5 Tips on How to Book Cheap Hotels in 2025

By AirTrackBot • Posted Feb 01, 2025

Photo: Pixabay

Hotel prices continue to rise, and this trend is expected to persist in 2025. According to Skift, hotel rates reached record highs in 2024 due to increasing demand, inflation, and limited supply in certain regions. As a result, finding affordable hotel rooms is becoming more challenging for travelers. However, with the right strategies, you can book a hotel for cheap and reduce your accommodation costs without sacrificing comfort.

This article provides practical tips on how to find the cheapest hotels and secure the best deals in 2025. By applying these strategies, you can save money on hotels and make your travels more budget-friendly.

1. Use Price Comparison Websites

To get the best rates at hotels, it’s essential to understand that the price for the same room can vary significantly depending on where you book. For instance, a room on Hotels.com may sometimes be cheaper than on Booking.com or Expedia.

For effective price comparison, use hotel metasearch engines such as:

  • HotelsCombined – Aggregates prices from multiple platforms.
  • Skyscanner Hotels – Helps compare accommodation rates.
  • Trivago – Displays price variations across different booking sites.

As shown in the screenshot, the best deal for a room at the Windsor Excelsior Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro is available on Agoda for $465 for four nights, while the same room costs $639 on Booking.com. Using comparison sites can help you save 30% or more on each booking.

2. Take Advantage of Last-Minute Deals

Booking at the last minute can sometimes be an effective way to get cheap hotel rates. Hotels with unsold rooms often offer significant discounts shortly before check-in, making last-minute luxury hotel deals an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers.

To find cheap last-minute hotel rooms, use specialized platforms such as:

However, this method isn’t always reliable. If you’re traveling during peak seasons, such as holidays, festivals, or major conferences, or if you’re visiting a popular tourist destination, it’s better to book a hotel room in advance. Otherwise, you risk paying higher rates or finding no available rooms.

3. Join Hotel Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs can significantly reduce your hotel costs and provide additional perks. For example, Booking.com’s Genius program offers up to 20% discounts, free breakfast, and room upgrades for frequent customers.

Newly registered Genius members receive an instant 10% discount upon signing up, which applies to both hotel bookings and car rentals, making it an easy way to save on travel expenses right away.

Other valuable hotel loyalty programs include:

  • Hotels.com Rewards – Earn a free night after booking 10 paid nights. For example, if you book ten nights at different hotels through Hotels.com, you’ll receive a reward night equivalent to the average price of your previous bookings. This is one of the simplest ways for travelers to learn how to get free hotel stays with minimal effort.
  • Expedia Rewards – Accumulate points that can be redeemed for future bookings.
  • Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG Rewards – Provide exclusive discounts, free nights, and room upgrades.

Frequent travelers can benefit significantly from joining a hotel loyalty program, as it offers long-term savings, exclusive perks, and opportunities to earn complimentary nights over time.

4. Book Directly on Hotel Websites

In some cases, booking directly through a hotel’s official website can be more cost-effective than using third-party platforms. Many hotels offer exclusive discounts or perks such as free breakfast, room upgrades, or late check-out for direct bookings. Hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt often guarantee the best hotel rates on their official sites.

Additional advantages of booking directly include:

  • Access to member-only rates.
  • Flexible cancellation policies.
  • Priority consideration for room upgrades.

Some hotels also offer early booking discounts, which can be as high as 40%. However, booking platforms like Booking.com frequently provide additional discounts and promotions that may not be available on hotel websites. Before booking, compare prices across different platforms. If the price difference is minimal, contacting the hotel directly may help secure a better deal.

5. Track Hotel Prices & Set Alerts

Hotel prices fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and special promotions. To find cheap hotel rooms, it’s essential to monitor price changes and book when rates drop.

The best tools for tracking hotel prices include:

  • HotelsCombined – Sends alerts when prices decrease.
  • Kayak – Allows you to set notifications for specific hotels.

Additionally, if you use Telegram, the HotelBot can notify you about hotel price changes in real-time. This is particularly convenient, as it eliminates the need to check websites manually or wait for email notifications.

By regularly monitoring hotel prices and acting quickly when discounts appear, you can book hotels at the lowest prices with minimal effort.

Conclusion

Booking a hotel at a budget-friendly rate in 2025 is entirely possible if you know the right strategies. Using price comparison sites, last-minute hotel deals, loyalty programs, and direct booking methods can help you save money on hotels while securing affordable rooms without compromising on quality.

A flexible and strategic approach to booking is key. In some cases, early reservations provide the best value, while at other times, waiting for last-minute deals can lead to significant savings. Comparing prices, utilizing loyalty benefits, and keeping an eye on promotions will help make your trip not only comfortable but also more affordable.

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