Getting the best value from your hotel

Alison Couper, Director of Communications for Hotels.com, has put together some hints and tips on how to get the best value when booking your hotel, so your money can go further when on holiday.

Avoid peak season
As with all holidays, if you avoid peak season you are more likely to get a good price on your hotel. For example, those who book a 5-star hotel in Nice in the early summer months (April-June) will spend an average of £267** per night, whilst those who are prepared to go in the colder winter months (October-December) can expect to spend just £219*** for a night in a 5-star hotel. It is also a good idea to check if there are any major sporting events or conferences at a destination as these can really push hotel prices up.

Spot the savings
There is a great sale section on hotels.co.uk where savings of up to 40% can be found. These deals are updated everyday, so make sure you check the site regularly to find the best bargains.

Also check the brand new ‘Top 10 hotels for…’ section on hotels.co.uk. The site is currently listing the Top 10 London offers to make bargain hunting even easier.

Forget the frills
The back to basics recipe that has been so successful in the airline industry is now being adopted by some hotels. There are many simple, no frills hotels being set up that offer a functional rather than fancy service, and many of these are available on hotels.co.uk. To help you choose the best of the more modest hotels, check the reviews from customers who have actually stayed in the properties, to ensure you make an informed choice. Sites such as Hotels.com and Tripadvisor.com are great for real feedback and opinions.

Be realistic
A rooftop pool is lovely, but if you’re going away in mid-winter, will you really be taking the plunge? Similarly, the hotel’s business centre may have state-of-the-art equipment, but if you’re going for a romantic weekend away, the chances are you won’t be spending time on the computer. Think carefully about what services you will use, to ensure you don’t pay over the odds.

Be adventurous
With low frills airlines offering cheap flights to new places, there is plenty of opportunity for trying new destinations where your money often goes further. Be brave and try somewhere new. You will often find that straying off the beaten track not only saves you money but also offers some hidden gems.
For example, if you like the vineyards of France why not head to Hungary, home to 22 designated wine regions? If you like Dubai, try its up-and-coming neighbour Abu Dhabi for a change. The Black Sea Coast is a great alternative to the Greek Islands and for hitting the shops, Philadelphia, with no sales tax on clothes and shoes, makes a great break from New York.

Do the cooking!
Eating in hotel restaurants can add to the cost of your stay, so it might be more economical to do your own cooking. This is a particularly good idea if you’re travelling with children. At hotels.co.uk, you can choose self catering accommodation via the city home pages.

Think about when you book
Whilst booking ahead is sometimes cheaper, there are also plenty of hotel bargains to be found at the last minute. Think about the best time to book to get the best price for your trip.

Book with a price promise
Sites such as hotels.co.uk guarantee you the best value on hotels. Hotels.com has a price promise that will refund you the difference if you find the same room cheaper elsewhere.

For more info, go to Hotels.co.uk.

* Hotels.com website is the most visited in the ‘Hotels/Accommodation provider’ category, according to comScore Media Metrix (Jan-Dec 2007).

**Figure taken from the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index report Summer 2007, which reviews prices paid for hotels from April to June 2007.

*** Figure taken from the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index report review of 2006, which reviews prices paid for hotels from October to December 2006.