We all love value for money, but finding the best quality hotel at the cheapest price can be hard work if you don't know what to look out for.
As we head into the New Year, it's not just the shops that are having sales, hotels are joining in too. January is a great time for a last minute bargain, especially at larger hotels as they have more rooms to sell so are more likely to offer reduced rates. With the post-Christmas lull, many hotels drop their rates to try and entice in much-needed custom. Why stay in a 3* hotel when by carrying out a little bit of research, you can stay in a 4* or 5* hotel?
| It's not just the shops that have sales, hotels are joining in too... |
Follow our top tips and pay less for your hotel room...
1. Set your budget - Before you even start looking at places to stay, fix your nightly budget. You'll then avoid looking at pricey hotels that could make your holiday a lot more expensive.
2. Think about your location - Out of town hotels are nearly always cheaper than staying right in the city centre. Find out if there are good transport links and if so, consider booking a room further away. The savings you make could mean the difference between staying in a 3* or 5* hotel. There's also more chance of less-centrally located hotels offering free parking and sometimes, shuttle buses to airports/city centres.
3. Dates - If you can travel outside peak dates, do so - you'll save yourself a small fortune. When booking a city break, try to avoid staying over on Fridays and Saturdays - by staying over Thursdays and Sundays you could benefit from cheaper nightly rates. Also, check there are no big events taking place where you want to stay as hotel prices may be inflated (unless you're there for the event).
4. Pay in £s - Looking to stay in Europe? Then pay in pounds rather than euros - you will pay less. Likewise, if you're travelling to the USA the weak dollar means you can save money paying in dollars rather than pounds.
5. Single travellers - To avoid the single room supplement look out for 'per room per night' rates rather than 'per person per night'.
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6. Aim high - Large 4* and 5* hotels often have lots of availability in the quieter months. This can often result in big discounts out of season so you should be able to snap up a bargain.
7. Be cheeky - If you don't ask, you don't get. When checking in at your hotel, try asking for a room upgrade or if you're travelling for a special occasion e.g. honeymoon or anniversary, make sure you tell the hotel - you might just be pleasantly surprised with champagne or chocolates in your room. Hotels are keen to get repeat custom so these high-value add-ons are often available.
8. What's included? - Many hotels charge a premium for breakfast and other services you might not want. Room only is the cheapest way to stay, and you can grab breakfast much cheaper at a local café.
9. Check special offers - Hotels are always offering deals such as three nights for the price of two, free upgrades etc. Sign up to email news bulletins to get in the know. Also, look out for new hotels - which usually have special introductory offers.
10. Hostels - Hostels offer great value for money and are not to be sniffed at. Many hostels can be a lot cheaper than even basic hotels and can also offer private facilities.
