How to Get Discounted Hotel Rates and Upgrades

Hotel room rates go up and down according to supply and demand. But if you know how to find the lowest possible rate on a room, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars. Lucky for you, Amy Ziff, Travelocity.com’s Editor-at-Large, will share her insider’s travel tips on how to get discounted hotel rates and upgrades.

Watch this video:

Getting discount hotel rates:

You usually won’t get discount hotel rates by calling the hotels directly. Generally, the lowest rates are going to be found online.

Look for a “good buy” rate or “guaranteed lowest price.”

Sometimes you can take advantage of a discount hotel rate by looking for specials that stretch out your dollar such as “stay three nights and get one free.”

Check out travel packages for the best price on the whole vacation as they can save you 10-30% or more.

Last minute deals are often a good buy. Most packages can only be booked 14 days in advance so even if you’re a procrastinator or just like being spontaneous you can still get a discount hotel rate!

Getting a free hotel upgrade and special treatment:

Call ahead to let them know your trip is special in some way; a birthday or anniversary, perhaps. While it may not result in a hotel upgrade, you may find out about special services the hotel offers for free or for a small cost – but it could be well worth it. However, if you don’t let them know about your special occasion they won’t be able to help.