In Part 1 of this series we discussed general money-saving tips. In Part 2 we covered transportation money-savers. Here in Part 3 we cover accommodations, and in Part 4 you can pick up some tips for saving money while dining out. If you’ve got a good idea to pass along, please leave a comment.
Accommodation Money-Savers for your Honeymoon
- Stay Alert for Deals. With tourism down across the board in almost every popular destination, it’s a buyer’s market, with deal upon deal to be had. If you’re interested in a particular resort or hotel, sign up to be notified when prices fall or special deals arise. Keep checking the hotel’s website. Scour the travel media.
- Consider the Low Season for High-End Resorts. Even the most glamorous hotels and resorts are less expensive during their "low" season—the time of year when they have the fewest guests. Rather than being stuck with empty rooms, hotels drop prices. (Do keep in mind, though, that some destinations—New York City is a good example—don’t really have a low season).
- Opt Out of Pricey Views. Don't insist on a room with a fabulous view, because they almost always cost more than rooms with lesser (but usually quite nice) views. In Hawaii, for example, an ocean view will usually set you back considerably more than a garden & flowers view.
- Consider a Mid-Level Hotel. High-priced hotels attract well-heeled clients traveling on expense accounts, and many hotels in that range tend to charge guests for every single thing. With mid-level hotels it's a different story: they get repeat clients through giving value (i.e., they tend to include things like wireless Internet, breakfast, etc.). Consider chains like Sheraton's Four Points, Holiday Inn Express, Marriott's Courtyard, and the Hampton Inn; most locations are stylish and well-run.
- Don't Pay the "Rack" Rate. Don’t pay price you see when you check a hotel's website. Search for Internet specials or other promotions the hotel may be running, and don't overlook online hotel discounters.
- Avoid Chain 800 Numbers. If you're booking into a chain hotel, call the specific hotel rather than the 800 number. You'll often come away with a lower rate, because individual hotels run specials of their own.
- Ask for the Lowest Rate. When you call to book reservations, never fail to ask for the "lowest rate available."
- Use Membership Discounts. You can often save money if you're a member of certain organizations. For instance, if you show a membership card from the American Automobile Association when registering, you'll automatically obtain discounts of 10% at most lodgings nationwide.
- Watch out for Room Service. Wow: do these costs ever add up! We’ll discuss this at greater length in our next post, No. 4, which will address how to save money on dining.
- Don't Use Hotel Valet Parking. If you can, take advantage of commercial parking lots near your hotel. They are bound to be much cheaper than the outrageous prices most hotels charge these days for parking.
- Be Aware of Hidden or Obscure Costs. Reading the fine print is the surest way to avoid unhappy surprises when you check out at the end of your stay. What’s the tax rate? Is there an add-on charge to use resort facilities (alas, such charges are no longer rare)? Must you pay for wireless?
- Go All-Inclusive. All-inclusive resorts can save money—but be sure you know exactly what is included before you sign that dotted line. Every year honeymooners are unpleasantly surprised to learn that their nightly bottle of champagne (or that marvelous couples spa massage, or the dreamy catamaran cruise, or some other delicious goodie) wasn’t part of the "all-inclusive" price. Do your homework.
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