Even if you get a great deal on a luxury hotel, the costs of a vacation can add up quickly. Eating out, taking taxis, seeing the sights – it’s not hard to blow your budget, and end up spending much more than you intended to!
So we’re here to help! Check out this list of the best ways you can save money while staying at luxury hotels – and stretch your vacation budget!
Don’t Touch That Minibar
When you flop down on your hotel bed after a long day of travel, the minibar is meant to look oh-so-appealing. Don’t you just want to grab a Pepsi and a candy bar and relax?
It’s a trap! Don’t do it. Minibars are often marked up by as much as 1,300%! Instead of feasting from the minibar, walk around the hotel and find the vending machines – or visit the hotel’s gift shop or a nearby gas station, and pick up some snacks on the cheap.
Sure, it’s a little harder than grabbing a drink from the minibar – but you’ll save quite a bit of money.
Avoid Valet Parking
Choose to self-park whenever possible. It’s a bit more inconvenient, but valet parking is usually ridiculously expensive – up to $25 or more per day – and that’s without a tip!
Use That Complimentary Coffeepot!
Instead of making a morning Starbucks run, use the complimentary coffeepot in your room to brew up some fresh beans! Usually, you’ll get a couple free packs of coffee in your room, and you can always ask hotel management for more if you run out – they will usually be free!
Don’t Forget About Leftovers
After you go out for a big meal, don’t let any leftovers go to waste – especially if you paid a premium for them. Most luxury hotels will have a mini fridge, so grab a doggy bag and fill it up – then enjoy your leftovers later!
Take Full Advantage Of Free Breakfast
Most hotels offer a complimentary breakfast. Sometimes this is just cold items like cereal, juice, pastries, and yogurt – but often you’ll get foods like waffles, sausages, and eggs. Instead of going out for breakfast, fill up at the complimentary breakfast bar!
You can even take some food to go from the breakfast bar for a snack! Grab a few yogurts, and some oranges and bananas, and stick them in your backpack or your fridge. Nobody’s going to say anything!
Use Your Microwave (Or Ask For One!)
Microwaves are often included in luxury hotels – but even if they’re not, most hotels will let you use a microwave either for free, or for a nominal fee. You can use the microwave to reheat leftovers, or even prepare ready-to-eat meals that you buy from grocery stores, if you’re trying to save serious money.
Save More on Your Next Vacation With These Handy Tips
Being thrifty on vacation pays off. If you can wait for the right time to book a luxury hotel, and follow these common-sense tips for saving money, you’ll be able to save hundreds of dollars on your next trip! So be money-smart – use these tips to save serious cash on your luxury hotel stay.