How to lock in cheap hotel rates for the family

Staying at a 5-star hotel for 3-star prices will not be possible for very much longer.  Lots of major hotels and 5-star properties around the globe are reporting much higher demand resulting in a return to pre-GFC rates.

So what does this mean to families wanting to stay in a luxury hotel? Basically you may have to negotiate a little harder to get the rate you want. Here are some ways to get a better rate at the hotel of your choice.

Little Nomads’ tips for getting the best rates:

1. Book early and book the best flexible rate
2. Get to understand the hotel’s cancellation policies before booking.
3. Cover your best bets!

Something 15 years in the travel industry has taught me is to book and hold a flexible rate while you go searching. Booking the best rate that has flexibility on cancellation allows you to change your plans without a penalty.  Simply cancel your first booking when you find a hotel with a better rate.

Always book with websites and hotels which offer best price guarantees like booking.com, and IHG hotels and resorts.

If you have loyalty points now is the time to use them for room nights. We have always been keen on the priority club rewards program for this reason as its very easy to redeem your points even during higher demand periods.

Remember, sometimes it’s just not meant to be so re-focus and look for alternative accommodation at lower rates if your budget is being stretched.

Book early if you know you are travelling in a school holiday period or, for example, visiting Europe in the height of summer or Australian ski resorts during the ski season. This is particularly important for families as suitable accommodation is often in shorter supply.

Share - if you have tip or a sneaky little trick you are willing to share on getting the best rates for your family. Share it with us below. One lucky contributor will win a copy of Cool Hotels for Kids and Families.