Whether you’re planning a vacation or just trying to save money on hotel stays, there are plenty of strategies to try. You can use comparison websites, sign up for alerts, be flexible with dates, and book refundable rates. You can also get great deals by booking flights and hotels at the same time. You can also ask for discounts or perks like free WiFi, breakfast, and room upgrades. But the most effective strategy might be to join a hotel loyalty program. Most hotel chains will offer loyalty points that you can redeem for free rooms after a certain number of stays. They’ll also give you special member deals that OTAs won’t match. And they’ll often compensate you if you find a lower price on another website, either with a discounted rate or extra loyalty points.

As the travel industry evolves, some hotels are starting to focus on offering specialized experiences. Some are all-inclusive, while others cater to specific needs such as families or people with disabilities. Many hotels are getting into sports tourism, focusing on giving loyalty members access to exclusive events or activities. For example, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts recently started allowing members to exchange their loyalty points for tickets to Minor League Baseball games. And Marriott Bonvoy partnered with the U.S. Soccer Federation to provide exclusive fan experiences.

But the biggest trend that we’re seeing in hotels is the move away from traditional check-in and checkout times to more self-service options. With more and more travelers using mobile devices to plan and book their stays, hotels are shifting toward a more customer-centric approach that gives guests control over the check-in and checkout process. It’s important to understand what these changes mean for the industry as a whole so you can be prepared for them as a consumer.

Traveling and hotels aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, so it’s crucial to keep up with the latest developments to stay ahead of the game. Stay tuned for more tips on how to travel smarter and get the best value for your money! And don’t forget to sign up for the HerMoney newsletter, which delivers a weekly dose of money advice straight to your inbox. It’s completely free to subscribe. You can unsubscribe any time you want. Thank you for reading!