How to save hundreds of dollars on hotel stays: a tip that many people did not know

Experienced traveler and journalist Talia Lakritz revealed a simple and free tip that helps her save hundreds of dollars on hotel reservations. If you have email, you can replicate this trick too.

Talia learned about this trick back in 2018. After thoroughly verifying that her scheme worked, the girl decided to share the secret with other travelers as well, writing about her experience for the online publication Insider.

Lakritz stumbled upon this trick when she was booking a room at a Holiday Inn for a wedding and wanted to know if there was a late checkout option. She discovered that such an option was offered as a perk to members of IHG One Rewards, the rewards program of InterContinental Hotels Group, which also includes such hotel chains as the Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental and Staybridge Suites.

Not only did this membership mean she could check out before 3 p.m., as opposed to the standard 12 p.m., but it also gave her access to lower exclusive rates. These were available exclusively to members who booked directly through the Holiday Inn website. All Talia had to do was sign up for a free online account using her email address.

She didn't have to pay anything extra. She started looking for similar free programs for other hotel chains.

During a trip to London earlier this year, the traveler was able to cut her booking costs by 15 percent by taking part in a free membership at the Tavistock Hotel, a branch of the Imperial London hotel chain. Participating in the program allowed her to save $85 by booking a double room.

According to Talia, most hotels publish members-only rates right on their booking pages, which makes it easy to determine whether a promotion is available. If it's not mentioned, an Internet search on the hotel's name combined with "member incentive program" will usually tell you if there is an offer.

"These days I never book a hotel without first checking to see if I can create a free account for discounts or perks. As far as I can tell, there's no catch here. I did not receive any spam emails or junk mail, and I was not charged extra," commented the traveler.

It is important to stress, however, that this tipster is probably not suitable for those who prefer to stay in small or independent hotels, since it is usually the large chains that offer the membership program.

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