Summer holidays are almost here, and many of us will be planning an affordable escape this year. Searching for the best holiday deals and cheapest hotels can feel a little overwhelming these days.
The internet has given us infinite choices, endless information and numerous booking sites to scroll through. Often, the same hotel is listed at different prices on different websites, so it’s hard to know how to get the best deal or whether to book directly.
Having spent years working as a travel writer and podcaster, I have a few tips to help keep costs down, and one in particular that I have found really useful: joining a hotel rewards program.
This simple hack is free and typically unlocks benefits like member-exclusive rates, lounge access, free in-room Wi-Fi, and faster check-in by being loyal to a hotel brand.
As you accumulate stays, programs offer valuable perks, such as room upgrades, late check-out, free breakfasts and even free stays.
Booking directly through a hotel's official app or site ensures you have a direct line to customer service if your travel plans change.
I’m a member of several loyalty schemes, including Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honours, which are great for all my travels.
It sounds too good to be true, given that they're free, but I’ve enjoyed many upgrade perks and free breakfasts simply by being loyal to certain hotel brands.
One programme I have used for several years, IHG One Rewards, which is part of one of the world's largest hospitality companies, operating over 7000 hotels across the world, including many hotel brands you would know, like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, voco and Holiday Inn.
We have several IHG hotels in Cardiff, including voco St. David's Cardiff, Hotel Indigo Cardiff and Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay.
Their programme is free to join and lets you earn IHG One Rewards points redeemable for hotel reward nights, special experiences, gift cards, and more.
You also gain access to special member rates and offers on stays, as well as perks such as free Wi-Fi and late check-out, which I have utilised many times.
There are varying levels, including the entry-level Club Member, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and the ultimate boss level - Diamond Elite. Each offers its own perks, such as welcome drinks, daily free breakfast for two, and extra points.
Looking to book your holiday? IHG One Rewards members can book stays across the UK and Europe and save from 15%.
You can take advantage of IHG's flexible saver rate, which offers free cancellations or amendments up to 7 days before arrival, making it ideal for any travel plan changes.
You’ll need to book directly at IHG.com/SummerUK between 16th June and 31st August and make sure your chosen hotel is participating in the offer.
If you join IHG One Rewards and stay at an IHG destination within 21 days of joining, you can get 3,000 bonus points, so you can quickly start racking up some points for your freebies.
