Easy and free travel tip that could save you hundreds of dollars in hotels
- The hack works in major chain hotels, and all you need is an email address
- A writer has revealed how she managed to raze 15% of a hotel room
- Americans are forced to spend more and more on vacations
A savvy traveler has revealed an easy, free hack that could save you hundreds of dollars on hotel bookings this summer — and all you need is an email address.
Talia Lakritz, writer for Initiatedrevealed she discovered the trick in 2018 – and said she has continued to save money on nearly every hotel booking since then.
Lakritz came across the hack while booking a room at a Holiday Inn for a wedding and wanted to see if late check-out was an option.
She discovered it was offered as a benefit to IHG One Rewards members – a rewards program for the InterContinental Hotels group – which also includes hotel chains such as Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental and Staybridge Suites.
Not only did this membership mean she could check out until 2:00 p.m., as opposed to the usual cut-off time of 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m., but the account also gave her access to exclusive lower member-only rates if she booked directly through the Holiday Inn website. All she had to do was sign up for a free online account using his email address.
A traveler revealed an easy hack that could save you hundreds of dollars in hotels
Talia Lakritz, writer for Insider, revealed the trick she discovered in 2018
Lakritz said whenever she travels, she now always checks to see if hotels have free membership programs that offer lower room rates or other perks.
During a visit to London earlier this year, she was able to cut her booking by 15% by signing up for a free membership at the Tavistock Hotel, a subsidiary of the Imperial London hotel chain.
Being a member meant she saved $84.18 on her bill – bringing it down to $477 from $561.18 for a double room.
She said most hotels advertise member-only rates directly on their booking pages, making it easy to tell if a promotion is in place.
If it’s not mentioned there, she added, an online search for the name of the hotel associated with a “member rewards program” usually tells you if there is an offer.
“These days, I never book a hotel without first checking if I can create a free account for discounts or perks,” she wrote for Initiated.
‘As far as I know, there really is no catch. I have not received any spam with e-mails or junk mail, nor have I been charged any additional fees.’
Although Lakritz admits the hack probably isn’t suitable for people who prefer to stay in smaller or independent hotels, as it’s usually the larger chains that offer a membership program.
Americans are increasingly being forced to shell out more for vacation costs, both in the United States and abroad.
Lakritz said she was not spammed with emails or junk mail and was not charged any additional fees
According to travel site Hopper, the average round trip from the United States to Europe will cost you $1,032 this summer, a 35% increase from last year.
Staying in a hotel will also cost more this year compared to 2022, according to the Boston Herald – with a room costing 7% more.
Discounted room rates are also harder to come by, as staffing shortages since the pandemic continue to be an issue, driving up labor costs.
