5 Hotel Amenities That Can Save You Serious Money

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

See recent posts by Caroline Morse Teel

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 5 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 6 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 98

Notice: Undefined index: pass_through_args in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 158

Notice: Undefined index: wrapper in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 159

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 5 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 6 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 98

Notice: Undefined index: pass_through_args in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 158

Notice: Undefined index: wrapper in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 159

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 5 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 6 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 98

Notice: Undefined index: pass_through_args in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 158

Notice: Undefined index: wrapper in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 159

The cost of your hotel is a big percentage of your overall vacation budget―and booking the right property can save you more money than just the price of a room. Simply look for these amenities when searching for a hotel, and you’ll be able to save even more money on your trip.

A Refrigerator

Hand taking water bottle out of fridge — tarapatta | Adobe Stock

Booking a hotel with an in-room fridge is one of the easiest ways to save money on your vacation. You can pick up cheap things (like yogurt or cereal with milk) for breakfast and not have to spend a ton of money eating out for every single meal. Bonus: You’ll get your day started faster if you can eat a quick breakfast before heading out rather than wasting time going to a restaurant.

Even if you do plan on mostly eating out, an in-room fridge can still save you money as you can bring back any tasty leftovers for a late-night snack.

Free WiFi

Even if you’re not working on vacation, free WiFi can be a big-money saver as it prevents you from having to use your phone’s data plan when you want to look something up or check your email―which can get really costly when you’re abroad.

Shuttles

Two people greeting the driver of an airport to hotel shuttle — corepics | Adobe Stock

Save money on taxis and car rentals by booking a hotel that offers free shuttle service to guests.

Some free shuttles commonly offered by hotels include:

Airport shuttles
Shuttles to/from the nearest town
Conference center shuttles
Shuttles to public transportation stations

Free Breakfast

Another option for saving time and money in the mornings is to look for a hotel that offers free breakfasts. To make sure it’s worth it, carefully read about what is offered and check guest reviews to find out if it’s something you’d bother getting up for. Free breakfast options can range from super basic grab-and-go items to elaborate buffets.

Also confirm if breakfast is still available, as many hotels have paused or eliminated free food during the pandemic.

Guest Happy Hours

Close up of group of people clinking their wine glasses together — Thanakorn | Adobe Stock

Skip the wine at dinner and have a significantly cheaper bill by indulging in a guest happy hour at a hotel. Free happy hours (usually offering wine and beer but sometimes also local cocktails) are often offered at Kimpton and Virgin brand hotels, as well as smaller boutique properties.

One final money-saving tip: To save the most money on your hotel stay, book your hotel on SmarterTravel Hotels. Our new hotel booking site offers secret low rates that you won’t find anywhere else.

You Might Also Like:

• Win an All-Inclusive Saint Lucia Stay
• SmarterTravel Spotlight: The Landings Resort & Spa
• SmarterTravel Spotlight: Waldorf Astoria, Washington DC
• SmarterTravel Spotlight: The Brenton Hotel, Newport, Rhode Island
• The Ultimate New Hampshire Summer Weekend Guide

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.