Save Money On Hotel Accommodations

If you have taken a trip recently, perhaps you were surprised to learn how expensive one night's stay at a hotel can be. No, I am not talking about the Motel 6 or the Econo Lodge, instead stays at hotels offering sought after amenities such as suites, breakfast bars, and the like. Quality hotels such as Comfort Suites, Hilton, the Courtyard by Marriott, and others. Easily, your bill can top $90 or more for one night's stay, but if you are on an extended trip you could pay well over one thousand dollars for lodging in a short period of time. A real budget buster! There are ways for you to save on lodging besides opting for low end motels. Let's take a look at some budget saving options certain to please your wallet.

Shop Online - The best hotel prices are typically found online through websites offering travel discounts. Hotels.com, Priceline, Expedia, and Travelocity are several sites that come to mind. Specials are posted and a "best price guarantee" is often offered. That four star hotel usually charges $139 per night, by shopping around you could find the same room for less than one hundreds per night.

Get Rewarded - Many hotel chains will reward you with points if you book with them. When your point totals reach a certain amount, you can redeem them for one night's free stay. One chain was offering three free nights if you selected their rewards card credit card. You accumulate points with each purchase and you get three nights of free stays right off of the bat.

Consider a Hostel - I know what you are thinking: a youth hostel for someone in their 50s? Are you kidding? Well, not all hostels are for the young and not all are super budget cheap. Most, however, require you to give up a certain amount of privacy. Would you be willing to share a bath? Could you sleep in the same room with a total stranger? Hmmm…maybe that Motel 6 isn't such a bad place after all!

Another way to save is to contact the hotel directly and get their best rate with your AARP or AAA card. Ask for a business discount and, for goodness sake, if you belong to a particular travel association or other group, mention that and ask for their group rate.

If you still can't find a low rate, then pull out your address book and find a friend who resides in the area you are visiting. You'll get a free night's stay so offer to take your host out to dinner as a way to express your thanks for their hospitality.