Planning Your Honeymoon

Staying In A Hotel With Kids? Save Money With These 8 Tips

16 September 2014

Flenn Austin

Traveling with kids can get pricy, especially if you're looking to stay in an upscale hotel. According to the World Property Channel, the average daily hotel rate is expected to increase 4.2 percent to $115.02 per night in 2014. Free up some cash for fun later on by getting the best deal possible on your hotel room and by using practical money-saving tips. Use the following tips to save on your next vacation.

1. Enroll in a Loyalty Program

Many major hotel chains offer loyalty programs that offer families incentives, such as earning free rooms after multiple stays. Loyalty members can also get other great perks, such as free Internet service, spa access, bottled water, and room upgrades. Kids may also be eligible for goodies as part of various free kids programs

2. Travel Off-Season

Traveling off-season offers a number of advantages. Most hotels offer a discounted rate if you make a reservation during the off-season. It's also easier to keep an eye on the kids when there are fewer crowds. Traveling off-season also means shorter lines at amusement parks and other entertainment spots.

3. Stay Where Kids Eat Free

Many hotels offer special incentives to families with young children. Free meals for kids are a huge perk and can save you a significant amount of money over the course of your vacation. Most of these hotels also offer complimentary breakfast for the whole family every morning of their stay.

4. Travel Packages

Travel packages that include hotel stay, travel arrangements, entertainment, or a combination of the three can help you save a substantial amount of money. Although many travel packages are advertised as great deals, it's important to do the math to ensure that you're truly getting the most bang for your buck. Add up all the components separately to compare the package price with the added individual prices.

5. Be Hotel Savvy

When you have kids, it's cheaper to bring your own items from home than to buy them while vacationing. Instead of renting DVDs from the hotel media library, bring your kid's favorite DVDs from home to watch in the hotel room. Instead of purchasing snacks from vending machines, bring along a box of popcorn and juice boxes for movie night.

6. Eat Meals In

Not every meal while vacationing has to be out at a fancy restaurant. If you have kids, it may be easier to eat some of your meals back at the hotel. For an easy breakfast, keep a half-gallon of milk in the in-room refrigerator and have mini boxes of cereal available. Get the fixings for fast sandwiches, peanut butter crackers, and other kid-friendly meals and snacks.

7. Ask for a Discount

Ask about special discounts at your hotel of choice. Depending on the time of the year, most hotels often cannot reach full capacity. If you see other family-friendly hotels offering a lower rate, ask your preferred hotel for a similar rate. Many hotels allow young children to stay free in a room with a paid adult. Hotels may also offer discounts if you decide to stay on a weekday rather than a busier weekend.

8. Check for Promos

Shortly before your trip, check the hotel's website to see if they are offering any great promotional deals, such as free tickets to a local show or 25 percent off at an on-site restaurant. If you can't find any deals, go to sites, or consider calling the hotel and asking about any current discounts or promotions that could help your family save.

If you've decided to stay in a hotel with your children while vacationing, choose wisely how you'll spend your funds. There are numerous ways to save money on hotel rates, food and entertainment. For more information about hotel rates, contact your local travel company.

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