Where to Find the Best Hotel Deals in 2025

If you're trying to save money on your next trip, knowing where to look for hotel deals can mean the difference between a budget-friendly getaway and a surprise bill that ruins your vacation. The truth is, the best hotel deals aren't always on the big-name booking sites you see in ads. They’re hiding in plain sight-if you know where to look and when to look.

Booking Directly on Hotel Websites Often Wins

Most people start their search on Expedia, Booking.com, or TripAdvisor. But here’s what those sites won’t tell you: the hotel itself often has the lowest price. Why? Because they don’t have to pay a 15-30% commission to third-party platforms. Many hotels offer a price match guarantee-if you find the same room cheaper elsewhere, they’ll beat it by 10%. Just make sure you call them directly or use their official website. Some even throw in free breakfast, late checkout, or room upgrades when you book direct.

For example, Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt all run exclusive member-only deals on their apps. Even if you’re not a loyalty member, signing up for free gives you access to deals that aren’t listed anywhere else. In 2025, over 62% of travelers who booked direct reported getting a better rate than on third-party sites, according to a survey by HotelTechReport.

Use Aggregators, But Know Their Limits

Google Hotels and Trivago are great for comparing prices across dozens of sites at once. They scan hundreds of booking platforms in seconds, showing you the lowest price available. But here’s the catch: they don’t always show every option. Smaller boutique hotels, independent properties, and local bed-and-breakfasts often don’t list on these aggregators. And sometimes, the price you see is locked in for only 10 minutes-then it jumps.

Use these tools to get a baseline. If you see a deal that looks too good to be true, check the hotel’s own website before clicking. Also, pay attention to what’s included. A $99 rate on a third-party site might not include taxes, resort fees, or Wi-Fi. On the hotel’s site, the price is usually all-in.

Last-Minute Deals Are Real-If You’re Flexible

If you can drop everything and leave in 48 hours, you’ll find some of the best deals of the year. Hotels hate empty rooms. So when occupancy drops in the final 72 hours, they slash prices to fill beds. Apps like HotelTonight and LastMinute.com specialize in this. In December 2025, a study by Skift found that last-minute bookings in major cities like Sydney, Auckland, and Vancouver were, on average, 43% cheaper than bookings made two weeks in advance.

Try this: Set up price alerts on Google Hotels for your dream destination. When a drop hits, you’ll get a notification. Then, check the hotel’s website again. Often, the same room will be even cheaper there.

Travel Rewards and Credit Card Perks

If you travel even once a year, a travel rewards credit card can pay for itself. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Gold offer points that can be redeemed for hotel stays. Some even give you free night certificates just for signing up-worth $100 to $300. Others give you elite status with hotel chains, unlocking perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast.

Even if you don’t want a credit card, check if your bank or employer offers travel discounts. Many companies partner with hotel chains for employee rates. And if you’re a member of AAA, AARP, or a military discount program, you’re likely eligible for 10-20% off at major chains like Best Western, Holiday Inn, and Radisson.

Book Through Local Tourism Boards

Most cities have official tourism websites. And many of them offer exclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else. For example, the official Visit Wellington site runs seasonal promotions where you can book a hotel and get free entry to Te Papa Museum, a ferry ride to Miramar, or a wine-tasting tour. These aren’t just discounts-they’re curated experiences bundled with your stay.

Same goes for places like Queenstown, Rotorua, or Taupō. Local tourism boards often partner with hotels to offer packages: “Stay 3 nights, get 2 meals free” or “Book a spa room, get a hot pool pass.” These deals are rarely listed on Booking.com or Expedia because they’re hyper-local.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Not all deals are real deals. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Hidden fees: Resort fees, parking charges, or Wi-Fi costs can add $30-$60 per night. Always check the fine print.
• Non-refundable traps: A $50-a-night rate might look amazing-if you don’t mind losing it all if plans change. Stick to free cancellation options unless you’re 100% sure.
• Too-good-to-be-true listings: If a hotel on a sketchy site is priced 70% below market rate, it’s probably fake. Check reviews on Google and Trustpilot.
• Booking too early: For popular destinations, prices often drop in the last 2-4 weeks, not months ahead. Don’t lock in a price too soon.

What Works Best in 2025? A Simple Strategy

Here’s the step-by-step system that’s working for thousands of travelers right now:

1. Use Google Hotels to find the lowest advertised price.
2. Go straight to the hotel’s official website and compare.
3. Check if you qualify for any discounts (AAA, military, corporate, loyalty program).
4. If it’s within 72 hours of your trip, check HotelTonight or call the hotel directly.
5. Look up the city’s official tourism website for bundled deals.

That’s it. No apps to download. No subscriptions. Just five smart steps that save you money without the hassle.

Real Example: A $400 Savings in Queenstown

Last month, a traveler booked a 3-night stay at the Matakauri Lodge in Queenstown. On Booking.com, it was $899. On the hotel’s website? $799. But when they called and mentioned they were a member of AAA, the front desk offered a $200 discount and a free spa voucher. Total savings: $400. And they got a room upgrade, too.

This isn’t magic. It’s just knowing where to ask.

Final Tip: Don’t Just Look for Cheap-Look for Value

A $50 room with no breakfast, no Wi-Fi, and a 20-minute walk to the city center isn’t a deal. A $120 room with free parking, breakfast, and a shuttle to downtown? That’s a win. Focus on what you actually need: location, safety, clean rooms, and good service. The best hotel deal isn’t the cheapest one-it’s the one that gives you the most for your money, without the stress.