How to Save Money on Hotel Bookings: My Best Tips for Finding Cheaper Hotels
Hotels can take a huge chunk out of your travel budget. And when you're planning a family vacation, those accommodation costs add up pretty quickly!
I love travelling, but I also love finding a good deal. I'd much rather save a couple of hundred dollars on a hotel and spend that money exploring a destination, trying local food, or doing something memorable with my family.
Over the years, I've developed a few habits that help me save money on hotels. I compare prices, book in advance, keep checking my reservations, and take advantage of discounts whenever I can.
And while I always compare my options, I keep coming back to one booking platform: Expedia.
I've personally found that Expedia often offers competitive hotel rates. I also like the convenience of comparing different accommodation options, earning rewards on eligible bookings, and getting additional benefits at selected hotels.
So, if you're planning your next vacation and want to spend less on accommodation without sacrificing comfort, here are my favourite hotel-booking tips!
I've compared prices on different websites, including Google Hotels, and I've often found that Expedia offers some of the best rates for the properties I'm considering.
Of course, prices depend on the destination, travel dates, room type, and available promotions. Expedia won't always be the cheapest, which is why I still compare prices before making a reservation.
But in my experience, I often end up booking through Expedia because I like the selection, the convenience, and the opportunity to get member discounts and rewards.
Note: Always make sure your new booking is confirmed before cancelling your original reservation. Also, compare the room type, taxes, fees, and cancellation conditions to make sure the new deal is genuinely better.
Google Hotels is helpful because it lets you see different offers for the same property and discover booking websites you might not have considered.
Honestly, I don't think one booking website wins every time. The best option depends on where you're going, how often you travel, and which rewards you can use.
Here's how I would compare the main options.
I love travelling, but I also love finding a good deal. I'd much rather save a couple of hundred dollars on a hotel and spend that money exploring a destination, trying local food, or doing something memorable with my family.
Over the years, I've developed a few habits that help me save money on hotels. I compare prices, book in advance, keep checking my reservations, and take advantage of discounts whenever I can.
And while I always compare my options, I keep coming back to one booking platform: Expedia.
I've personally found that Expedia often offers competitive hotel rates. I also like the convenience of comparing different accommodation options, earning rewards on eligible bookings, and getting additional benefits at selected hotels.
So, if you're planning your next vacation and want to spend less on accommodation without sacrificing comfort, here are my favourite hotel-booking tips!
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1. I Always Check Expedia First
Whenever I start planning a vacation, Expedia is usually the first place I look for hotels.I've compared prices on different websites, including Google Hotels, and I've often found that Expedia offers some of the best rates for the properties I'm considering.
Of course, prices depend on the destination, travel dates, room type, and available promotions. Expedia won't always be the cheapest, which is why I still compare prices before making a reservation.
But in my experience, I often end up booking through Expedia because I like the selection, the convenience, and the opportunity to get member discounts and rewards.
Another advantage is that Expedia offers different types of accommodation. Depending on the destination, you can compare traditional hotels, resorts, apartments, and vacation rentals, including properties available through Vrbo.
This makes it easier to explore different options in one place rather than searching through dozens of websites.
Want to see what deals are available for your next trip?
Search hotels on Expedia through my affiliate link
I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying booking through my link, at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue creating travel guides and sharing my experiences!
Booking early gives me more choices and peace of mind, especially when I'm travelling with my family and want a particular location or type of room.
But here's the trick: booking early doesn't mean you have to stop looking for a better deal.
2. Book Early, but Don't Stop Checking Prices
If I already know that I have a vacation coming up, I usually start looking for hotels well in advance.Booking early gives me more choices and peace of mind, especially when I'm travelling with my family and want a particular location or type of room.
But here's the trick: booking early doesn't mean you have to stop looking for a better deal.
I check the price of my booked hotel about once a month. If I notice that the same room is available for less, I compare the new offer with my original reservation.
This has happened to me before. I booked a hotel, checked the price again later, discovered a better rate, cancelled my original reservation, and rebooked at the lower price.
It's a simple way to save money without changing hotels or compromising on location.
This has happened to me before. I booked a hotel, checked the price again later, discovered a better rate, cancelled my original reservation, and rebooked at the lower price.
It's a simple way to save money without changing hotels or compromising on location.
Why I prefer refundable hotel bookings
Whenever possible, I choose a refundable rate.Yes, a refundable room can sometimes cost a little more upfront, but I like having the flexibility to change my plans or rebook if the price drops.
Before booking, I always check the cancellation deadline and conditions. Some reservations allow free cancellation only until a certain date, while others have stricter rules.
Before booking, I always check the cancellation deadline and conditions. Some reservations allow free cancellation only until a certain date, while others have stricter rules.
Here's my routine:
Note: Always make sure your new booking is confirmed before cancelling your original reservation. Also, compare the room type, taxes, fees, and cancellation conditions to make sure the new deal is genuinely better.
3. Compare Google Hotels with Expedia
Even though I usually book through Expedia, I still use Google Hotels to compare prices.Google Hotels is helpful because it lets you see different offers for the same property and discover booking websites you might not have considered.
However, I don't simply choose whichever website displays the lowest price first.
I click through and compare the final price, including taxes and mandatory fees. I also check that the room type, number of guests, breakfast options, and cancellation policy are the same.
Sometimes a rate looks cheaper in the search results but becomes less attractive once you see the total.
My advice is simple: use Google Hotels to compare, then check Expedia and the hotel's own website before making your final decision.
I often end up booking through Expedia anyway, but I like knowing that I've done my research.
Expedia offers app-only deals and discounts on selected hotels. You may also see Member Prices when you're signed in to your account.
The actual discount depends on the property, dates, and offer, so don't assume every hotel will be cheaper in the app.
I click through and compare the final price, including taxes and mandatory fees. I also check that the room type, number of guests, breakfast options, and cancellation policy are the same.
Sometimes a rate looks cheaper in the search results but becomes less attractive once you see the total.
My advice is simple: use Google Hotels to compare, then check Expedia and the hotel's own website before making your final decision.
I often end up booking through Expedia anyway, but I like knowing that I've done my research.
4. Check the Expedia App for Extra Discounts
This is another tip worth remembering: check the Expedia app before booking.Expedia offers app-only deals and discounts on selected hotels. You may also see Member Prices when you're signed in to your account.
The actual discount depends on the property, dates, and offer, so don't assume every hotel will be cheaper in the app.
I recommend comparing the website and app before confirming your reservation. Sometimes the app will offer a better price, but it's not guaranteed.
Make sure you compare the final totals rather than just the advertised percentage discount.
Make sure you compare the final totals rather than just the advertised percentage discount.
A few minutes of checking could make a difference to your travel budget.
It's available to travelers in supported markets, including Canada and the United States. Members can access eligible Member Prices and earn OneKeyCash on qualifying bookings.
OneKeyCash is travel credit that can be used toward eligible future bookings. Think of it as a little extra money to put toward your next adventure.
The program has four membership levels: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
You start at Blue when you join for free. As you complete qualifying trip elements, you can progress through the levels and unlock additional benefits.
5. Take Advantage of Expedia's One Key Rewards Program
One of the things I like about Expedia is its free One Key rewards program.It's available to travelers in supported markets, including Canada and the United States. Members can access eligible Member Prices and earn OneKeyCash on qualifying bookings.
OneKeyCash is travel credit that can be used toward eligible future bookings. Think of it as a little extra money to put toward your next adventure.
How does One Key work?
The program has four membership levels: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.You start at Blue when you join for free. As you complete qualifying trip elements, you can progress through the levels and unlock additional benefits.
Higher tiers can offer increased rewards and additional perks at participating VIP Access hotels.
The exact earning rates and qualification requirements depend on your market and the current program terms.
For U.S. members, Expedia advertises standard OneKeyCash earning rates of 1% for Blue, 2% for Silver, 2% for Gold, and 3% for Platinum on eligible bookings. Additional rewards may be available at participating VIP Access properties.
For U.S. members, Expedia advertises standard OneKeyCash earning rates of 1% for Blue, 2% for Silver, 2% for Gold, and 3% for Platinum on eligible bookings. Additional rewards may be available at participating VIP Access properties.
Canadian members can also earn and redeem OneKeyCash through Expedia.ca, but should check their account and the Canadian program terms for applicable rates and offers.
One Key isn't limited to hotel bookings. According to Expedia's program information, members can earn and use OneKeyCash on eligible hotels, flights, vacation rentals, car rentals, and activities.
That means you can potentially earn rewards on more than just your accommodation when planning a trip.
It's not just hotels — you can earn and use rewards on other travel bookings, too!
This is one of the things I find especially useful about Expedia's Reward Program.One Key isn't limited to hotel bookings. According to Expedia's program information, members can earn and use OneKeyCash on eligible hotels, flights, vacation rentals, car rentals, and activities.
That means you can potentially earn rewards on more than just your accommodation when planning a trip.
Think about it: you're booking a hotel, renting a car, and reserving tours and activities for your vacation. Eligible bookings can help you accumulate rewards, which you can then use toward eligible future travel.
Over time, those rewards can add up and help you save on your next adventure!
You can also book flights and explore cruise options through Expedia, although you should check the specific terms before assuming a cruise or any other booking qualifies for OneKeyCash.
The important thing is to check which rewards apply to your particular booking. Not every booking earns rewards, and earning and redemption eligibility can differ.
Over time, those rewards can add up and help you save on your next adventure!
You can also book flights and explore cruise options through Expedia, although you should check the specific terms before assuming a cruise or any other booking qualifies for OneKeyCash.
The important thing is to check which rewards apply to your particular booking. Not every booking earns rewards, and earning and redemption eligibility can differ.
My real Expedia rewards: What I've earned from my bookings
I wanted to share a little real-life example rather than simply tell you that rewards are available.I've included screenshots from my own Expedia One Key rewards activity below.
I like being able to see the rewards activity in my own account. When you're already spending money on travel, it's nice to have the opportunity to earn something toward a future trip.
Of course, the amount you earn depends on your bookings and the applicable program terms, but it's a nice bonus on trips you're already planning.
Just remember that pending rewards aren't the same as an available balance, and reward adjustments or redemptions can affect your account activity.
For example, if you have CA$25 in available OneKeyCash, you may be able to use it as a CA$25 credit toward an eligible reservation.
You can't withdraw OneKeyCash as cash, and not every booking qualifies for earning or redemption.
Depending on the property and your membership level, you may qualify for additional rewards or benefits such as room upgrades when available, food and beverage discounts, or other property-specific perks.
These benefits aren't guaranteed at every hotel, so always check what's actually included before booking.
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A look at some of my Expedia One Key Silver rewards activity from previous bookings. These examples show rewards and adjustments recorded in my account over time. |
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I also have CA$33.36 in pending rewards from several hotel bookings and a car rental. These rewards are still pending, so they aren't necessarily available to spend yet. |
Of course, the amount you earn depends on your bookings and the applicable program terms, but it's a nice bonus on trips you're already planning.
Just remember that pending rewards aren't the same as an available balance, and reward adjustments or redemptions can affect your account activity.
What can you do with OneKeyCash?
Once your rewards become available, you can apply them toward eligible future bookings.For example, if you have CA$25 in available OneKeyCash, you may be able to use it as a CA$25 credit toward an eligible reservation.
You can't withdraw OneKeyCash as cash, and not every booking qualifies for earning or redemption.
What about VIP Access hotels?
Expedia also has a selection of participating VIP Access properties.Depending on the property and your membership level, you may qualify for additional rewards or benefits such as room upgrades when available, food and beverage discounts, or other property-specific perks.
These benefits aren't guaranteed at every hotel, so always check what's actually included before booking.
My tip for getting the most out of One Key
Sign in before booking, check for Member Prices, and look at the rewards offered for your specific reservation.You may be able to save on your current booking and earn rewards toward a future trip, provided the booking qualifies for both.
You can check your rewards balance and membership progress through your Expedia account.
You can check your rewards balance and membership progress through your Expedia account.
Explore Expedia through my affiliate link
6. Is Expedia Better Than Booking.com or Other Hotel Rewards Programs?
Now, you might be wondering whether Expedia is actually the best option.Honestly, I don't think one booking website wins every time. The best option depends on where you're going, how often you travel, and which rewards you can use.
Here's how I would compare the main options.
Expedia One Key: Best for travellers who like comparing different accommodation options.
You can search different hotels and vacation rentals, access eligible Member Prices, and earn OneKeyCash toward future bookings.
I like the flexibility of choosing accommodation based on price, location, and comfort rather than feeling that I have to stay with one particular hotel chain.
Visit Expedia.com to explore it's OneKeyCash Reward Program
If you already have a higher Genius level, it's worth checking whether Booking.com offers a better total price for your hotel.
Visit Booking.com
Depending on your membership level and the property, you may also receive additional benefits.
However, bookings through third-party websites such as Expedia generally don't qualify for the usual Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits.
If you regularly stay at Marriott properties, booking directly could offer better long-term value.
Visit Marriott Bonvoy to explore its program.
Like Marriott, Hilton generally doesn't award points or stay credits for third-party bookings through Expedia or Booking.com.
If you're loyal to Hilton hotels, compare the direct rate and the benefits you'd receive before booking elsewhere.
Visit Hilton Honors for program details.
Don't assume that a Hotels.com booking automatically gives you the same rewards as an Expedia booking. Check the current offers and terms for your country.
But if I regularly stayed with the same hotel chain, I'd seriously consider its own loyalty program.
The key is to compare the actual value of each booking, not just the number of points or the percentage of rewards advertised.
A hotel that's CA$100 cheaper upfront may be a better deal than a more expensive hotel that earns you points. On the other hand, a direct booking with valuable benefits could make more sense for someone who travels frequently with the same brand.
Rewards are a bonus. The price you actually pay still matters most.
Expedia offers different accommodation options, including vacation rentals through Vrbo, depending on the destination and availability.
I do check Airbnb, but I've often found hotels cheaper for the types of trips I take.
I like the flexibility of choosing accommodation based on price, location, and comfort rather than feeling that I have to stay with one particular hotel chain.
Visit Expedia.com to explore it's OneKeyCash Reward Program
Booking.com Genius: Best for people who regularly use Booking.com.
Booking.com has a free Genius programme with tier-based benefits. Depending on your level and the property, benefits can include discounts on selected stays, free breakfast, room upgrades, and priority support.If you already have a higher Genius level, it's worth checking whether Booking.com offers a better total price for your hotel.
Visit Booking.com
Marriott Bonvoy: Best for travellers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels.
Marriott Bonvoy allows members to earn points on eligible direct bookings and redeem them for qualifying stays.Depending on your membership level and the property, you may also receive additional benefits.
However, bookings through third-party websites such as Expedia generally don't qualify for the usual Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits.
If you regularly stay at Marriott properties, booking directly could offer better long-term value.
Visit Marriott Bonvoy to explore its program.
Hilton Honors: Best for people who frequently stay at Hilton brands.
Hilton Honors offers points on qualifying stays, which can be redeemed for eligible reward nights. Members can also access eligible member rates and additional benefits at higher membership levels.Like Marriott, Hilton generally doesn't award points or stay credits for third-party bookings through Expedia or Booking.com.
If you're loyal to Hilton hotels, compare the direct rate and the benefits you'd receive before booking elsewhere.
Visit Hilton Honors for program details.
What about Hotels.com?
Hotels.com is also worth checking when comparing accommodation prices. It's part of Expedia Group, but its rewards and booking experience can differ by market and program terms.Don't assume that a Hotels.com booking automatically gives you the same rewards as an Expedia booking. Check the current offers and terms for your country.
So, which one would I choose?
For my own travel planning, Expedia remains my first stop because I've often found competitive rates there, and I like being able to compare different accommodation options.But if I regularly stayed with the same hotel chain, I'd seriously consider its own loyalty program.
The key is to compare the actual value of each booking, not just the number of points or the percentage of rewards advertised.
A hotel that's CA$100 cheaper upfront may be a better deal than a more expensive hotel that earns you points. On the other hand, a direct booking with valuable benefits could make more sense for someone who travels frequently with the same brand.
Rewards are a bonus. The price you actually pay still matters most.
7. Compare Hotels with Vacation Rentals
When travelling with family, I also compare hotels with vacation rentals.Expedia offers different accommodation options, including vacation rentals through Vrbo, depending on the destination and availability.
I do check Airbnb, but I've often found hotels cheaper for the types of trips I take.
Once you add cleaning fees, service fees, and other charges, a vacation rental can end up costing more than expected.
Of course, this isn't always the case. A large family might save money by renting a property with several bedrooms and a kitchen, particularly for a longer stay.
When comparing accommodation, I look at the total cost for the entire stay, not just the nightly price.
I also consider whether the property includes parking, breakfast, a kitchen, laundry facilities, and enough space for everyone.
Sometimes a hotel is the better deal. Other times, a vacation rental makes more sense.
Of course, this isn't always the case. A large family might save money by renting a property with several bedrooms and a kitchen, particularly for a longer stay.
When comparing accommodation, I look at the total cost for the entire stay, not just the nightly price.
I also consider whether the property includes parking, breakfast, a kitchen, laundry facilities, and enough space for everyone.
Sometimes a hotel is the better deal. Other times, a vacation rental makes more sense.
8. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
If your travel dates aren't fixed, flexibility can help you save.Hotel prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, season, holidays, and local events.
When possible, I check whether arriving a day earlier or later changes the price.
For example, staying Sunday through Thursday may cost less than staying over a busy weekend in some destinations. In other places, the opposite may be true.
I also try to avoid major events when possible. If there's a big festival, concert, sporting event, or convention happening in town, accommodation prices can increase.
If you have some flexibility, compare a few different date combinations before booking.
When researching hotels, I look at nearby neighbourhoods and check how easy it is to reach the attractions I want to visit.
A hotel a little farther away may offer a much better rate.
However, don't forget to factor in transportation costs. If you'll need expensive taxis every day, the savings might disappear.
I also read recent reviews to make sure the area is convenient and the hotel meets my expectations.
Some hotels offer direct-booking promotions, loyalty benefits, packages, or flexible cancellation options that may not be available through third-party booking platforms.
If the direct price is lower, compare the terms and benefits with the Expedia offer.
For chain hotels, direct booking can be especially worthwhile if you're collecting points or working toward elite status.
Just remember to compare like for like: the same room, dates, occupancy, meals, cancellation terms, and final price.
When possible, I check whether arriving a day earlier or later changes the price.
For example, staying Sunday through Thursday may cost less than staying over a busy weekend in some destinations. In other places, the opposite may be true.
I also try to avoid major events when possible. If there's a big festival, concert, sporting event, or convention happening in town, accommodation prices can increase.
If you have some flexibility, compare a few different date combinations before booking.
9. Consider Staying Outside the Main Tourist Area
Location is important, but you don't always need to stay in the busiest part of a city.When researching hotels, I look at nearby neighbourhoods and check how easy it is to reach the attractions I want to visit.
A hotel a little farther away may offer a much better rate.
However, don't forget to factor in transportation costs. If you'll need expensive taxis every day, the savings might disappear.
I also read recent reviews to make sure the area is convenient and the hotel meets my expectations.
10. Check the Hotel's Own Website
Even though I usually book through Expedia, I recommend checking the hotel's official website before making a final decision. I’ve sometimes found that Expedia was actually cheaper than booking directly with the hotel.Some hotels offer direct-booking promotions, loyalty benefits, packages, or flexible cancellation options that may not be available through third-party booking platforms.
If the direct price is lower, compare the terms and benefits with the Expedia offer.
For chain hotels, direct booking can be especially worthwhile if you're collecting points or working toward elite status.
Just remember to compare like for like: the same room, dates, occupancy, meals, cancellation terms, and final price.
11. Don't Forget About Extra Fees
A hotel may look affordable until you discover all the additional charges.Before confirming a reservation, I check:
- Whether taxes and mandatory fees are included in the displayed total.
- Whether parking costs extra.
- Whether breakfast is included.
- Whether resort or destination fees apply.
- Whether Wi-Fi and other amenities are included.
- Whether the cancellation policy suits my plans.
I also read recent reviews. Saving money is great, but not if the hotel is poorly maintained, inconveniently located, or completely different from what the pictures suggest.
Google Hotels offers price comparison features, and other booking platforms may offer alerts or tools for tracking prices on selected travel products.
You don't need to check every day. My own routine of checking my booked hotel about once a month is usually enough to catch a price change without turning hotel shopping into a full-time job.
If you find a lower rate, make sure the room and booking conditions match before deciding whether to rebook.
Also, don't assume that booking at the last minute will always be cheaper. Sometimes last-minute deals are excellent, but popular destinations and busy travel periods can become more expensive as availability decreases.
It may sound like a little extra work, but it doesn't take long. And if you save CA$100 or CA$200 on accommodation, that's money you can spend on another experience during your trip.
For me, the best strategy is to plan ahead, compare prices, choose a flexible booking when possible, and keep an eye on the rate.
Expedia has become my go-to because I've often found competitive prices there, and I appreciate being able to compare different accommodation options and access eligible member benefits.
I also like that One Key gives me the opportunity to earn and use rewards across eligible travel bookings, rather than focusing only on hotel stays.
But I wouldn't tell anyone to book through Expedia without comparing prices first. Booking.com, hotel loyalty programs, direct hotel websites, and vacation rentals can all offer better value in certain situations.
My advice is to do a little research, compare the final prices, and choose the option that works best for your trip.
And if you've already booked your hotel, don't forget to check the price again. You might be able to save money without changing a single thing about your vacation!
Disclosure:
- Whether taxes and mandatory fees are included in the displayed total.
- Whether parking costs extra.
- Whether breakfast is included.
- Whether resort or destination fees apply.
- Whether Wi-Fi and other amenities are included.
- Whether the cancellation policy suits my plans.
I also read recent reviews. Saving money is great, but not if the hotel is poorly maintained, inconveniently located, or completely different from what the pictures suggest.
12. Use Price Alerts and Compare Different Booking Times
If you're still researching a trip, use available price-tracking tools to monitor changes.Google Hotels offers price comparison features, and other booking platforms may offer alerts or tools for tracking prices on selected travel products.
You don't need to check every day. My own routine of checking my booked hotel about once a month is usually enough to catch a price change without turning hotel shopping into a full-time job.
If you find a lower rate, make sure the room and booking conditions match before deciding whether to rebook.
Also, don't assume that booking at the last minute will always be cheaper. Sometimes last-minute deals are excellent, but popular destinations and busy travel periods can become more expensive as availability decreases.
My Hotel Booking Strategy: A Quick Recap
Here's what I usually do when planning a vacation:
It may sound like a little extra work, but it doesn't take long. And if you save CA$100 or CA$200 on accommodation, that's money you can spend on another experience during your trip.
Final Thoughts: You Don't Have to Pay More for the Same Hotel
I love travelling, but I don't see the point in paying more than necessary for the same room.For me, the best strategy is to plan ahead, compare prices, choose a flexible booking when possible, and keep an eye on the rate.
Expedia has become my go-to because I've often found competitive prices there, and I appreciate being able to compare different accommodation options and access eligible member benefits.
I also like that One Key gives me the opportunity to earn and use rewards across eligible travel bookings, rather than focusing only on hotel stays.
But I wouldn't tell anyone to book through Expedia without comparing prices first. Booking.com, hotel loyalty programs, direct hotel websites, and vacation rentals can all offer better value in certain situations.
My advice is to do a little research, compare the final prices, and choose the option that works best for your trip.
And if you've already booked your hotel, don't forget to check the price again. You might be able to save money without changing a single thing about your vacation!
Ready to plan your next trip?
Search hotels on Expedia through my affiliate link and see what offers are available for your dates.Disclosure:
This article contains an Expedia affiliate link. I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying booking through my link, at no additional cost to you. I share the booking strategies and platforms I personally use, but prices, promotions, rewards, and benefits can change. Always check the applicable booking conditions before making a reservation.
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