How to Save Money on Hotels Without Cutting Comfort: Hacks That Actually Work

When I recently booked my upcoming Miami holiday, I conducted extensive research on accommodation and flights, because I can't call myself The Penny Pincher if I'm not going to go out of my way to find the best possible deal! I spent some time looking around and checked out loads of travel options; like, absolutely loads of options, to see what I could come up with, as travelling in the school summer holidays is always going to be expensive! Even though I'm travelling at the end of the holidays, those prices were still sky high, and I didn't want to pay over the odds, especially as the week after we get back, the flight prices plummet as the kids are back to school, which is really annoying! I went through pretty much every travel website and comparison site I could find until I was certain I couldn't find a better deal elsewhere; it was exhausting, but I saved a substantial amount of money on both my flights and hotel accommodation.

How did I save an extra £350 on my holiday costs?

After going through all the sites, I pretty much narrowed down my search to Booking.com, which looked cheapest, but once I factored in cashback and hidden extras like parking, the story changed. In the end, I booked my hotel room through Trip.com, and I also used them for all my other holiday booking needs, because they were competitively priced, and it means I can manage my hotel, flights, and car hire bookings in one place, via their app. Crucially, every booking I made, I also earned 10% cashback (cashback is earned on the booking price minus taxes) through the cashback service Complete Savings.

On paper, Booking.com was a touch cheaper, but once cashback was factored in, Trip.com worked out to be the best deal for me, which has saved us money on the cost of our holiday. In fact, I earned enough cashback on my holiday bookings to cover the cost of my car hire, just by taking a couple of extra minutes to make sure I was earning cashback on the booking; so that holiday research, paired with cashback, has really paid off, as that car hire was £350!

I also paid for my bookings with my new M&S Credit Card, which I applied for via TopCashback to get a £31 bonus, not the £15 voucher M&S offered directly. That gave me 18 months' interest-free on my purchases (bookings) and M&S Rewards, which I can convert into M&S vouchers, which I'll use for free M&S groceries. All those little booking strategies have stacked up real savings!

I've booked a few hotel rooms in my time!

This is not my first rodeo. In my former life as a frequent business traveller, I stayed in dozens of hotels, and have always taken pride in making sure I got the possible deals and stacked as many loyalty points as possible, and used them wisely! Cashback wasn't a thing back then, sadly, but I still saved probably thousands of pounds by researching deals and making sure the deal I got was the best one possible; and these days I think it's even easier with all the cashback apps and comparison sites, so all to play for! I've stayed in a wide range of hotels, ranging in quality from frankly amazing to hotels from the depths of hell! I once woke up with a not-clean pair of women’s underwear wrapped around my ankle while travelling alone. That meant the sheets had not been changed; beyond grim. I have also stayed in a dodgy LA motel with a faulty lock, gunshots outside, sirens all night, people trying my door, and filth everywhere. No sleep. Zero vibes. So these hacks are about maximising value without sacrificing the basics, like comfort, cleanliness, and safety.

How to save money on your hotel stays, no matter where you stay, or your budget

Book direct, but always compare!

Direct bookings often come with perks because hotels avoid third-party commissions. You can get a complimentary breakfast, late checkout, or even a better room. Do not assume direct is always best, though. Third-party/comparison sites sometimes have bulk rates or coupon codes that beat the hotel site once you add cashback.

• Check multiple routes, then layer value:
  

  • Comparison and cashback: Check cashback rates from the big cashback sites such as TopCashback, Quidco, JamDoughnut, and Complete Savings.

  • Gift card stacking: Buy discounted hotel or Airbnb gift cards via JamDoughnut, then book. That reduces the price after the cashback kicks in.

  • Direct perks vs an online travel agency price: If direct is slightly more but includes breakfast and late checkout, it can still win.
    

Personal example: Booking.com looked cheaper at first. Trip.com plus cashback through Complete Savings made the total price lower after rebate, and it let me keep every booking in one app.

Use incognito mode when searching, and understand why it works

This is more than a myth. Here is what is happening behind the scenes and how to beat it.

Why prices can move against you

• Cookies and return visits: Sites see you checking the same dates repeatedly. That signals demand and higher intent, so some platforms experiment with nudging prices up or removing coupons.

• Session-based offers: A first-time session can trigger “new user” prices. Return sessions may not.

• Referrer and device: The link you arrive from, or your device type, can place you in a different pricing bucket. Mobile app-only rates are common, but note that if you alsio want to try and earn cashback, you may find that app bookings aren't eligible for cashback deals, so check before you press the book now button!

• Geo and currency settings: Location can affect which inventory or promotions you see.

• Inventory snapshots: One tab may cache an older price while another tab shows a refreshed, higher rate.
  

How to test like a pro

• Open three views at once:

  1. Standard browser window, logged out.

  2. Incognito or private window, logged out.

  3. A completely different browser, or your phone on mobile data, also logged out.

• Compare the same room, same dates, same cancellation terms, at the same time.

• Clear cookies if you are not using incognito.

• Try the hotel website, one or two major OTAs, and the hotel’s mobile app.

• Recheck prices on Monday night or Tuesday night. Weekend browsing can be pricier because search volumes spike.

• Hold a free cancellation rate if you like a price, then re-check within 24 to 72 hours. If it drops, cancel and rebook.
  

My result: I saw nearly 15% off by switching to incognito. That is the difference between “meh” value and “nice one" value!

Travel off-peak, but check the pitfalls

A recent study by Radical Storage found that high season prices can be about 60% higher. Instead, look for off-season months like spring and autumn, which often mean better prices, fewer crowds, and potentially still decent weather. There are trade-offs, though.

• Weather risks: Cheap often aligns with rainy seasons or hurricane windows. Florida and the Caribbean late summer and early autumn can be risky. Monsoon regions can deliver daily downpours. Saving on the room is pointless if you are stuck inside.

• Maintenance closures: Hotels use quiet times for refurb. Pools drained, spas shut, scaffolding up, restaurants running limited menus. Noise from 7 am is not a vibe.

• Scaled-back services: Skeleton staffing can mean smaller buffets, fewer bar hours, kids’ clubs off, or no evening entertainment.

• Local events and holidays: Off-peak for tourists can be peak for locals. Attractions can close, transport can change, or prices can spike.
  

How to manage it

• Read recent reviews for your dates to spot “pool closed”, “renovation noise”, “restaurant shut”.

• Email the hotel to ask what will be open during your stay.

• If you want full facilities, consider travelling just outside peak rather than during the off-season.
  

Use loyalty programmes the smart way

Join the hotel or comparison sites' free loyalty scheme for member rates and freebies. Even one or two stays a year can unlock:

• Lower member prices

• Late checkout, subject to availability

• Bottled water or a welcome drink

• Periodic flash sales in the app

• Discounts on add-on items like car hire, flights or other hotel stays

Sign up with multiple hotel chains and comparison sites. It costs nothing and gives flexibility, but you may want to set up a dedicated email address for the barrage of emails you're going to get, to save your regular inbox from getting slammed with holiday emails!

Tech and IPTV hacks

Many hotels now run in-room technology that lets you access all services from your TV and that plugs into the hotel’s billing system. That means:

• You can see your bill live and catch creeping charges before checkout.

• You can order services in the app, where promos sometimes appear.

• You can often check out digitally and avoid queues.
  

Entertainment is where tech really saves money:

• Skip in-room pay-per-view. Use your own Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+. Many TVs support casting, so you can watch on the big screen.

• If the hotel is pushing a new release, check Amazon Prime Video rental. It is often cheaper than the hotel’s price.

• No subscription yet? Use an Amazon Video free 30-day trial, set a reminder to cancel, and enjoy free entertainment!
  

Pro tip: Some hotel networks block casting or require logging into a captive portal. If casting fails, download content on your phone or tablet over Wi Fi first, and watch on your device.

Bring your own snacks and water, and avoid minibar traps

Minibars are wildly overpriced. A supermarket stop for snacks, fruit, and drinks saves a bundle. Most modern hotels offer filtered water stations, so refill bottles before heading out.

Go further:

• Ask if outside food is allowed. Many hotels are fine with takeaways. I often grab a cheap local meal and eat in my room. Chill supermarket wine or beer in the fridge and avoid bar markups.

• Bring plastic tumblers or reusable cups, rather than slurping wine from a hotel mug.

• Watch for sensor minibars. Some fridges auto-charge if you move items. If you need the space, call reception and ask them to remove the items; they will always do so.
  

Hidden extras checklist, so no unpleasant surprises when you check in, or out!

Always check the full cost before you commit. Look for:

• Parking, often the big one in cities and resorts

• Daily resort or destination fees, paid at the hotel

• City or tourist taxes, paid at checkout (I have this to look forward to in Miami)

• Safe or towel card deposits

• Gym or spa access fees

• Paid Wi Fi tiers or device limits
  

Miami example: Many hotels charge $50 per day to park, roughly £39. That is almost £300 for a week. I found a secure parking garage, just 2 minutes away, for $10 per day, roughly £8, and saved more than £200. I mean, who wants to pay £300 a week to park their car? It's not even that expensive in central London! You could take a look at sites such as Just Park, where you can pay to park on local residents' driveways, for a fraction of the cost of hotel parking!

Reviews reveal the truth, not the hotel's marketing department!

Do not rely on glossy photos. Cross-check multiple sources:

• TripAdvisor for depth and traveller photos

• Google Reviews for quick snapshots and maps

• Booking.com for verified guest reviews

• Trustpilot to judge the reliability of booking platforms
  

How to read reviews efficiently:

• Sort by most recent. Filter by your travel month.

• Scan the worst reviews first to catch recurring issues.

• Search within reviews for keywords like “construction”, “pool closed”, “resort fee”, “parking”, “noise”, “dirty”, “smell”.

• Note positive patterns too, like “amazing family restaurant two streets away”, “happy hour half the hotel price”, “free filtered water in lobby”.
  

Package deals and bundles: do the maths

Packages that include breakfast, parking, or attraction tickets can be great value, but only if you use all the included options. Price the pieces separately, then compare. Factor in cashback on the package and on any separate bookings. If parking is £39 a night at the hotel and £8 at a nearby lot, a “free parking” package might not be free at all.

Pay in Local Currency & Avoid Extra Fees

When paying abroad, hotels (and shops) often ask if you want to be charged in GBP instead of the local currency. Always pick the local currency! If you choose GBP, the hotel or payment processor sets the exchange rate, and it’s almost always worse. I once got stung with a £43 exchange fee just for letting them do this.

To keep costs down:

• Use a fee-free card like the Chase debit card, which uses the Mastercard exchange rate and doesn’t add hidden currency exchange fees.

• Look at prepaid travel cards such as Revolut or Wise, which let you load local currency before your trip. They’re great for budgeting and usually give better rates than high street banks.

• Avoid exchanging currency in hotels (or airports!); their rates are some of the worst you’ll find.
  

Even small fees add up quickly on a week’s holiday, so paying smartly can save you a surprising amount.

Ask for upgrades and extras: But be polite and friendly for the win

Front desks have more wiggle room than you think, especially when occupancy is not full.

• When to ask: Late afternoon or early evening can be better, since the hotel has a clearer view of who has actually arrived.

• How to ask: Be friendly and specific.“Any chance of a complimentary upgrade or a room with a view if availability allows today? If not, are there any last-minute upgrade offers you can do for me?”

• Be polite and smile: strike up a friendly conversation with the reception staff to get them warmed up to you. Don't go straight into asking; instead, make it sound like an afterthought to ask for any special deals, not the plan from the onset!

• What to try next: If the price is too high, ask for value adds. Drink vouchers, snack credits, gym passes, pool access, or a late checkout. These cost the hotel very little and improve your stay.

• Complimentary items: Many hotels keep toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shaving gel, extra tea and coffee, even biscuits. Ask nicely.
  

Late checkout and luggage storage

If you have a late flight, ask for free late checkout or a modest late checkout fee. If that is not possible, most hotels will store your luggage so you can explore the hotel, maybe use the pool, or visit the local area without worrying about your bags. Keep valuables like passports, cards, cash, and electronics with you, though, just in case! If you need proper rest before a night flight, some hotels sell a day rate for afternoon use, which can still be cheaper than paying for a whole extra night.

Book, check again, cancel, then re-book and save!

Book a room that offers free cancellation, then keep checking the pricing afterwards. If the price drops, cancel your original booking and then rebook at the lower rate! Set alerts on your chosen comparison tool or check back at off-peak times. I have saved serious money by rebooking the exact room a week later.

If you want to pay less for your hotel, try these methods; you'd be surprised how much you can save!

Saving money on hotel stays is not about scraping the bottom of the barrel. It's about making smart moves and saving your hard-earned cash for another day.

My tips are how I've turned a pricey Miami hotel stay, not to mention the rest of the holiday, into a much better value trip without cutting out any comfort or benefits. I've just done my hotel research, been savvy about making sure I earn as much cashback as possible, and given thought to how to pay for it all! Being able to pay over 18 months, without a penny of interest, even if I do, or don't have enough money in my bank account to pay for it all outright, is excellent, as now I get to pay monthly, pay no interest, and actually have my savings gain interest by sitting there, ratherthan being in that hotels bank account, so I'm earning and saving money at the same time!

Apply these tips, and, like me, you'll likely find your money will stretch further, and you'll enjoy that trip that little bit more, knowing youve likely paid less than the other guests in the hotel, by being money savvy!