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When deciding the perfect time to tour Miami Beach, folks often make one critical mistake: assuming timing doesn’t count. After all, Miami experiences one long, beautiful season, right? Incorrect. Technically, we don’t have much of winter and we enjoy a lot of sunshine, but Miami’s personality changes. Anyone looking to escape snow should visit in winter when Miami beaches are perfect. In your visit, keep in mind that a hotel room will probably cost you more this year. You may end up paying $150 more per night than a guest staying at the same property. Why?
It is not uncommon in Miami. Hotel perks and prices can vary wildly depending on your booking strategy. There are, however, ways to cut a good deal and save some dollars. Here are seven hacks and tips to do just that.
Don’t Judge Entirely by Price
It may appear counterintuitive, but hotels offering the lowest prices don’t necessarily imply you are getting great deals. Higher priced hotels may have inclusions that add more value than lower priced properties. Consider what comes with the room you book, how it hits your wallet and what you may pay if you choose a bargain basement hotel room.
Shop Flash Sales
The travel industry offers flash sales throughout the year where you can get discounted hotel rooms. Preferred Hotels & Resorts for example, can offer discounts of up to 35 percent. Expedia has flash sales of up to 30 percent on its mobile app. Individual hotels also post flash sales to their sites. Don’t forget to search for coupon codes and follow your preferred hotels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Hotels occasionally distribute flash sales or promo codes on social media platforms. You might even consider sending the hotel a message asking if they offer discounts to loyal customers. With all these discounts and offers, however, it is wise contacting the hotel and stating that you found the rate through a flash sale, social media or on a specific app, and you’d like to know whether you can book directly. Most hotels prefer direct booking since apps take a cut of the cost.
Stay Loyal
Most hotels reward guests who join their loyalty programs, like Hilton Honors, Starwood Preferred Guest and more. Though joining these programs is free, the perks you get like room upgrades, evening reception, breakfast and early-check-in can add up quickly, if you stay loyal. Loyalty members often have special rates.
Use Memberships for Additional Discounts
Most hotels offer discounts for guests affiliated to some groups such as frequent airline programs, the military, AARP and AAA. Although the discounts may vary, AAA members, for instance, enjoy anywhere between five and fifteen percent off usual rates at most resorts and hotels.
Consider Travel Agents
Most travel agents, particularly those affiliated with large agencies, access negotiated preferred rates with various hotel brands. Some agents can even get you food and beverage credits and room upgrades. Most likely, it won’t cost you anything. Majority of travel agents don’t charge fees to make simple hotel bookings. Just make sure to shop around before picking one to get an agent that’s suitable for you.
Reconsider the Entertainment Package
Many hotels in Miami offer entertainment packages that increase attraction tickets and meals to your room. Most of these packages appear as a good deal. However, do some enquiry before making a reservation. Learn package inclusions so you don’t pay for perks you don’t desire. In any case, it may even be cheaper to buy some of the included items separately. Making ticket and meal purchases once you arrive, gives you more flexibility in your schedule.
Request for a Deal
Finally, the last strategy to cut your hotel expenditure may be to just ask. Don’t bother using the hotel chain’s 800-number or a third party. Call the front desk and request for the lowest nonrefundable rate. Another strategy is to make a refundable reservation in one hotel and then keep on shopping around. If you get a favourable offer, ask your preferred hotel if it can match the competition. The hotel can offer you a room upgrade.
What is your telltale secret to save on hotel stay? Share with us in the comment section or on our social media platforms.
