savingsspot.co.uk Planning a getaway? Whether it’s a relaxing weekend break in the Cotswolds, a vibrant city escape to Edinburgh, or a sun-soaked holiday abroad, booking accommodation is often a significant part of the travel budget. This is where Hotels.com and their discount codes can become your best friend. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about securing and using Hotels.com discount codes, helping you save money and make your travel dreams a reality.
What is Hotels.com?
Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localised websites and telephone call centres. They boast a vast inventory of hotels, ranging from independent properties and small B&Bs to major international chains, giving you an incredible choice, whatever your budget or travel style.
Why Use Hotels.com Discount Codes?
The most obvious reason is, of course, to save money! Discount codes can significantly reduce the cost of your hotel stay, freeing up funds for other aspects of your trip, like exploring local attractions, enjoying delicious meals, or even upgrading your room. These savings can be particularly beneficial for longer stays or when travelling during peak season, when prices tend to be higher.
Types of Hotels.com Discount Codes
Hotels.com offers a variety of discount codes throughout the year, each with its own terms and conditions. Here are some of the most common types you’ll encounter:
- Percentage Discounts: These codes offer a fixed percentage off your booking, such as 10% or 15% off. These are often widely available and can apply to a broad range of hotels.
- Fixed Amount Discounts: These provide a specific amount off your booking, for example, £20 off a minimum spend of £200.
- Seasonal Sales: Hotels.com frequently runs seasonal promotions, such as summer sales, Black Friday deals, or January sales. These often feature substantial discounts across a wide selection of properties.
- Last-Minute Deals: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, keep an eye out for last-minute deals. Hotels.com often offers significant discounts on rooms that haven’t been booked close to the check-in date.
- Student Discounts: Students can sometimes unlock additional savings through dedicated student discount programmes. It’s worth checking to verify your student status and access these exclusive offers.
- Mobile App Exclusive Codes: Sometimes, Hotels.com offers exclusive discount codes only available through their mobile app. Downloading the app can be a worthwhile step to access these extra savings.
- Email Sign-Up Offers: By subscribing to the Hotels.com newsletter, you can often receive a welcome discount code, as well as regular updates on the latest promotions and deals.
- Hotels.com Rewards Programme: Although not strictly a discount code, the Hotels.com Rewards programme is an excellent way to save.
How to Find Hotels.com Discount Codes
Finding these money-saving codes isn’t difficult, but it does require a little bit of savvy searching. Here are some of the best places to look:
- Hotels.com Website: Start your search directly on the Hotels.com website. Look for banners advertising current promotions, or check their dedicated deals page.
- Discount Code Websites: Numerous websites dedicated to gathering and sharing discount codes for various retailers, including Hotels.com.
- Social Media: Follow Hotels.com on their social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) as they often announce exclusive deals and promotions there.
- Travel Blogs and Forums: Travel bloggers and forum users frequently share discount codes and tips for saving money on travel.
- Email Newsletters: As mentioned earlier, signing up for the Hotels.com newsletter is a great way to stay informed about the latest offers.
How to Use a Hotels.com Discount Code
Using a Hotels.com discount code is generally a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
- Browse and Select: Browse the Hotels.com website and select your desired hotel and room type.
- Proceed to Checkout: Once you’ve made your selection, proceed to the checkout page.
- Enter the Code: Look for a box labelled “Discount Code,” “Promo Code,” or similar. Enter your code carefully, ensuring there are no typos.
- Apply the Code: Click the “Apply” or “Submit” button. The discount should be reflected in your total price.
- Complete Your Booking: If the code is valid and the discount is applied, proceed to complete your booking as usual.
Hotels.com Rewards: Maximising Your Savings
The Hotels.com Rewards programme is a fantastic loyalty scheme that complements discount codes perfectly. The premise is simple: for every 10 nights you stay, you get one reward night for free. The value of your reward night is the average price of the 10 nights you collected. This is a brilliant way to earn free accommodation, especially if you’re a frequent traveller.
The great news is, you can combine Rewards nights with discount codes. This is called stacking, book a 10-night stay, use discount code, and earn progress to your next free reward night.
Tips and Tricks for Maximising Savings
- Be Flexible with Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, experiment with different dates to see if prices fluctuate. Mid-week stays are often cheaper than weekends.
- Book in Advance (or Last Minute): Booking well in advance can sometimes secure you a better rate, but as mentioned earlier, last-minute deals can also offer significant savings.
- Compare Prices: Don’t assume Hotels.com always has the lowest price. It’s worth comparing prices with other booking platforms and directly with the hotel itself.
- Read the Terms and Conditions: Always read the terms and conditions of any discount code carefully. Pay attention to minimum spend requirements, excluded hotels, and expiry dates.
- Consider the “Secret Prices”: Hotels.com offers “Secret Prices” to members of their Rewards programme and those who have downloaded the app. These prices are often lower than the publicly advertised rates.
- Clear Your Browser Cookies: Sometimes, websites track your browsing history and may adjust prices accordingly. Clearing your browser cookies or using incognito mode can sometimes reveal lower prices.
Conclusion: Smart Savings for Smarter Travel
Hotels.com discount codes are a valuable tool for any savvy traveller looking to save money on their accommodation. By understanding the different types of codes available, knowing where to find them, and utilising the Hotels.com Rewards programme, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses and enjoy more of what the world has to offer. So, before you book your next trip, take the time to search for a discount code – your wallet will thank you!
