If you want to save money, save time and enjoy more benefits when booking a hotel room, then booking directly with the hotel is best. Here are some of the main benefits you can expect when you book a hotel directly with no reservation fees.
Hotels have a lot of wiggle room when changing a reservation or canceling one. If you reserve through a third-party site, changing dates and avoiding penalties can be easier.
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Save Money
The main benefit of booking a hotel with no reservation fees is saving money while traveling. This is because hotels are priced on demand. The cost of a room is generally higher during peak travel times, like school holidays and Friday and Saturday nights.
To avoid these prices, click here or change your travel dates to off-peak days or stay during the shoulder season when hotels are less popular. This will ensure you get a good deal and can handle overpriced hotels.
Another way to save on a hotel is to take advantage of hotel discounts. These can include special rates for government and military personnel, extended stays, and AARP members.
Ask the hotel about their loyalty program if you’re a frequent traveler.
These are only sometimes available when you book online, so it’s a good idea to call the hotel directly. Also, many small boutique hotels offer special deals to guests who pay for their stay in cash.
If you’re looking for a way to save even more, consider using a price tracking tool, which will send you an email when your booked room drops. You’ll then be able to cancel the original room and rebook it at a lower rate.
Convenience
One of the most convenient reasons to book a hotel with no reservation fees is that it saves travelers money. This is especially true if they are planning to stay at a hotel for a long period and have a limited budget.
Another benefit of booking a hotel directly is that it provides more flexibility when changing dates or canceling a stay. Hotels don’t have to pay a fee to third parties, so they can more easily make changes for their guests.
In addition, hotels often provide perks for people who book direct. These can include free breakfast, room upgrades, and more.
Many hotels also offer packages that combine flight, hotel, and car rentals in one convenient package. These packages can be very beneficial for travelers and are very popular.
However, they should carefully read the fine print and ensure that everything is included in the rate before booking. Some hotels charge extra for items that should be included in the room rate, like beach towels and access to the exercise room.
Some booking engines bury these fees in the fine print, and some will only reveal them after you clicked through and book. Some states are considering legislation requiring booking engine companies to show customers the total cost of their stay when they book online.
Save Time
It can be challenging to save money on a hotel, but there are many ways. For one, you can book a hotel at the last minute and avoid reservation fees.
Another way to get a great hotel rate is to use a travel rewards credit card. These cards often offer 1.5% cash back or equivalent points on hotel stays. You can also use a travel rewards credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees, which can be hugely helpful.
Booking your hotel a few months ahead can also be a great way to lock in a good price, but it’s important to check the fine print. Some hotels have a policy where they only reduce prices a few months in advance, so you’ll need to know when those are before you book.
In addition, hotels may charge sneaky extras like parking and WiFi fees. These fees can add up, so it’s a good idea to shop for them before booking.
Finally, don’t hesitate to call your hotel directly to see if they can save you some money. They can offer you a discount or even a free upgrade like a better room.
Whether you’re looking to save money on your next hotel stay or get the best deal, these tips will surely help. By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a memorable trip without breaking the bank.
More Loyalty Points
One of the main benefits of booking a hotel with no reservation fees is earning loyalty points. Loyalty programs offer a variety of benefits, including early check-in and late check-out, free breakfast, room upgrades, and on-site credits towards food or spa treatments.
However, many hotels will not offer these perks to customers who book through online travel agencies or third-party sites. Because these websites do not pay the hotel any commission, they are less likely to offer these benefits.
Another advantage to booking a hotel with no reservation fees is that you will often be able to cancel your stay without incurring cancellation charges. This can be a big plus for people who cancel due to illness or other emergencies.
If you are interested in earning loyalty points for your hotel stays, consider joining a hotel brand’s co-branded credit card. This can help you earn many free nights and may be worth the extra effort.