by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:15 PM ET, Tue July 9, 2024
Between inflation and the general uptick in prices in a post-pandemic travel economy, being able to save a few dollars here and there on travel expenses is always a good thing.
And the experts at the travel platform Skyscanner are happy to help with the cost-cutting efforts.
Skyscanner's data crunchers have just released a list of money saving hacks consumers can use to reduce spending on hotels and accommodations this summer. The hacks cover cheapest places to book a hotel stay for the waning months of summer to considering a hostel instead of a typical hotel and also comparing hotels side-by-side with vacation rentals when searching for accommodations.
“Most US travelers agonize over finding the cheapest flight but are missing out on huge savings by not applying the same hacks to their accommodation searches,” says Skyscanner accommodation expert and travel expert Laura Lindsay.
Here’s how Skyscanner says travelers can save money.
New poll from AHLA reveals 55 percent of respondents say inflation is likely to reduce their chance of staying in a hotel. (Photo Credit: Courtesy AdobeStock)
Select destinations known for bargain hotel prices
Setting aside the fact that you’d likely have to pay for airfare to these destinations, there are several locations where Skyscanner says true bargain prices can be found on hotels across three-star, four-star, and five-star properties. Here’s a closer look.
Three-star hotel bargains
Manila, Philippines: Average nightly rate $34
Bangkok, Thailand: Average nightly rate $34
New Delhi, India: Average nightly rate $42
Cuzco, Peru: Average nightly rate $42
Mumbai, India: Average nightly rate $45
Four-star bargains
Chiang Mai, Thailand: $43
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: $52
Jakarta, Indonesia: $53
Casablanca, Morocco: $64
Denpasar, Indonesia: $68
Five-star bargains
Siem Reap, Cambodia: $54
Pattaya, Thailand: $86
Manila, Philippines: $94
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: $96
Cebu, Philippines: $142
Opt for a 2024 ‘value’ destination
Along with destinations where hotels are simply cheaper in general, there are certain also destinations that have seen a dip in prices this year, making them a ‘value’ choice right now, according to Skyscanner.
After sifting through millions of hotel prices globally, Skyscanner identified the following places as “seeing the biggest price drops this summer” compared to 2023.
-Santa Clara, California: 65% YOY price drop
-Stafford, Texas: 49% YOY price drop
-Gothenburg, Sweden: 48% YOY price drop
-Lucerne, Switzerland: 32% YOY price drop
-Wenatchee, WA: 27% YOY price drop
Compare vacation rentals and hotels side-by-side
Here’s another Skyscanner hack for saving money: In order to score the best price on accommodations, try comparing vacation rentals and hotels side-by-side. (Hint: this can be done using Skyscanner’s accommodation filters.)
“Based on Skyscanner’s most popular destinations, American travelers can save big by going for vacation rental options in certain destinations,” says the Skyscanner report.
For example, by swapping a seven-night Myrtle Beach hotel stay for a vacation rental in July and August travelers can save as much as 35 percent, according to Skyscanner data. That translates to a savings of about $777, according to the platform.
“There are times when a hotel stay works out cheaper than renting a house, for example in Las Vegas and Honolulu, so it’s always worth taking the time to compare your options,” the report says.
Here’s a look of some of the places where you might save by opting for a vacation rental instead of a hotel.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Average hotel price $317 per night vs Average vacation rental of $206 per night.
Barcelona, Spain: Average hotel price $248 per night, vs Average vacation rental of $371 per night.
Paris, France: Average hotel price $348 per night vs Average vacation rental $481 per night.
New York, NY: Average hotel price $278 per night vs Average vacation rental of $205 per night.
Consider hostels
While you may be beyond your hostel years, Skyscanner says these low-end accommodations are no longer just for backpackers. In fact, these types of accommodations have truly upped their game.
“The new gen of hostels offers aesthetic interiors, high quality local cuisine and most importantly…fun,” says Skyscanner. “Cut your accommodation spend and ditch the soleless budget hotel option this summer.”
A mere 14 percent of American travelers say they would be willing to stay in a hostel to lower vacation costs this year, according to Skyscanner. Still, the platform’s experts say American travelers may want to open their minds.
Here are some top hostel options, per Skyscanner.
Bambuda Lodge, Panama
From yoga classes and insta-worthy meals to jungle treks, snorkeling in the coral reef and a 150-foot waterslide from the bar to the ocean, this hostel offers up something for every type of traveler.
Room rates on Skyscanner start from $72 per night in August
Hostel Celica, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Transformed from a military prison to art hostel, travelers can spend the night in a unique prison cell – each cell a work of art created by artists from all over the world. The hostel also boasts its own art gallery, museum and weekly music concerts throughout the summer.
Room rates on Skyscanner start from $103 per night in August.
Firefly Eco Lodge, Bali
Locally constructed birds-nest pods sit surrounded by paddy fields and yet a few meters away from the lodge's bar-come-restaurant, a pool and the ubiquitous Bali swing.
Not for the faint-hearted, you'll need to climb up a steep bamboo ladder - but the spectacular views more than make up for it.
Room rates on Skyscanner start from $19 per night in August.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
