Accommodation can be a massive expense when it comes to travelling – probably more so than transport depending on the mode(s) of transport you take.
If you’re a cost-savvy traveller wanting to keep costs down as much as possible, you would be staying at hostels.
Hostels are a fantastic way to reduce accommodation expenses (or save more money if you want to see it like this way), especially if you stay in large (but still comfortable) dorm rooms.
Furthermore, hostels often have a great social environment where you can meet other travellers (and even partake in adventurous tours, exploring the city or countryside together), along with providing more local boots-on-the-ground information and tours. Personally, I find hostels more ‘authentic’ than the sanitised hotel experience that is often devoid of personality and sociability. Having said that, there are often times when hotels are suitable – everyone loves some comfort and privacy!
But did you know you could save even more money on hostel and hotel accommodation?
It’s an incredibly easy tip and it’s a great way to keep more money in the hands of local independent businesses instead of large, faceless corporations making millions of dollars for their shareholders.
The simple tip to getting cheaper accommodation is to book directly with the accommodation provider.
Ways to book directly with an accommodation provider
When looking for accommodation, your first instinct is to use accommodation booking websites to search and book. I don’t blame you – it’s quick and easy. But let’s go a few steps further.
When you’re searching for a hostel on an online accommodation booking platform and you see a hostel that looks like you could stay at, google the hostel to see if they have their own website to book directly instead of on the accommodation booking website.
All accommodation booking websites charge hostels and hotels a commission (in some form or another) for using their services, anywhere from 10% to 15% and beyond, depending on their deal (that includes search preferences and promotions for that hostel), location, and size.
This commission is often in the form of the deposit you pay online for your booking of accommodation – hostels and hotels will never receive this money.
This is one of the reasons why it’s better if you book directly with hostels (and independent hotels) to keep more money in the local economy, in the hands of local businesses, local people, local families.
Often if you book directly with a hostel, accommodation costs are cheaper, typically by 5% (per night). This may not sound a lot but it compounds over time if you do book directly at every hostel you stay at!
There are several ways to book directly with the hostel:
- Booking on the hostel website
- Emailing the hostel
- Calling the hostel
Many hostels (and hotels) have their own website with their own online booking service where the dorm or room rates can be cheaper than the rates featured on accommodation booking platforms.
Even if there is no price difference in dorm or room rates, it is better to book directly so all of the money goes into the hands of the local business instead of large corporations.
Whenever you see an optional discount code or coupon input field during the online booking process, always search for it!
When you’re booking on the hostel or hotel website and during the process there is an option to enter a discount code or coupon, have a quick look on the other web pages of the hostel website for mentions of a discount code. A great idea also is to google for the discount code for that hostel. I’ve managed to get further discounts by doing this – it’s worth a try!
If there isn’t an online booking service on the hostel website, or if the hostel doesn’t even have a website, try and find their email address to make a booking.
In your email, make sure to include the following:
- Check-in date
- Check-out date
- Number of nights you are going to stay
- Type of dorm (include number of beds) or room
- The final rate/price with all taxes (if any) included
The trick is to make yourself seem interested in staying at the hostel, as opposed being a definite decision. This is so it sounds like you’re asking around, including asking their competitors, increasing the chances of a discount.
Be clear in what you’re requesting.
You could use the email template below if you like:
Hello,
Hope you’re well!
I am thinking of booking a room at your hostel for [CHECK-IN DATE – e.g., Friday 21st September], checking out [CHECK-OUT DATE] staying for [NUMBER OF NIGHTS] nights.
As I always prefer booking directly with the hostel (instead of through online booking platforms since they take a cut of your booking price, taking money off hostels like yours), just wondering how much would a room cost (with tax included) per night in [State currency] if I book directly with you (via email) for the [NUMBER OF NIGHTS] nights in a [DORM OR ROOM – e.g., 10 bed dorm]?
I hope to hear from you soon.
Many thanks!
I’ve emailed hostels directly and many times it has resulted in a discounted rate per night – it’s always worth trying to get a discount to save more money. You have nothing to lose and the worst thing the hostel can do is give you the same price.
Make sure that the accommodation rates/pricing is final that includes any taxes – you don’t want to get a bit of a nasty shock when you end up paying more when you arrive at your place of stay.
Another way to book directly with the hostel (if they don’t have a website or email address) is to enquire via phone. This can be quite intimidating for some (and maybe costly if you have to pay for the call) but it can worth your time and effort to secure a discount on your accommodation.
Much like an email, be clear in your check-in date, check-out date, type of dorm or room you’re interested in, and ask if there is a discount if you book directly with the hostel.
To save money on accommodation, it’s always worth booking accommodation directly with hostels (or hotels) instead of through online accommodation booking platforms. By booking directly with hostels, the booking rates can be lower. By making direct bookings with hostels repeatedly, the money you save will be compounded over time. Booking directly is also good for the local hostels and hotels as more money stays in the hands of local people, instead of being given to large, faceless corporations.
There are several ways to book directly with the hostel (or hotel):
- Booking on the hostel website
- Emailing the hostel
- Calling the hostel
Do you know of other great simple tips in getting more affordable hostel or hotel accommodation?
Comment below to let others and I know.
If you know a friend or two (especially if they’re a budget traveller) who is always wanting to learn more tips to save money, share this helpful post to them today.