at Hilton Hotels and Resorts.
- 6x points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
- 3x points on all other eligible purchases.
You can redeem these points for free stays at Hilton Hotels.
Additionally, you access exclusive benefits like complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, offering access to over 1,000 airport lounges with up to ten free visits per year.
Work with a Mystery Shopping Company
Some companies cover travel costs, such as hotels and apartments, for individuals. These companies are called mystery shopping companies.
While you may think of mystery shopping primarily in relation to grocery stores, these opportunities exist across various industries, including restaurants and hotels.
Many hotel brands hire mystery shoppers to enhance their services and accommodations.
The role of a mystery shopper is to collect data and provide feedback, particularly on customer service. It’s akin to in-person surveys.
Hotel mystery shopping isn’t as straightforward as other methods for scoring free stays because it involves providing feedback rather than just enjoying a vacation. However, it’s a relatively simple process, and you can earn complimentary hotel stays through it.
Here are a few companies that provide hotel mystery shopping opportunities:
25. Coyle Hospitality
26. BestMark
Beware of scams when seeking mystery shopping gigs. One common scam involves receiving a check for more than your earnings and being asked to wire back the excess amount.
The check will bounce, leaving you responsible for the money sent from your own bank account.
For further details, check out the coverage on USA Today.
Check hotel best rate guarantees
Many hotels advertise “price match” deals on platforms like Booking.com, but what’s less known is that hotels themselves strive to offer the best rates directly to customers.
Hotels provide a service known as Best Rate Guarantees.
Even though they list rooms on third-party sites, hotels prefer direct bookings.
To encourage this, they provide Best Rate Guarantees, ensuring that you get the lowest price when you book directly with them.
Sometimes, hotels may not always offer the lowest prices on their own websites and you might find better deals on third-party platforms. If this happens and you inform the hotel, many hotels will match it and even provide additional perks like discounts or free stays.
Each hotel website specifies the conditions to qualify for the offer of the Best Rate Guarantee. Be sure to carefully review the instructions.
Here are some hotels that offer Best Rate Guarantees:
27. Choice Hotels
If you discover a cheaper price for the same date on another website, Choice will match it.
And there’s more…
U.S. and Canadian residents will receive a $50 Reward Card, and international guests will get a free night!
28. IHG Hotels
If you’re an IHG Rewards member, as mentioned earlier, you can make the most of their Best Price Guarantee.
If you discover a lower price elsewhere, IHG will match it.
Plus, they’ll give you five times the IHG Rewards Club Points, up to a maximum of 40,000 points.
This could earn you a free night’s stay!
Keep in mind that these bonus points won’t count towards your membership level, so they won’t help you move up to the next tier.
29. Best Western
If you discover a lower rate elsewhere than what’s offered at BestWestern, the brand will match that rate.
Plus, you’ll receive a $100 Best Western Travel Card.
30. Starwood Hotels & Resorts
If you discover a lower rate within 24 hours of booking, Starwood will match it. Additionally, they offer a choice between a 25% discount or 2,000 points, both of which can lead to a complimentary night.
For example, if you book a four-night stay for $800, and opt for the 25% discount, your trip’s cost reduces to $600. This means you’ve saved $200, equivalent to the nightly room rate, thus earning yourself a free night.
Alternatively, as a Starwood Preferred Guest member, 2,000 Starpoints can also secure you a free night.
31. Hilton
Hilton offers a Best Price Guarantee where they’ll match prices from other sites and give you a 25% discount.
This discount could potentially result in a free night, depending on your trip’s cost and duration.
32. Marriot
The Marriot offers a choice between a 25% discount or 5,000 Marriott Rewards points if you find a lower rate on another website.
Additionally, they will match that lower rate.
33. Omni Hotels & Resorts
If you discover a cheaper rate for the same type of room on another website, Omni will match that price and grant you a 20% discount on your stay.
As mentioned earlier, these discounts can amount to a complimentary night.
34. AccorHotels
If you reserve a room with AccorHotels and later discover a cheaper rate for the same hotel and room category, AccorHotels will match that price and also offer you a 10% discount.
35. Shangri-La
If you reserve a room through the Shangri-La website and later discover a cheaper rate for the same room on another site within 24 hours, Shangri-La will match that price. Additionally, they’ll provide a further 10% discount on the lower rate.
Get a free hotel room by complaining (nicely!)
We’ve discussed numerous methods for staying in hotels for free.
However, there’s another option: complaining.
If you encounter a problem during your hotel stay, it’s valid to voice your concerns. Genuine grievances can sometimes lead to a complimentary night’s stay.
However, it’s important to address issues respectfully. Being rude or unreasonable won’t be effective and is disrespectful to the hotel staff.
We’re discussing how to express complaints respectfully, reasonably, and politely.
Being polite and reasonable increases the chances of the hotel listening and genuinely wanting to assist you.
Avoid demanding a free night. Instead, provide reasons for the hotel to consider offering it to you.
36. How to complain to get your hotel room comped
To effectively address an issue, start by complaining to the appropriate person.
Seek out someone with more authority or responsibility.
While it’s important to notify the front desk clerk initially, aim to escalate the matter to higher management for further discussion.
Here are some tips for efficient complaint handling:
Tips for Effective Complaints:
- Clearly state the issue: Describe the problem calmly and clearly, avoiding emotional language. Provide evidence, like photos or videos taken with your smartphone, if possible.
- Be realistic: Understand that minor issues may not warrant compensation like a free stay.
- Report promptly: Inform the hotel staff in person as soon as possible. If unable to do so on-site, make sure to call as soon as you can after returning home.
- Besides being polite, a helpful tip is to frame your complaint as constructive feedback, which helps them improve future customer experiences. You can also politely express your disappointment and mention your desire to continue using the brand’s services. Some have found success with this approach, as shared by a Reddit user.
While the hotel may offer compensation such as a free meal, room upgrade, or discount, it’s not guaranteed, don’t always expect compensation.
Remember to only complain if you genuinely have an issue. Hotel staff are experienced and can often tell when complaints are exaggerated or dishonest to get something for free, as discussed in a Reddit thread by hotel clerks.
Check out travel search engine sites
Consider checking out travel fare aggregator platforms such as Booking.com and Expedia. These websites can help you score free hotel stays or get discounts.
Here are some options to check out:
37. Booking.com
Booking.com offers discounts through its Genius deals program, where users can save more the more they book. As a Genius member, you receive a 10% discount on room prices.
Rather than receiving a free night’s stay outright, Genius deals provide a discount on your entire trip. This means you can end up paying for one less night.
For instance, if you were booking a 10-night stay at a hotel through Booking.com priced at $170 per night, the total cost would be $1,700.
However, as a Genius member, you save 10%, or $170, reducing the total cost to $1,530.
Effectively, since you’re saving the equivalent of one night’s stay, Booking.com offers significant savings. Additionally, Booking.com is a reliable platform—I’ve successfully booked accommodations in destinations ranging from Rome to Vienna using it!
38. Expedia
Expedia is a travel website that offers hotel savings through its rewards program, Expedia Rewards.
Members earn 2 points for every dollar spent on hotels, packages, car rentals, cruises, and activities on Expedia. Additionally, they earn 1 point for every $5 spent on flights and airline frequent flyer miles.
You can redeem points when booking hotels on Expedia, potentially earning a free night’s stay if you have enough points.
Notably, points are valued twice as much at Expedia’s 3,500+ VIP Access hotels, known for their excellent guest reviews, ratings, and service.
39. Hotels.com
Hotels.com offers a rewarding program where you earn free hotel stays. Simply collect 10 nights and you get one night free!
What’s unique about this program is that your free night’s value equals the average cost of the ten nights you collected.
With 297,000 properties to pick from, you decide how to gather those ten nights. Whether in one go or across several trips, it’s up to you.
Besides free nights, you can access secret prices for additional savings. These exclusive rates can slash costs by up to 50%.
40. Become an “influencer”
Getting freebies through social media is a common thing nowadays.
If you want to score free hotel stays, you’ll need to grow a following on platforms like blogs, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram, where you share travel content.
Numerous bloggers not only earn from their travel blogs but also receive freebies from hotels and travel companies.
However, becoming an influencer requires time and dedication. It’s not a quick route to get free hotel stays, so be ready to put in hard work and stay committed.
What’s the best way to get a free or discounted hotel room?
A great way to score free or discounted hotel rooms is by using hotel credit cards that offer points and perks. With points from cards like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, you can book award stays at hotels globally.
Moreover, many big hotel brands team up with credit card companies to give cardholders extra benefits, such as free night certificates. These certificates can also be used for award stays worldwide.
How can you find cheap hotel rooms?
To get the best deals on hotel rooms, compare prices on various booking websites like Expedia, Hotels.com, Kayak, and Booking.com. Don’t forget to also check the hotel’s own website for any special promotions or discounts.
Can you negotiate hotel rates?
Hotel rates can vary across different booking sites like Expedia or Hotels.com, even for the same hotel. If you wish to negotiate rates directly with a hotel, it’s best to contact the general manager.
You can find their contact information on the hotel’s website or speak with them during your stay. Other managers at the hotel might also be able to provide discounts. It’s always worth asking, particularly if it’s not peak travel season. Just remember to be polite and specific about your request.
Is it cheaper to book directly with a hotel?
Booking directly with a hotel can sometimes be cheaper than online travel agencies such as Orbitz or Booking.com, but it varies for each hotel reservation. Online agencies often offer the best rates if you’re looking to save money upfront. However, many hotels will match or even beat those prices.
Moreover, when you book directly with a hotel, it’s usually easier to cancel or modify your reservation than booking through an online agency. If you want to avoid complications and possibly save money if your plans change, booking directly with the hotel is a better option.
The bottom line
By following these strategies, you can enjoy free hotel stays worldwide.
Saving on hotel expenses allows you to allocate your funds towards more travel adventures. Whether exploring your country or venturing to a new continent, traveling becomes more accessible without hefty accommodation costs.
Try joining rewards programs, obtaining a travel rewards credit card, booking through platforms like Booking.com or Expedia, or partnering with companies that offer travel incentives. With these approaches, you’ll be on your way to securing free nights at hotels.