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To find the best hotel rates, compare prices on a hotel search engine such as Trivago or Google Hotel Search, then check the hotel's own website before you book.
Quick answer
A few habits can save you money:
Compare rates across many sites at once. Online travel agencies, meta-search engines and travel apps show you which site has the lowest price for the same room.
Watch for last-minute and bundled offers. Some apps focus on same-day bookings, and many sites give loyalty members lower prices.
Visit the hotel's own website. Hotels sometimes post member rates, packages or perks there that you won't see elsewhere.
- Use meta-search engines like Trivago, Kayak or Google Hotel Search to scan several sites in one search.
- Set up price alerts so you hear about drops without checking every day.
- Follow your favourite hotels on social media for promo codes and flash sales.
Compare hotel prices
Use a hotel search engine aggregator
An aggregator pulls prices from many booking sites into one list. You see at a glance which site sells the same room for less. Popular options include Trivago, Google Hotel Search and Kayak.
Look for features like price alerts and price tracking
Some search engines track a hotel's price and email or notify you when it falls. This is handy for busy dates and popular hotels, where prices move often.
Choose a search engine that suits your needs
- Trivago: Offers many filters and compares one hotel's price across several booking sites.
- Google Hotel Search: Works with Google Maps, so you can see hotels near the place you want to be.
- Kayak: Lets you track prices and set alerts.
- Booking.com: Runs a loyalty programme that gives frequent bookers discounts on many properties.
- Expedia: Lets you book hotels with flights and car rentals, and runs a rewards programme.
For a closer look at smaller, independent properties, see our guide: Discovering Hidden Gems: How to Find Great Boutique Hotels Anywhere
Use travel apps and websites
Apps make it easy to search on the go and to catch deals that appear at short notice. Some compare prices. Others sell rooms directly.
- Hotel price comparison websites:
- Trivago: Compares hotel prices from many booking sites.
- Kayak: Searches hotels, flights and car rentals.
- Google Hotel Search: Shows prices from several sites next to a map.
- Skyscanner: Compares flights, hotels and car rentals.
- Expedia: Lets you book flights, hotels and car rentals in one place.
- Hotel booking apps:
- HotelTonight: Focuses on last-minute hotel bookings, including same-day stays.
Before you pay, check whether the price shown includes taxes and fees. Some sites show the nightly rate first and add charges at checkout.
Check hotel websites directly
Once you know the lowest price on comparison sites, check the hotel's own site. You may find a similar or lower rate, or extras that make the direct booking better value.
Look for special offers
Hotel websites often list early booking discounts, longer-stay offers and member rates. These deals may apply only to certain dates or room types. New offers appear often, so check back if your dates are flexible.
Use hotel websites' booking tools
Most hotels let you book on their own site. Booking direct can bring benefits such as loyalty points, and it is often easier to change a booking with the hotel than through a third party.
- Join the hotel's free loyalty programme, since member rates are often lower.
- Look for packages that include breakfast or parking.
- Check the hotel's social media accounts for promo codes.
- Call the hotel and ask if it can match a lower price you found online.
- Read the fine print on cancellation rules and extra fees.
Look for package deals
Booking a hotel together with flights or a car can cost less than booking each part on its own. Packages also save time, since you plan several parts of the trip in one place.
What is a package deal?
A package deal combines travel parts, such as flights, hotel stays and car rentals, and sells them as one booking. You can buy one from a travel agency, an online travel agency (OTA), or sometimes straight from an airline or hotel.
Finding package deals
- Check OTAs like Expedia or Priceline, which sell flight and hotel bundles.
- Look at airline websites, as some offer hotel add-ons when you book a flight.
- Ask a travel agent to build a package around your dates and budget.
- Compare the package price with the cost of booking each part separately, as bundles are not always cheaper.
Consider alternative accommodations
If hotel prices are high for your dates, other types of stay can cost less and still be comfortable.
Hostels and guesthouses
Hostels and guesthouses offer shared or private rooms at budget prices. Many have shared kitchens and lounges, which suits solo travellers who want to meet people.
Airbnb options
Airbnb lists everything from a room in someone's home to entire apartments. Some hosts offer weekly or monthly discounts, which can make longer stays cheaper than a hotel.
- Look for places outside the city centre, close to public transport.
- Read the cleaning fee and other charges, not just the nightly rate.
- Book early if your dates fall on holidays or local events.
Vacation rentals
Rental apartments and houses can be good value for groups and families, since the cost is split between more people. A full kitchen also lets you cook some meals and spend less on eating out.
Key takeaways
The points below give you the best chance of a good rate.
Be flexible with travel dates and length of stay
Hotel prices change with the day of the week and the season. City hotels that serve business travellers can be cheaper at weekends, while resorts often cost more then. Try moving your dates by a day or two and compare.
Use multiple booking platforms and websites
No single site always has the lowest price. Check at least one aggregator and one or two booking sites, and set alerts for the hotels you like.
Check hotel websites directly
Make the hotel's own site your last stop before booking. Compare its rate and perks with the best price you found elsewhere.
- Add taxes and fees before comparing totals.
- Read recent reviews from other guests.
- Check the cancellation policy, as cheaper non-refundable rates carry more risk.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the cheapest hotel rates?
Start with a meta-search engine to see prices from many sites. Then try a couple of nearby dates, join the hotel's loyalty programme for member rates, and check its own website before you book.
What is the best way to compare hotel prices?
Search the same hotel, dates and room type on an aggregator such as Trivago, Google Hotel Search or Kayak. Compare the total price including taxes and fees, not only the nightly rate.
Can I get notified of price drops or special offers?
Yes. Kayak and Google Hotel Search, among others, let you track prices. Hotel newsletters and social media accounts also share sales and promo codes.
How do I find last-minute hotel deals?
Apps such as HotelTonight focus on short-notice bookings. Hotels with empty rooms may also lower prices close to the date, so check booking sites on the day if you can be flexible.
Are refundable or non-refundable rates better?
Non-refundable rates are usually cheaper, but you lose your money if your plans change. Choose a free-cancellation rate if your trip is not fixed.
Is it cheaper to book through a hotel or a booking site?
It depends. Booking sites sometimes have lower prices, while hotels may offer member rates, perks or easier changes. Compare both before you decide.
Can I get exclusive hotel offers and discounts?
Yes. Sign up for the hotel's loyalty programme and newsletter, and follow it on social media. Members often see lower rates and offers that the public does not.
