Introduction: Save Money Without Compromising Comfort
Traveling today is all about smart choices. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a couple’s getaway, or a family vacation, finding the best value accommodation can make or break your experience. Over the years, traveling with kids has taught us that the goal isn’t just finding the cheapest stay—it’s about balancing comfort, convenience, and cost.
We’ve worked in hospitality for over a decade, helping travelers like you find practical, budget-friendly accommodations without sacrificing comfort. Here are our top 10 tips for saving money while booking accommodations in 2025.
Our Priorities When Choosing Accommodation
When traveling with kids, we focus on:
- Savings: Stretch your travel budget.
- Destination Costs: Consider average daily spending in the area.
- Comfort: A restful place improves your trip experience.
- Kid-Friendly Amenities: Play areas, kitchen access, or family rooms.
- Location: Proximity to attractions, public transport, and travel time.
Ultimately, our goal is to save money while enjoying a stay everyone loves.
10 Best Tips to Save on Accommodations
1. Choose the Best Location
Staying centrally saves time, transport costs, and stress. Look for places near public transport, airports, and major attractions.
Insider tip: If you’re renting a car or exploring an island, location matters less—you can prioritize price instead.
2. Book Longer Stays
Hotels often provide discounts for multiple nights.
- 2-night stays → 10–15% off
- 4+ nights → “Stay 4, pay 3” offers
Off-season deals are particularly strong.
3. Travel Mid-Week or Over Sunday
Weekend rates are higher in touristy cities.
- Avoid Friday–Saturday stays when possible.
- In business-heavy cities (London, New York), mid-week rates may be higher than weekends. Always compare.
4. Travel in Low or Shoulder Season
High-season rates can be up to three times higher than low-season prices.
Shoulder season offers cheaper rates, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather—perfect for families.
5. Consider Apartments for Families
Apartments and vacation rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) can be cheaper than hotels, especially for families.
Benefits:
- Full kitchen for meal prep and baby bottles.
- Laundry facilities for longer stays.
- Multiple bedrooms for splitting costs among families.
- Feels like a home away from home, which kids love.
6. Check Facilities
Amenities can save money and improve your stay:
- Free WiFi & breakfast
- Laundry facilities
- Kitchen or coffee machines
- Pools, gyms, or play areas
- 24h reception
7. Look for Family Deals
- Some hotels provide free stays for children under 12.
- Triple rooms can sometimes be cheaper than family rooms with extra beds.
- Always check hotel policies for family-friendly discounts.
8. Use Hotel Rewards Programs
Sign up for chains’ loyalty programs to enjoy:
- Exclusive discounts
- Free upgrades or late check-outs
- Extra points via credit cards tied to rewards programs
9. Subscribe to Email Deals
Booking platforms often share exclusive flash deals and promo codes via email. Don’t miss them.
10. Check Hotel Websites Directly
Hotels often offer 5–15% discounts for direct bookings, plus perks like free upgrades or late check-out. Always compare with third-party platforms.
Top Hotel Booking Sites to Save Money in 2025
- Lastminute.com – Great for flash deals
- Trivago – Metasearch engine comparing OTAs
- Booking.com / Priceline.com – Wide selection, including independent hotels
- Airbnb / Vrbo – Perfect for apartments and families
- Direct Hotel Booking – Unlock exclusive perks
Pro tip: Always cross-check prices across multiple platforms. Sometimes booking direct offers the best overall value.
Local Culture & Fun Fact
When staying in local apartments or boutique hotels, immerse yourself in the culture. In cities like Marrakech, Fez, or Barcelona, staying in a traditional riad or apartment lets you experience local customs, food markets, and street life firsthand.
Fun fact: In Japan, some family-friendly accommodations provide capsule rooms just for kids, letting them have a private “mini adventure” while parents enjoy nearby comforts.
Top Questions Family Travelers Ask:
- How can I find the cheapest accommodation?
Use metasearch engines like Trivago or Kayak, check direct hotel websites, and travel in low-season or mid-week. - Are apartments cheaper than hotels for families?
Yes, apartments save money on meals, laundry, and extra bedrooms for family groups. - Do hotels offer discounts for kids?
Many hotels allow children under 12 to stay free or provide extra cots at no cost. - Is booking directly better than using a platform?
Often yes. Hotels may provide exclusive discounts, free upgrades, and loyalty points when booked directly. - What are the best times to book accommodations for savings?
Mid-week stays, off-season, and shoulder season usually offer the best deals.
Author
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Author
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Author
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Author
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Author
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I like that you mention checking to see if the hotel rooms have discounts for staying multiple nights so you can find the best deals. Learning about the discounts offered at the hotels you’re considering would be a great way to get the best price. In order to check this, you might want to go online to check out the company’s website so you can get information on any deals and this could also help you get their contact information so you can call or email them to ask questions and discuss staying there.
Author
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Author
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