Travel expert reveals exact time to book to snap up 5* hotel stays for under £100 – and how to always save cash
A TRAVEL expert has revealed the exact time to book to snap up 5-star hotel stays for under £100.
Being smart about your holiday could save you hundreds and let you spend more cash on enjoying your dream break.
That’s why leading travel expert Ski Vertigo has shared a number of tips around saving cash when booking your holiday.
Ski Vertigo has identified five easy tricks to secure accommodations in a 5-star hotel for a bargain fee.
By using these strategies, travellers can enjoy luxurious stays at significantly reduced prices.
The travel expert recommends holidaygoers use websites like Hotwire and Priceline.
These offer “secret” hotel deals that allow you to book a hotel based on its star rating, location, and amenities without knowing the hotel’s name until after booking.
This can result in substantial savings, sometimes reducing the cost of a luxury stay by up to 50 per cent or more.
By using secret deals, 5-star hotel rooms that typically cost £200 to £250 per night can be found for around £90 to £100.
Booking last minute stays is also a good way to save cash – as hotels will often want to fill their room even for a lower price.
Apps like HotelTonight specialise in providing these last-minute deals, said the travel expert.
This approach is particularly useful for travellers with flexible schedules or those making spontaneous plans.
Booking within a day or two of your stay can reveal significant discounts, as hotels prefer to offer lower rates rather than have rooms go empty.
Ski Vertigo say that last-minute bookings can often yield prices between £80 to £100 per night.
The travel expert also recommends jetting away during the off-peak season.
This can lead to significant savings as hotels lower their rates to attract guests.
In the UK, the off-peak season generally includes the months of January through March and October through November.
During these times, tourist demand is lower, resulting in more competitive pricing with 5-star hotels on offer from around £70 to £100 per night.
The travel experts also estimate that loyalty programme discounts can lower rates to around £80-£100 per night.
Joining hotel loyalty programmes or using memberships such as AAA or AARP can lead to discounted rates.
Over time, accumulating points through these programmes can significantly reduce accommodation costs, making it easier to stay within your budget while enjoying luxury accommodations.
Last but not least, Ski Vertigo experts say that you should look for budget friendly 5-star hotels.
While traditional budget luxury hotels might not always hit the 5-star mark, there are 5-star hotels that offer significant discounts during sales.
For example, The Montcalm at The Brewery London City or The Royal Horseguards Hotel occasionally have sales or promotional rates that can bring prices below £100.
Monitoring these hotels for deals and booking during off-peak times can help secure these lower rates.
A Ski Vertigo spokesperson added: “Consider booking through hotel reward programmes that partner with airlines.
“Accumulating miles through frequent flyer programmes can sometimes be converted into hotel points, offering additional savings on luxury accommodations.
“By combining travel plans and strategically using points, you can maximise the benefits and save a substantial amount on your hotel stay.
“Another effective strategy is to explore mid-week bookings instead of weekends. Hotels often experience lower occupancy rates from Monday to Thursday, leading to reduced prices.
“This approach not only helps in securing cheaper rates but also provides a more peaceful and relaxed environment during your stay. By integrating these strategies, you can enjoy luxurious 5-star accommodations at a fraction of the usual cost.”
How to save £100s booking your summer holiday, expert reveals
TRAVEL expert Fred Harrington has also offered his complete guide to the cheapest possible holiday:
Opt for off-peak travel
Book travel in the last week of August for best chance of a cheaper getaway. It’s less popular as other families take time to prepare for the start of the school year.
Use coupons & discounts
Booking sites often provide a range of options for saving money while encouraging you to use them again. Also remain flexible with dates and specific areas to increase the chance of a discount.
Use comparison websites
They’ll ensure you get the best deal available on everything from flights and hotels to package holidays. Also a great idea for travel insurance.
Travel light
Save on pricey luggage costs by bringing less away with you. Many airlines offer free under seat or overhead luggage options.
Free activities
Jet Skiing and snorkelling can be costly options. Instead choose free days out. Many museums, galleries and cultural landmarks can be visited without spending a penny.
Walk more
While renting a car can be expensive, walking around during a city break is completely free.