There are many reasons to stay in a hotel when you travel. From convenience to peace of mind, hotels offer a number of benefits that are hard to replicate. But they also come with a price. And that price can be expensive, depending on the location and the amenities offered.

But there are some ways to save money on hotel stays. One of the most important things is to know your needs and goals for each trip. Do you want to be close to the action? Do you need a pool or gym? Are you looking for luxury or just a basic room? Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s easier to find the best deals.

Another way to save is by using a rewards program. Many credit cards have programs that allow you to earn points and redeem them for free or discounted hotel stays. It’s also a good idea to look for hotels that are part of a larger brand, as they may have special offers or loyalty deals that you can take advantage of.

It’s also worth checking with your employer to see if they have any travel discounts. Some companies will pay for lodging for employees traveling on business or vacation, and this can help you save a lot of money. You can also try contacting local convention and visitor bureaus, as they often work with hotels to offer travelers additional perks or discounted rates.

Before the Internet age, finding hotel information was much more difficult. Travel agents would send out a brochure with prices and descriptions, and then receive calls from customers who wanted to book a room. Those bookings were entered into a huge board or tracked on a system of carbon paper slips and physical ledgers. Then, when new reservations came in, they’d have to be crossed-checked with what was actually available.

While this process was certainly time-consuming, it did give people a lot of information about the hotels they were considering. And it was definitely more convenient than trying to find lodging on your own!

When choosing a hotel, make sure to take a look at the pictures. Some hotels will only show the best rooms, so be careful about that. Also, look at reviews from other guests to get an idea of what to expect. If you can, choose a hotel with video surveillance, as this is great for making sure that your belongings are safe while you’re gone.

Finally, if you have the option, consider staying at an Airbnb instead of a hotel. You’ll usually find better prices on Airbnb, and you might be able to book a whole house or apartment for less than a single night in a hotel. And if you’re staying for longer than a few days, Airbnb can offer more roomy accommodations than most hotels, which is ideal for extended stays. Plus, both Airbnb and hotels have similar cancellation policies, so you can be more flexible with your travel dates.