10 Great Tips On How To Find Cheap Accommodation

1. Think Of The Location

There is no point in finding cheap hotel accommodation if it is miles from the city and you have to pay extra for transportation.

Living in a central area close to public transport, airports, local attractions, food outlets, beaches, parks, and the ability to get out and walk to many things.

This will help you save money and save time!

2. Stay More Than 1 Night In Your Accommodation

Many accommodation providers offer their best deals when staying more than one night. Often we already have a deal like stay 4 nights, pay 3. Especially in off-season.

3. Staying on a Sunday

Many hotels accept accommodation reservations Friday night and Saturday night from travelers and Monday through Friday bookings from their business travelers, so there can be a vacancy on Sunday night which means cheap accommodation is possible ..

4. Stay Midweek

In certain locations such as Las Vegas, avoiding peak periods Friday and Saturday nights is a great way to find cheap hotel accommodation - so avoid the big cities on weekends if possible.

We were amazed at how much the price for accommodation could rise on the weekend - some places triple.

5. Travel In The Shoulder Season

Is the hotel cheaper in different seasons? Of course!

One clear tip on how to find cheap accommodation is by traveling in the shoulder season, the time period between peak and off-peak season.

Accommodation costs will be lower, the weather will remain profitable, and in popular places you will avoid the crowds that make sightseeing easier. It's also the best way to save money on flights and car rentals. Win-win

For example, during a visit to Europe consider going in May or September and avoid the peak summer season July / August.

6. Stay In The Apartment or Suite and Share The Cost

This is one of our best travel tips on how to save money - especially for families or small groups.

Apartments and rental homes like in Airbnb are a great way to cut costs. They are usually cheaper and more practical than hotels. If you are traveling with other family members or other couples why not get a sizeable apartment and share the cost?

My parents often visit us on our trips around Australia and we stay in a three bedroom apartment which reduces our per night rate and is much cheaper than two separate hotel rooms, especially considering we have a full kitchen to serve our own meals.

7. Consider a Dormitory

Staying in a hostel may not be a good choice for the United States because of the lack of quantity and quality, but in places like England, France and Thailand, the network is vast and the quality is increasing.

Do not think of hostels only as dorm rooms for backpackers. Many offer private and family rooms so they can be one of the best cheap alternatives for hotels.

We have stayed in several hostels with our children around Australia including Sydney Harbor YHA and Apollo Bay Eco Hostel on the Great Ocean Road.

Hostels in major cities are close to public transport and tourist sites. Private or family space is usually cheaper than hotel rooms and generally has cheap and free services such as wi-fi, laundry, luggage storage, full kitchen facilities, and local tours.

Hostels can also be a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers as well as one of the best ways to save money.

But read the hotel reviews. As with all types of accommodation, some properties are better than others!

8. Stay In a Nearby Town Or Outside The City Center

If you can not find a cheap hotel in the city center, staying a little out of town will almost always save your money by the cost of hotels and apartments. If you do not mind a short trip you can save one bundle.

But as mentioned in point # 1, be careful that if you find accommodations that are far from where you plan to visit so as not to incur high transportation or parking fees, or valuable time. Research the public transport system in the area!

9. Book a Room That Offers a Free Cancellation

Book accommodation in advance at the best rate you can find online, then keep an eye on prices to see if you can get a better deal on another property, or even in the same hotel.

For example, Booking.com offers free cancellation in most rooms. And their book now, pay later in the check-in system lets you lock that level with some flexibility. Simply check the booking conditions per room type and you will have peace of mind when booking through them.

10. Check Out The Dining Options

Once again the location is key when choosing where to stay, so make sure you have access to local cafes and restaurants.

While staying in a big city, it is almost always cheaper to walk to the nearest cafe or restaurant than to eat at the hotel, unless you have a free breakfast as part of your reservation.

If you eat in, does the hotel have a restaurant with affordable prices? Is there a children's menu? Is there room service? Does it meet your dietary needs?

11. What Accommodation Facilities Do You Have?

Does your hotel have free WiFi, free airport shuttle, free breakfast, free cable TV, laundry facilities, swimming pool, BBQ area, private room with en-suite, tour desk, 24-hour reception?

Is there a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee machine? Fridges and microwaves can be great for storing and heating left over food that saves you money for eating out. This is great for families that store milk, juice, and yogurt and other children's breakfast stuffs that are in the early mornings.

All of these features increase as you try to save money!

12. What Is Hotel Room Configuration?

Who are you traveling? Can you share a bed to cut cost per head? For our family of four, we need two double beds, or one queen and two singles. If you have a baby make sure the portable couch is available and free!

13. Check The Family Deal In Your Accommodation

Always ask about family discounts, free meals for children, and upgrades at check-in - they can only say no.

14. Use An Accommodation Award Program

Another tip on how to get a cheap hotel is to use a reward program. If you frequently visit the same hotel chain or hotel booking site, join their award or membership program. We can not tell which program is best, it depends on the frequency of your trip, how and where you travel, and what your priorities are.

For example, are you more concerned with free accommodation or additional facilities? Or do you want to experience luxury at an affordable price?

To maximize your earnings in any rewards program, charging hotel fees to credit cards associated with the award program is very important. All cards will give you bonus points for shopping, and the best cards will also give you an instant elite status in the hotel program, which means more bonus points.

15. Use Credit Card Reward Points

Check out the programs and benefits for your particular credit card, you may be able to use your points for accommodation fees. In Australia we have an American Express card through Commonwealth Bank that allows us to use our reward points for travel bookings.

16. Follow Social Media

Go and "LIKE" your favorite search sites on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. It's becoming increasingly common for sites to drop bargain accommodation deals directly through their social media channels.