Staying at a fancy hotel doesn’t necessarily mean you have to break the bank, you just have to know the tips and tricks to score the best deals. Enjoy a guilt-free staycay with these 10 simple tips.

1. Clear Your Cache, Cookies and History

Similar to booking a flight, some hotel sites practice demand-based pricing. Cookies are pieces of data stored in your computer, based on what pages and sites you were browsing. Did you know if you visited a page numerous times, your next visits will be tailored to your needs and prices may be bumped up? Because you are now targeted as a prospective customer.

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2. Use Credit Card Benefits

Check the rewards and benefits on your credit cards, you might be able to use your points to score a free upgrade or offset your room rates. Find the best cashback credit card tailored to your needs here and get the most rewarding deals.

3. Plan and Book in Advance

Maximise your time during your holiday by researching and planning your itinerary. You might just land on great promotions and deals while browsing the Internet. Be sure to subscribe to travel companies newsletters as they usually promote exclusive deals and offers. With proper planning, you’ll also get more time to save up for your trip and know exactly how much money to set aside.

4. Mention That You are Staying for an Occasion

If you’re celebrating a joyous occasion like a honeymoon, anniversary or birthday, let the front desk know. They might offer you a room upgrade, or even a complimentary spa session for two. Don’t be shy and just let them know.

5. Join Their Loyalty Programmes

If there’s a particular hotel or group you enjoy, sign up to be a member and enjoy discounted offers or free upgrades. Some of the renowned hotel groups with an impressive loyalty programme worth checking out are Le Club AccorHotels, Golden Circle by Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Honors.

6. Be Flexible with Your Dates

Plan your travel dates around the best deals of your desired hotel. Avoid travelling during school holidays as hotel prices are jacked up due to the demand surge. Sites like Hotelscombined, even show you the best deals from all the top travel sites, allowing you to assess price differences with a single click.

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7. Monitor Deals through Apps

Almost all travel companies now have apps for a greater and seamless user experience. Some deals are exclusively available on their apps to drive downloads. Hence, it only makes sense that you jump onto the bandwagon and go mobile! Be ahead of everyone else and take advantage of their promotions for the best deals via the app now.

8. Stay at a New Hotel

Newly opened hotels usually start with a promotional rate and offer big discounts, to get the word out and increase the kick-off of their business. Because you’re one of the first few guests to stay in the hotel, you’ll sleep like a baby in a newly furnished hotel room, on the comfiest white duvet and pillows.

9. Check-in Near the End of the Day

Most hotel check-ins are only possible after 2pm, as they need time to clean the rooms when previous occupants check out at 12pm. However, try checking in only towards the end of the day. The hotel has a better sense of the occupancy rate by then, and may just give you a room upgrade for FREE! Be sure to call them if you’re checking in late so they are aware of your arrival time.

10. Skip Breakfast and the Hotel Bar

If there are plenty of breakfast options around your hotel, skip breakfast and enjoy scrumptious local delights instead. But of course, if you’d like to experience the hotel breakfast, opt for one during your stay. More importantly, avoid eating the hotel bar snacks in your room! (Hint: EXPENSIVE!) Buy them from a convenience store instead, we promise you’ll get greater satisfaction and more bang for your buck.

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