You're angry that the dreamy beachfront hotel you checked out last week is now suddenly pricier. But here’s the good news: there's an easy fix. With some work, you can suddenly get cheaper hotel bookings with a VPN.
A VPN, commonly used for digital privacy, is stunningly multifunctional. Masking your location and browsing data can unlock cheaper hotel prices you wouldn’t see otherwise. This happens for several reasons, but let's jump into the how first.
1. Choose a VPN
Start by selecting a reliable VPN provider. Since you want cheaper hotel bookings, try to find a VPN with as many server locations as possible. This can help you check out as broad a range of hotel prices as possible.
Bonus features would be strong encryption standards and a no-logs policy to ensure privacy. After all, you're going on a trip, and a VPN will also ensure your devices stay safe on hotel WiFi or public hotspots.
Here's a quick list of our recommended VPNs for hotel bookings:
2. Install and Launch The VPN App
Most of the best VPNs will have apps for several platforms. That means they will likely cover Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more. Download the app for your device and install it following the instructions.
Before you launch the VPN, wipe your digital footprints by clearing your browser’s cookies and cache. This step removes any stored data that could influence the prices you see.
Once that's done, you can launch the VPN and choose a server. Here, I recommend choosing a server location where the cost of living is lower than where you are. This will fool hotel booking sites into potentially giving you lower rates.
3. Browse Hotel Booking Sites
Now you can visit a few hotel booking sites and see if the prices are lower. If not, you can repeat the process by connecting to another server location. It usually takes only two or three tries to find a great deal.
This method has been tested on hotel booking sites like Expedia and Kayak.
Other Ways to Save Money on Hotel Bookings
While a VPN can help you snag lower hotel rates, it's just one piece of the puzzle. To maximize your savings, combine it with these tried-and-tested strategies:
Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Most major hotel chains have loyalty programs that offer frequent guests discounted rates, free nights, and other perks. Signing up is usually free and can lead to significant savings over time.
Hotels like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt offer loyalty programs, which can lead to 10-25% savings, depending on the membership tier. Benefits often include free WiFi, late check-out, and potential room upgrades, adding value beyond the room rate.
Leverage Credit Card Rewards
Many credit cards geared towards travelers offer points for each dollar spent, which can be redeemed for hotel stays.
For instance, a card like Chase Sapphire Preferred can earn you 2x points on travel and dining, saving you hundreds of dollars annually on hotel bookings.
Travel Off-Peak
Traveling during the off-season can save you as much as 40-60% on hotel rates, depending on the destination. For example, visiting a European city like Paris in winter rather than summer can halve your hotel expenses.
You can also check local events to ensure you don't run into big conferences or other significant events. For instance, booking a hotel outside a significant conference period could cut a $200 per night rate to $100-$160.
Last-Minute Booking Apps
For those with flexible travel plans, last-minute hotel booking apps are a fantastic way to snag great deals. Some apps you can check out include Hotwire and Priceline. These apps can offer discounts of up to 50-70% for same-day bookings.
How Much Can You Save on Hotel Bookings?
You can unlock significant savings by employing various strategies, from leveraging technology to timing your bookings right. But how much exactly can you save? Let's break it down:
| Strategy | Potential Savings |
| Using a VPN for Booking | 10-20% |
| Loyalty Programs and Memberships | 10-20% |
| Credit Card Rewards and Perks | 5-10% |
| Traveling Off-Peak | 40-60% |
| Last-Minute Booking Apps | 50-70% |
Best VPNs to Get Cheaper Hotel Bookings
Finding cheaper hotel rates requires digital savvy, particularly in using VPNs to mask your location and access better deals.
Here’s a rundown of the best VPNs for this purpose, each with unique features that make them ideal for snagging those elusive hotel discounts:
NordVPN: Massive Server Network
NordVPN boasts one of the largest server networks, offering over 5,000 servers in 59 countries. This extensive range allows users to test hotel prices in numerous locations, increasing the chances of finding a cheaper rate.
Additionally, its strong encryption ensures your browsing remains private and secure. NordVPN also offers a Double VPN feature for extra security and has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your data stays private.
Surfshark: Unlimited Devices
With Surfshark, there’s no limit on the number of devices you can use simultaneously. This means you can compare hotel prices across different devices at the same time, a handy feature for families or groups planning a trip together.
Its CleanWeb feature also blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Surfshark also offers a Whitelister panel that allows specific apps and websites to bypass the VPN, which can be helpful for local searches and bookings.
ExpressVPN: Speed and Reliability
Known for its high speed and reliable connections, ExpressVPN is an ace when trying to get cheaper hotel bookings with a VPN. This speed ensures that price comparisons and bookings are quick and seamless. It also offers a wide range of server locations.
ExpressVPN’s split-tunneling feature allows you to route some of your traffic through the VPN while letting other apps access the internet directly.
CyberGhost: Easy to Use
CyberGhost stands out for its user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for those new to VPNs. It offers dedicated servers optimized for various needs, including streaming and secure browsing, which can benefit travelers.
This VPN also provides a feature called NoSpy servers, which are exclusively owned and operated by them, ensuring better speed and security.
AtlasVPN: The Budget-Friendly Option
An excellent option for budget-conscious travelers, AtlasVPN offers a reliable service at a more affordable price than other VPNs. While it has fewer servers, it still covers major locations, sufficient for accessing different hotel booking sites.
AtlasVPN includes a data breach monitor, which alerts you if your personal information is compromised, adding an extra layer of security for your online activities.
Conclusion: Travel Smart with VPNs and Savvy Booking Strategies
As we've explored, using a VPN is a powerful strategy in this hunt, allowing you to navigate the dynamic world of hotel pricing with more savvy and insight. By changing your virtual location, you can access a range of prices that might otherwise be hidden.
But remember, the journey to cheaper hotel bookings with a VPN is a solo one. It's about combining this digital tool with other smart booking strategies: leveraging loyalty programs, taking advantage of off-peak travel, and more.
