How to Save on Hotels

I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more.

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I received a question from a reader recently and since it’s one I get often, I thought I would do a post on the topic.

QUESTION

Hi Johnny,

I love reading your newsletter you do a great job, I need a tip from you. I’m coming to California, specifically to Santa Barbara for 6 days in a couple weeks, how do I get a good deal or discount on a hotel? Thanks and hope your family is doing well. ~ Robert

ANSWER
When I look for hotels, I shop around, checking a variety of websites including popular third party sites like Booking.com, Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline. I also use apps that specialize in last-minute hotel bookings like HotelTonight.

When I find a good price, I then check the hotel’s website directly (here’s a website with all of the hotel phone numbers and websites) to see if it’s the same price or relatively close. If it is, then I will book directly since guests usually get better rooms at check-in, it’s easier to refund and most importantly, earn points and get free WiFi. FYI: It’s no secret that hotels don’t like paying third-party commission rates, which is why they do everything they can to give loyal customers more perks.

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