6 Travel Hacks to save money on accommodation

1. Use your points

We stayed in Denver, Colorado recently using hotel reward points, saving us around $300 a night. It’s beneficial to sign up to hotel chains loyalty programs. Get on their email list as they often have special deals come out for their members such as double points and free upgrades.
It doesn’t always have to be direct with that hotel chain. American Express Membership Rewards have two Hotel Guest Partners. You can transfer your points into your preferred program and book directly with the partner.

2. Access Club Lounges

Some hotel chains, like Ritz-Carlton and Sheraton, have Club Lounges. You may get access to these depending on your program status, or you can purchase a pass with your points.
These club lounges have free food and drinks. We saved a lot of money eating out when we stayed at the Ritz in Denver as we could eat in the Club lounge!

3. Ask for upgrades and best price

Don’t be shy to ask for an upgrade when you check in. We often get upgrades without even asking. Hotel chains will often upgrade you if they have space as they want their customers to have incredible experiences.
Golden Rule – be kind, courteous and friendly. It’s just karma baby!
Ask the accommodation what is the best price they can do. They can often reduce the rate for you if you book directly with them. On our road trip around Australia, we often asked the caravan parks/hotels upon check-in if that was their best price. We’d often get the kids thrown in for free! If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

4. Use Airbnb

Airbnb is my favourite way to book cheap accommodation. Plus, you get to live like a local and have the facilities to cook your food and save more money.
Apartment rentals often come with free Wi-Fi, are in good locations, and other perks, like tea and coffee, use of kayaks and bikes, and a local’s guide to the area.
I stayed in an Airbnb in LA, and the host even offered transfer services to the airport which were on par with Uber prices. She was also a wealth of inside knowledge, and it was way cheaper than staying in a hotel – by at least $1000 in total.

5. Find the deals

Two for the price of one, discounted rates, kids stay for free – there are multiple ways to find cheap accommodation. Travelling outside of peak times will give you the biggest chance.
Stay connected to your favourite hotel chains and search engine providers via email or social media to quickly grab the deals as they come through.

6. Book your travels with points

As outlined in this post, I used the American Express Travel booking service on their website to book flights, accommodation, car rental and even tours. I found their deals very comparable to other sites, if not better – they had some great discounted deals on accommodation!
You can book using points, or a combination of points + pay.  If you use up all your points, and still have more to book, you can pay for whatever’s left with your American Express Card and collect more points for travel!
With American Express Travel Online there are no restrictions, no blackout dates, and no fees. Simple.
For some eligible American Express Cards offer a complimentary Travel Credit, which can be used to book eligible prepaid flights, hotels or car hire when booking with American Express Travel Online.


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