How I Get Accommodation for Less (And You Can Too)
When I started traveling, I used to think the only way to get somewhere nice was to pay top dollar. But over 15+ years, I’ve discovered tricks, reward programs, and timing hacks that let me stay in great places without eating ramen every night. Here are my best tips for scoring cheaper accommodation — the same ones I use on every trip.
1. Join Loyalty & Reward Programs — They Actually Work
If you often stay in hotels, hostels, or chains like Wyndham, Choice, Marriott, Hilton — it pays to join their rewards programs. These programs are free, and once you’re in:
You collect points every time you stay. Points can turn into free nights, room upgrades, or welcome perks like free breakfast or late checkout.
Some offer member-only rates when you book directly through the hotel’s website or app. That means lower prices than OTAs (online travel agencies).
Hotel credit cards sometimes add bonus points or free nights — but even without a card, loyalty programs can give you a lot back.
For example:
Choice Privileges has tons of properties around the world, and and redemptions can be excellent value.
Wyndham Rewards is everywhere, often in smaller towns, which makes it easy to rack up and use points.
Hotel rewards add up fast — I’ve already started collecting with Wyndham and Choice.
2. Be Smart About When You Travel
When you go can matter just as much as where you go.
Peak season (holidays, summer in Europe, winter beach escapes) → rates skyrocket.
Shoulder season (just before or after peak) → still great weather, fewer crowds, and way better prices.
Off-season → if you don’t mind rain or cooler temps, you can score near-empty hostels or hotels for a steal.
I’ve also noticed that booking well in advance almost always saves money — rates creep up the closer you get.
Traveling in the off-season in Greece — fewer crowds, but definitely colder!
3. Use Packages & Bundles
Sometimes bundling accommodation + flights (or car rental) gets you a better deal than booking separately.
Package sites often have negotiated rates.
Watch for flash sales on hotel + flight combos.
Loyalty programs sometimes pair with airlines for even more savings.
💡 My example: I once booked a package through Air Canada Vacations — Toronto to Honolulu for $2400 CAD, with a beachfront Waikiki hotel included. That deal saved me hundreds compared to booking everything separately.
We booked a package deal with Air Canada Vacations from Toronto to Honolulu — flight and hotel included for $2400CAD.
4. Price Compare, But Do It Carefully
Comparing is great, but here are a few things to watch out for:
Always check the total cost — taxes, fees, and resort fees can make a “cheap” room more expensive.
Booking direct with the hotel sometimes gets you perks (free breakfast, WiFi, better cancellation).
Use price alert tools to track drops.
Be flexible with dates — even shifting one day can mean big savings. Staying just outside the tourist zone also cuts costs.
Don’t just book the first price you see — comparing sites like Booking.com and Expedia can save you big money on the exact same stay.
5. Credit Cards & Points (Without Going Overboard)
I’m not into the whole extreme credit card game, but I’ve used points when it really made sense. Thanks to my stepdad’s rewards, I’ve stayed in hotel rooms that would have cost $500 a night — completely free. When prices are outrageous, points can be a lifesaver.
💡 My tip: even if you don’t want to chase points, having access to one card with rewards is a great backup for those “too expensive” situations.
If you do want to collect points, here are a few easy ways:
Co-branded hotel cards: These tie directly to chains like Marriott, Hilton, or Choice, and often come with free nights or automatic status.
General travel rewards cards: Earn flexible points that can be transferred to multiple hotel programs.
Everyday spending: Groceries, gas, and bills can add up to free nights if you pay them with a rewards card (and pay the balance off each month).
Promotions: Hotels often run “double points” promos — great if your trip lines up with one.
You don’t have to go full “points hacker” to benefit. Even a little collecting can turn into a free night when you need it most.
6. Use Lesser Known Chains & Alternatives
Big names aren’t your only option:
Smaller chains or family-run hotels often give better value.
Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and homestays add local flavor at lower prices.
Vacation rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) are especially good for longer stays with a kitchen.
Hostels aren’t just dorm beds anymore — many now offer private rooms that are cheaper than hotels but still social.
7. Use Membership Discounts & Hidden Perks
Don’t skip the easy wins — memberships can save you more than you think:
CAA/AAA, AARP, military, teacher, or union memberships often unlock hotel discounts just by entering your member number when you book.
Corporate rates: if your company (or even a friend’s) has a corporate account, sometimes you can use it for personal travel.
Hidden “member-only” rates: many hotel websites drop the price if you’re logged in as a member. It takes 30 seconds to sign up, and the savings can be worth it.
💡 My tip: I use my CAA membership with Choice Hotels and get an extra 10% off accommodation — easy savings for something I already pay for anyway.
CAA + Choice Hotels = an easy 10% discount on rooms.”
8. Always Read the Fine Print
Hotels love to tack on “surprise” charges, so always double-check the details before booking. A few things I’ve learned the hard way:
Cancellation policies: non-refundable rates might look cheapest, but if your flight gets delayed or plans change, you’ll regret it. When in doubt, spend a little extra for flexible cancellation — it’s worth the peace of mind.
Resort, parking, and WiFi fees: in places like Hawaii, I’ve been hit with daily resort fees and parking charges. Suddenly that “budget” room wasn’t so budget anymore.
Meals & breakfast: compare carefully. Two hotels might cost the same, but only one includes breakfast — that’s instant savings. These days, many hotels charge $20+ for breakfast. Since I’m not a big breakfast eater, I don’t usually pay extra, but if it’s included in the price, I’ll book that place and make myself eat early. It saves money overall.
💡 My tip: Don’t just look at the nightly rate — look at the “total stay cost” with all fees included. That’s the real price you’re paying.
Breakfast included at a small Greek guesthouse — sometimes the included meals are worth more than you’d expect!
9. Use Offbeat Timing & Local Knowledge
Sometimes the best savings come from thinking a little differently:
Last-minute deals: if you’re flexible, booking late at night or grabbing a room the day of can score big discounts. Just keep in mind it’s risky if you must stay at a certain place.
Mid-week stays: Friday and Saturday nights are usually the most expensive. Shifting your trip to Tuesday–Thursday can save a surprising amount.
Avoid big events: festivals, concerts, or conventions can send hotel prices through the roof. If you don’t care about the event, plan around it.
Tap into local knowledge: I love checking Facebook groups or local travel forums. Sometimes locals share discount codes, guesthouse tips, or deals you’ll never see on Booking.com or Expedia.
💡 My tip: when I’m not tied to a fixed itinerary, I use these tricks the most — they’ve saved me hundreds over the years.
10. How I Make It Work (My Personal Story + Tips)
Since “cheaper” isn’t just about cost — it’s also about what I’m okay with compromising on — here are what I do on the ground:
I pick a loyalty program or two that I like (Wyndham or Choice often) and try to stick with them. So upgraded rooms, perks, or free nights happen because of repeat stays.
I always check if “member rate” is cheaper than OTA. Almost always it is for me.
Before big trips I plan, I watch for promos (double points, flash sales), block out “shoulder season” if I can, or travel just before or after peak season.
If I see a dreamy resort but the price is too high, I check “off premises” hotels close by — sometimes 10-15 mins outside a main tourist zone and you get massive savings.
Wrapping It Up
If you click on this blog (yes, you want to), I hope you leave thinking: “I can travel smarter without being cheap.” Cheaper accommodation isn’t about giving up comfort or missing experiences — it’s about using tricks, loyalty, timing, and a little patience.
Next time you plan a trip, try one of these tips:
Join that hotel rewards program you always skip.
Shift your travel dates by a few days.
Book directly with the hotel rather than a big booking site.
Do that, and you’ll be smiling when you check in — knowing you got a deal.
