April is traditionally a slow month for international travel and hotels are no exception. While international travel will resume in 2020, domestic tourism is likely to take precedence. With people increasingly worried about domestic security, the overall economic health of hotels is at risk. And, as the industry relies on a lot of staff, it’s imperative that hotels remain flexible and keep cash flowing. Here are four ways to find cheap hotels in your city. One: Use a meta-search website. Another: Contact the hotel directly.
Booking in advance
If you’re planning a trip, booking hotels in advance is a smart idea. You’ll get a better rate, guarantee that the room you need is available, and save money. Also, booking early gives the hotel time to prepare for your arrival. If you have a special need, let the hotel staff know. It might be a medical condition, or you just want a larger pillow. In any case, if you book ahead of time, you’ll ensure you’ll get a room at the best price.
The cheapest hotel rates are generally available when booked at least a month in advance. However, these rates are not guaranteed, and it is not advisable to book on the day of travel. It’s best to book hotels at least four to five weeks in advance, but this depends on the country of travel. If you’re planning to travel to the UK, you’ll want to book in advance. You can find cheap hotels by searching on metasearch sites such as Hotwire.
Using a meta-search website
Using a meta-search website for your travel and hotel needs can be beneficial for both you and your customers. A meta-search engine aggregates data from multiple sources and enables you to filter results by rate parity, check in date, and location. Because they check more sites than human users, they can produce more relevant results. In addition, some meta-search sites may even charge for their booking services, but these fees are usually minimal.
Depending on the meta-search site, you can expect to pay anywhere between $.50 and $10.00 per click, and you can also try experimenting with a lower cost-per-click option. While Google’s Hotel Ads are expensive, you can test a lower CPC option to see which works best for your brand. A quality meta-search website will constantly monitor the needs of travelers and give them a seamless experience that allows them to find the best hotel for their needs.
Contacting a hotel directly
When you’re traveling, it’s always a good idea to contact a hotel directly. Not only do you get better rates and better service, but you may also get special offers and last-minute cancellations. When you call, write down the name and number of the hotel and ask them when the best time is to speak to you. When you’re ready to book, the hotel clerk will be glad to help.
Booking directly from the hotel has many benefits, including the fact that you can discuss any special requests you have with the hotel staff. You’ll also likely get better service and rates, as the hotel staff can often accommodate your requests. Often, if you contact them directly, you can receive a room with more amenities for the same price as booking through an OTA. Besides, booking directly from the hotel allows the hotel to better compensate you if there is a problem.
Booking through a travel agent
Why book hotels through a travel agent? Firstly, you can save money. Travel agents receive commissions from the properties they work with. These commissions can add up to a considerable amount. Plus, the travel agents are usually able to build a package that is tailored to your needs, saving you both time and money. If you have a group of friends or family traveling to a new destination, booking through a travel agent is the best option.
Another difference between booking through an OTA and directly through a hotel is that most hotel loyalty programs do not count bookings made through OTAs as qualifying stays for elite tier status. Also, when booking through an OTA, you won’t receive any welcome gifts or other reward after your stay. This means that you’ll be spending more money than necessary, but the rewards program can still be worthwhile. If you’re looking to save money on your hotel stays, OTAs can be a great choice.