4 Genius Ways to Get the Best Value During Your Next Hotel Stay

It doesn’t matter if you prefer a five-star, all-inclusive resort or a charming bed and breakfast, there’s something absolutely riveting about checking into a hotel. Hanging by the pool? Indulging in some bougie toiletries? Cocooning yourself in a plush robe? Say no more.

“Don’t treat the hotel like a place to sleep instead of part of the trip,” says Kristen Kellogg, co-founder of a travel advisory firm called Salt and Wind Travel. “People will spend hours researching restaurants and tours and then book a hotel based on the rate almost like an afterthought.”

But here’s the thing: Going on a vacation is expensive—and there’s a good chance the hotel is one of the biggest line items in your travel budget. So if you’re going to spend an arm and a leg on accommodations, you should make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. And what better way to do so than by taking advantage of every perk your property offers. After all, most properties’ amenities don’t end with a fitness center or room service.

To help, we tapped Kellogg to share lesser-known ways to get the most value out of your stay. Turns out, the most genius tricks are hiding in plain sight.

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Be Mindful About Booking

A room is a room, so booking a hotel through a third-party site must be the same as doing it directly, right? Not exactly. Hotels love when guests reserve a room with them, and can treat them as unofficial VIPs. In fact, some pros say properties sometimes gift savvy customers with spa credits or a complimentary snack.

While you’re at it,  Kellogg encourages you to check whether your credit card has any travel-specific offerings. Programs like Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection, and Visa Infinite often offer some perks. 

“Always join the loyalty program if you;re booking a brand that has one available before you book,” she adds. “Even if it’s your first stay.”

Bits and (Budget-Friendly) Bites

Why spend money on beverages and treats when you can snag some from the hotel? Because, of course, even the bougiest locations take snack time seriously. Guests of  the Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa in Jackson, Wyoming, serve complimentary afternoon cookies, while Hotel Yellowstone’s happy hour is a smattering of charcuterie and free wine. Speaking of which, the vast majority of properties in Napa and Sonoma offer pours of wine upon check in. Best of all? Since you’re mere steps away from some yummy bites and sips, snacktime doesn’t have to throw off your entire itinerary.

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Complimentary Chauffeur

For some properties, the best-kept secret is their house cars. Properties such as Montage Healdsburg and Alila Napa Valley have private shuttle services that will drop you off anywhere within a predetermined radius. (Usually, Kellogg says, it’s a few miles.) “It’s first-come, first-served most of the time but can be wildly valuable,” she adds. “Also it’s helpful to ask the driver for any inside knowledge they may have about the place you’re staying from a local’s perspective.”

Though house cars are often reserved for high-end, five-star properties, Kellogg says budget-friendly hotels often have bike rentals baked into your nightly fee. 

Pro-Approved Recs 

Never underestimate the power of a great staff. “A good concierge for things when you’re already on the ground traveling can be hugely beneficial,” Kellogg says.  “They can get you into places that say they’re fully booked or find you a hairstylist or a tailor in a pinch.” Many hotels offer robust concierge services free of charge, getting a good recommendation can be as easy as swinging by the front desk and asking for the best place to grab a cup of coffee.

But remember: Kindness is a two-way street. “The hospitality industry runs on memory,” Kellogg stresses. “Be the kind of guest people remember in a good way, and your future stays better on their own.”