How to Find Cheap Luxury Hotels

A great hotel is definitely a bonus to any trip. Being your temporary home away from home, it is important to find a hotel that not only makes you feel comfortable but also allows you to escape to a place that is different from your everyday life. “Luxury” is a term that is often equated with excessive fees and suites that are reserved only for VIPs. Using these tips, you can make yourself a VIP and enjoy the comfort of a luxurious hotel that fits snugly within your budget.

1. Research. When planning a trip, it is wise to check travel guides and your destination’s tourism website to gather valuable information that can give you some idea of what to expect. These will offer recommendations to popular hotels in the area and may even offer special discounts for mentioning them. Note: Hotels located in the heart of the city are often more expensive. You can reduce costs by staying off the beaten path, but remember to weigh in the cost of convenience and transportation.

2. Stay connected. Travel resources (magazines, websites, and blogs) offer reviews and keep you in the loop on special promotions. Quikbook.com and Jetsetter.com offer great deals on some exclusive hotels. Articles like Elite Travel Girl’s “Luxury Hotels We Love for 2010″ and The Jet Set Girls’ review of Miami hotels are full of valuable insider information from a guest’s perspective. Note: Word travels fast. Ask for referrals, but always be sure to check the validity of the information before making any major moves.

3. Bundle up. Using websites like Orbitz.com and TripAdviser.com, packages that include flight, hotel, and car rental are cheaper than getting each service separately. Note: Playing around with the dates of your trip can also save you a few dollars. It is usually cheaper to travel during the week than on the weekend. Also, always be on the lookout for off-season deals.

4. Split it. Traveling with a group of friends and splitting the costs is another way to reduce money spent.

5. Be loyal. Once you find a hotel that you like, become a member and/or join their mailing list to receive awards and special deals. Note: When all else fails, call the hotel that catches your eye. Be polite, and see if they are willing to extend any special offers.

6. Bonus! With volunteerism on the rise, some hotels are offering incentives for your efforts, like Sage Hospitality’s Give a Day, Get a Night promotion: “Give 8 hours of community service and get a complimentary night stay or 50% discount on hotel rooms at all 53 Sage hotels across the country. Offer ends March 31, 2010.”

Plush accommodations, outstanding hospitality, and an extraordinary atmosphere are all benefits of a luxury hotel that you can enjoy without breaking your bank. Don’t let your budget hold you back from the lap of luxury!

Written by Danielle Fontus