How to Get a Free Hotel Room? 8 Simple Tricks to Try
Traveling can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive. One of the biggest expenses that travelers face is accommodation. Hotel rooms can cost hundreds of dollars per night, depending on the location, season, and quality. However, what if you could get a hotel room for free? Yes, you read that right. There are actually several ways to get free hotel rooms without breaking the law or compromising your safety. In this article, we will share with you 8 simple tricks to try to get free hotel rooms for your next trip.
8 Tricks to Get Free Hotel Rooms
Here are 8 tricks that you can use to get free hotel rooms, or at least save some money on your accommodation:
1. Join a Hotel Loyalty Program
One of the easiest and most common ways to get free hotel rooms is to join a hotel loyalty program. These are programs that reward you for staying with the same hotel chain, by giving you points, perks, and free nights. Most hotel loyalty programs are free to join, and you can earn points by booking directly with the hotel, using a hotel credit card, or spending money on partner brands. You can then redeem your points for free hotel rooms, or other benefits, such as free wifi, free breakfast, or room upgrades. Some of the most popular hotel loyalty programs are Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Rewards Club, and World of Hyatt.
2. Use a Hotel Credit Card
Another way to get free hotel rooms is to use a hotel credit card. These are credit cards that are co-branded with a hotel chain, and offer you rewards and benefits for staying with them. You can earn points by using the card for your hotel stays, as well as for other purchases, such as groceries, gas, or dining. You can also get sign-up bonuses, annual free nights, and other perks, such as elite status, complimentary airport lounge access, or travel insurance. Some of the best hotel credit cards are Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card, and World of Hyatt Credit Card.
3. Use a Credit Card Travel Portal
A third way to get free hotel rooms is to use a credit card travel portal. These are online platforms that allow you to book travel with your credit card points or miles, often at a discounted rate or with a bonus value. You can use these portals to book hotel rooms, as well as flights, car rentals, cruises, or vacation packages. Some of the best credit card travel portals are American Express Travel, Chase Travel, and Capital One Travel.
4. Use an Online Travel Agency
A fourth way to get free hotel rooms is to use an online travel agency. These are websites that allow you to compare and book travel deals from various providers, such as hotels, airlines, or car rental companies. You can use these websites to find the best prices, discounts, and offers for your hotel stays, as well as earn rewards or cash back for your bookings. Some of the best online travel agencies are Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Priceline.
5. Attend a Timeshare Presentation
A fifth way to get free hotel rooms is to attend a timeshare presentation. These are sales pitches that try to convince you to buy a share of a vacation property, usually in exchange for a free or discounted stay at the resort. You can find these offers online, by phone, or by mail, and they usually require you to attend a 90-minute to 2-hour presentation, followed by a high-pressure sales pitch. If you are not interested in buying a timeshare, you can still get the free hotel room, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria, such as age, income, and marital status, and you don’t sign any contract or pay any deposit. However, be prepared to say no firmly and repeatedly, and don’t let the salespeople intimidate or manipulate you.
6. Become a Mystery Shopper
A sixth way to get free hotel rooms is to become a mystery shopper. These are people who are hired by companies to evaluate the quality and service of various businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, or stores. You can sign up with a mystery shopping company, and they will assign you a hotel to visit, usually for one or two nights. You will have to pay for the hotel room upfront, but you will be reimbursed after you submit a detailed report of your experience, along with receipts and photos. You may also get a small fee or a gift card for your time and effort. Some of the best mystery shopping companies are BestMark, IntelliShop, and Market Force.
7. Negotiate with Hotels
A seventh way to get free hotel rooms is to negotiate with hotels. This is a skill that requires some research, confidence, and persuasion, but it can pay off if you do it right. You can try to negotiate with hotels for a lower rate, a free upgrade, a free night, or other perks, such as free parking, free breakfast, or free spa access. You can do this by calling the hotel directly, preferably a few days before your arrival, and asking for the manager or the reservation agent. You can then explain why you deserve a better deal, such as being a loyal customer, having a special occasion, or having a large group. You can also mention any competing offers or prices that you have found online, and ask them to match or beat them. You can also use your charm, humor, or compliments to win them over. However, be polite, respectful, and flexible, and don’t be too pushy or demanding.
8. Complain About Your Stay
A final way to get free hotel rooms is to complain about your stay. This is a risky and unethical method, and we do not recommend it, but it can work if you have a legitimate reason to complain, such as a dirty room, a broken amenity, a noisy neighbor, or a rude staff member. You can complain to the hotel manager or the customer service, and explain what went wrong, how it affected your stay, and what you expect them to do about it. You can then ask for a refund, a free night, or a future stay voucher, depending on the severity of the issue. However, be honest, reasonable, and courteous, and don’t exaggerate or lie about your complaint. You may also need to provide evidence, such as photos, videos, or receipts, to support your claim.
Conclusion
Getting a free hotel room may seem like a dream, but it is actually possible with some tricks and tips. You can use hotel loyalty programs, hotel credit cards, credit card travel portals, online travel agencies, timeshare presentations, mystery shopping, negotiation, or complaint to get free hotel rooms, or at least save some money on your accommodation. However, you should always be respectful, honest, and ethical, and don’t abuse or scam the system. With some luck and skill, you can enjoy a free hotel room for your next trip.
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