With the economy struggling to gain momentum, travellers are increasingly opting to stay home. That’s bad news for hotel operators, particularly since many of them expanded with new construction during the economic boom of the last decade. But while that might be bad for business, it can be great for those travellers on a budget.

Here are some ways to score a great hotel without breaking the bank:

Check out a hotel website
When booking, first look on the website for the hotel where you’d like to stay. Often hotels have deals that are only available to people who book through their websites, rather than another online travel service. Others have a policy that will match prices if you find one that is lower. Be sure to compare that to online travel sites before booking. You can then call the hotel directly and ask if they can offer you a lower rate than you’ve found online – you’ll be surprised how often they agree.

Go in the off-season
If you’re traveling to major cities like New York or London, try planning a weekend trip. City hotels usually cater to business travelers, who mainly travel for work on weekdays. That means you’re more likely to score a good deal in an urban center on the weekend. As well, if you don’t need to be right in the downtown try choosing a hotel on the outskirts or suburbs of a big city. This can be a great money-saver, but choose carefully because you could end up spending more renting a car or paying for gas and parking than you’ll save on a hotel. As for resorts, try travelling in the off-season, such as late fall or early spring.

Look for discounts
Many hotels offer discounts to military veterans, AAA members, seniors, or corporate travellers. Check for any discounts you may qualify for before booking. Don’t be afraid to ask the hotel directly for any discounts, package rates (such as paying for two nights and getting the third for free) or complimentary upgrades. Be sure to call the hotel’s direct number, rather than a national 800 number. Individual hotels have wide latitude to set their own prices, while call centers don’t.

Join a loyalty program
Most major hotel chains have some sort of loyalty or rewards program for frequent guests. These allow you to accumulate points every time you stay in one of the chain’s hotels. Some major chains also own several hotel brands and you can use their loyalty cards at any of the parent company’s hotels. Most of these loyalty programs are free to join and the points can be used for several years with few restrictions. Many hotel chains have also partnered with major credit card companies, allowing you to earn points with any purchase that can be used toward free nights at a hotel. But not all hotel credit cards are equal. Some offer more generous sign-up bonuses than others and some come with higher annual fees or interest rates.

Rebook

Your hotel plans don’t have to end once you’ve made your reservation. Keep checking the prices on your hotel of choice. If you spot a deal or a price-drop after you’ve already booked, cancel your reservation and rebook at the lower price. By: TerryTelford

Tags: check out, on badget, Travel