As travelers plan their next getaway, the cost of a hotel room is often one of the biggest concerns. The thought of paying more for a hotel room just because it is peak time can be frustrating and confusing. While these higher costs can seem daunting, there are actually logical reasons why hotels increase their rates at certain times of the year. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon can help you to decide whether it’s worth paying a high rate or not.
1. The demand & supply factor
To begin with, one of the main reasons why hotels charge higher rates during peak times is because they expect more demand than usual at certain times throughout the year, such as holidays, special events, school breaks, etc. Hotels know people will still book rooms no matter what, so they take advantage of this by raising their prices in order to capitalize on their expected profits.
2. Offering better amenities and services
Hotels want to attract customers willing to pay for higher-quality services. By charging more for the same room, the hotel can afford to offer better amenities and services like spa treatments, pool access, upgraded beds, etc., which make customers feel special and valued.
3. Tourist rush
Certain areas tend to experience high demand throughout certain seasonal periods due to tourists flocking in from all over the world who wish to explore them. This further leads to an increase in hotel rates due to a shortage of accommodation options and competition amongst hotels trying to become more profitable than one another by offering unique services or lower prices (depending on which attracts max customers).
4. Cover the costs of repairs
In some cases, hotels may also raise prices in order to cover the costs of repairs and renovations that are necessary during these periods. Due to the increased number of guests during these periods, more wear and tear is placed on the hotel, resulting in a need for more frequent repairs.
5. Make money
Finally, it is important to remember that hotels are businesses and their primary goal is to make money. By increasing prices during peak times, they are able to do just that. So, while it may not be popular, hotels increasing their rates during peak times is simply a way to stay in business and make a profit.
Tips to save money on your hotel bookings
While there are reasons for increased rates during peak times, there are also certain ways through which you can save money on your hotel bookings by being strategic about it. Here’re some tips:
1. Look for hidden fees
Oftentimes, hotels add extra fees like service charges or taxes which can significantly bump up your final bill. So be sure to check out all potential extra costs before making your booking decision.
2. Use discount codes
Many websites offer discount codes for major travel sites like Expedia and TripAdvisor that you can use when booking a room. Discount codes can also be found in many travel magazines and websites. Be sure to read the fine print before using a discount code, as some codes may have expiration dates or other restrictions.
3. Book off-peak dates
If flexibility permits then try booking around off-peak dates where usually there are fewer crowds and hence lower prices.
4. Compare multiple sites
Before booking a room compare various online hotel booking sites like Trivago or Hotels Combined in order to get the best deals. This is especially helpful during peak travel times when demand is high and rooms are in short supply.
5. Use loyalty programs
Signing up with loyalty programs offered by various hotels often gives additional benefits like free breakfast or discounts on room rates including during peak times. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you travel often.
6. Become an early bird
Booking early on any given site could give you better chances of finding cheaper rates compared to late bookers who may face inflated rates due unavailability of rooms at low prices.
7. Join Group Deals & Offers
Some websites offer group discounts when multiple people book together so if possible look out for such deals while planning a trip with friends/family/colleagues.
8.Consider Alternate Accommodation Options
Apart from traditional hotels look out for private rentals available through portals such as Airbnb or VRBO etc., since pricing here could be much lower than regular stays depending upon availability & locations. Just make sure to read the reviews carefully so you know what you’re getting into.
9. Negotiate directly with Hotel Management
Last but not least, if there’s still a considerable difference between quoted rates & your budget then perhaps consider negotiating directly with management in person since most often they’re open to cut down prices when asked politely yet persistently!
Conclusion
All said and done understanding how hotel pricing works along with implementing a few simple techniques mentioned above should help save a considerable amount of money while still giving you the best possible options suited according to specifications pertaining to the location & budget constraints!
