Money saving expert reveals 6 tricks to score cheap hotel rooms this Christmas | Personal Finance | Finance

A money-saving expert has revealed their top tips for scoring bargain hotel stays this Christmas, as accommodation prices reach some of their steepest rates during the festive season. The combination of winter getaways, last-minute holiday bookings, and high demand means hotel stays can eat up a significant chunk of your Christmas budget. Families can find themselves paying double or even triple the usual rates for a hotel room during December.

But according to Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert at My Savings, there are still clever ways to secure hotel rooms for far less than the advertised price. “Most people don’t realise that Christmas hotel rates can vary massively depending on when and how you book,” says Ms Cid. “With a bit of strategic planning and knowing where to look, you can find the same rooms for a fraction of the cost.” Ms Cid has shared her six expert-approved tricks that could save you hundreds on your Christmas accommodation.

1. Book Sunday to Wednesday stays

One of the simplest ways to cut your Christmas hotel costs is to adjust your travel dates. Hotels typically charge premium rates for Friday and Saturday nights during December, when demand peaks.

“Midweek Christmas stays can be 30-40% cheaper than weekend rates,” the expert says. “If you have flexibility with your dates, arriving on a Sunday and checking out by Wednesday can result in significant savings without compromising your festive experience.”

2. Use ‘hidden deal’ apps

Several booking platforms offer mystery hotel deals where the property name remains hidden until after purchase. While this requires a leap of faith, these unnamed deals often feature four and five-star hotels at drastically reduced prices.

“Apps like Hotwire and Priceline’s Express Deals can offer savings of up to 50% on luxury hotels,” says Ms Cid.

The savings come from hotels filling empty rooms without publicly advertising discounted rates that might undercut their brand value.

3. Check hotel websites directly

While comparison sites are useful for research, booking directly through a hotel’s own website often unlocks member-only rates that undercut third-party platforms.

“A lot of hotel chains offer loyalty programmes that are free to join and provide instant discounts of 10-15%,” Ms Cid explains. “Marriott, Hilton, and IHG all have member rates that are frequently cheaper than what you’ll find on booking sites, plus you’ll earn points towards future stays.”

4. Call the front desk directly

Picking up the phone can unlock deals that don’t appear online. Hotel staff have discretion to offer last-minute cancellation rooms or match competitor prices, especially as Christmas approaches.

“About a week before your intended stay, call the hotel directly and ask what their best available rate is,” Ms Cid suggests. 

5. Target new hotels

“New hotels in December are goldmines for bargain hunters,” the experts says. “They need positive reviews and social media buzz, so they’re willing to offer substantial discounts. Check for hotels that opened in the past 6-12 months.”

6. Expand your search radius

Location matters enormously when it comes to hotel pricing. Properties in the heart of city centres command premium rates, but expanding your search by just a few miles can reveal significantly cheaper options.

“We’ve found that hotels 2-5 miles outside main city centres can be 40% cheaper, especially during Christmas when central locations charge peak rates,” Ms Cid adds.