We’ve all been there, trying to book a hotel for our vacation, only to find that prices have gone way up. Some of you may remember this happening while planning trips during school holidays or around major festivals, and let’s be honest, it can be super frustrating. But peak season doesn’t mean you have to empty your wallet.
These days, there are some great trip planner apps that can help build your entire itinerary. And with a few smart tips and the right tools, you can grab amazing hotel deals, even during the busiest travel times.
With that in mind, here are 8 tips to help you score the best hotel deals, even during peak season.
The Golden Combo of Book Early, Stay Flexible
One of the best ways to avoid high hotel prices is to start your search early, ideally a couple of months in advance. Since hotel rates often rise with demand, booking before the rush can save you a lot of money. It also helps to keep your travel dates a bit flexible. Apps like MakeMyTrip let you compare prices across different days, so you can easily find cheaper weekday stays or avoid the price spikes that happen around big festivals like Diwali or Holi.
Join Loyalty Clubs, They’re More Rewarding Than You Think
If you travel often, opting for hotel loyalty programs is a smart move. Big Indian hotel chains offer special benefits through their memberships, which includes free nights, room upgrades, or even discounts on food. Also, don’t forget to check your credit card offers, some brand-specific cards come with hotel deals or tie-ups with travel apps that you might have missed.
Choose Less Popular Places for Better Deals
Sometimes, the best stays aren’t where everyone else is heading. Exploring lesser-known destinations or choosing unique stays like eco-resorts, homestays, or guesthouses can slash your costs dramatically. Platforms like MakeMyTrip offer some great discount coupons. Instead of the usual Manali crowd, plan your vacation to a quiet village in Himachal, or head to Tawang instead of Darjeeling.
Make Use Of Secret Booking Weapon- Coupons
Before you hit that Book Now button, do yourself a favour and explore coupon codes that match your travel plans and payment method. You can find exclusive codes for hotel bookings on popular travel platforms and even for flight booking as well. These coupons can help you save a significant amount, with discounts of up to 40%. And if not discounts, some codes at checkout might even offer cashback.
Keep an Eye Out for Festive Sales and Flash Discounts
Festive sales are a great time to book hotels at lower prices. During major holidays, travel platforms often offer big discounts, sometimes as much as 50 % off on luxury stays. It’s also smart to keep your app notifications on, as flash deals can pop up just a few days before your trip. These last-minute offers can help you grab a fancy room without spending too much.
Negotiate Directly
This might sound old school, but calling the hotel directly can actually pay off. Smaller or boutique properties often have unpublished rates or can throw in extras if you book directly. A polite request might get you a free upgrade or complimentary breakfast, especially if you’re staying for more than a couple of nights.
Group Travel Comes with its Perks
If you’re planning a family vacation or a trip with friends, group bookings can really work in your favour. Many hotels offer discounts when you book three or more rooms together. You can also check out online travel communities, like Facebook groups, where people often share group deals and discount codes.
Last-Minute Can Be Smart
If you’ve left your hotel booking for the last minute, there’s still hope. Several platforms offer big price drops just 24 to 48 hours before check-in. It can be a bit risky, but if your travel dates are flexible and you don’t mind being spontaneous, this trick can help you save a lot. Just be sure to book a refundable option, so you’re covered if your plans suddenly change.
Final Word
Peak season doesn’t have to come with peak prices. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation or a Christmas getaway, these tips will help you outsmart the crowds without stretching your budget, and maybe even splurge on a better room than you thought possible.
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