Have you ever felt frustrated trying to find affordable hotel rooms for your much-anticipated vacation? The challenge is real. When planning a getaway, one of the biggest hurdles is navigating through hotel price comparison sites.
Often, the platforms, such as Booking.com, use your data and browsing history to potentially increase prices based on your location and search frequency. Fortunately, there is a workaround, by using a VPN. A VPN allows you to explore hotel booking sites from various global locations, offering you significant price drops compared to your current location.
In this article, we'll tell you how a VPN can be your secret tool for finding budget-friendly accommodations. Moreover, we'll reveal the countries where booking online can give you the best savings on your holiday budget.
How to book a hotel cheaper with a VPN
- Select a VPN, we recommend ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server in a country with lower hotel prices, such as Poland.
- Clear your browser's cookies and use incognito mode.
- Compare hotel prices on different booking websites.
- Book the hotel using the payment method valid in that region.
Cheapest countries to book hotels with a VPN
So, now the question is which server to connect to for the cheapest prices. So, we've done the homework for you by comparing hotel prices across several countries using different booking platforms.
To get comprehensive results we selected a mid-range hotel in Warsaw, Poland, for a single night and examined its pricing through a VPN, accessing different country servers. From the most affordable to the higher-end, here's where your travel budget can stretch the furthest:
| Country (Flag) | Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com | Trip.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poland | $47.00 | $55.00 | $55.00 | $52.00 |
| Japan | $51.00 | $55.00 | $55.00 | $50.00 |
| Australia | $54.00 | $55.00 | $55.00 | $52.00 |
| United Kingdom | $54.00 | $54.00 | $54.00 | $52.00 |
| Thailand | $54.00 | $55.00 | $55.00 | $53.00 |
| Germany | $55.00 | $54.00 | $55.00 | $52.00 |
| Argentina | $55.00 | $54.00 | $54.00 | $53.00 |
| Turkey | $55.00 | $55.00 | $55.00 | $53.00 |
| USA | $53.00 | $55.00 | $56.00 | $53.00 |
The results clearly show that Poland emerges as the clear winner for budget-conscious travelers while the USA, Germany, Turkey, and Argentina have the highest rates. So, if you are living in these regions, using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN can be a great option to make bookings and save your budget.
Remember, these prices are as of today and could vary in the future. It's always wise to check multiple countries using a VPN for the best deal. This strategy not only offers potential savings but also provides insights into the dynamic pricing strategies of online hotel booking platforms.
How does a VPN help with saving on hotels?
Utilizing a VPN can be a game-changer in the way we book hotels, potentially leading to substantial savings. This ingenious tool works by masking your actual location and allowing you to appear as if you're browsing from a different country.
This is particularly useful because many hotel booking sites offer varied prices depending on the user's location, a practice known as dynamic pricing. The underlying principle is that hotels and booking platforms adjust their prices based on the economic status of different regions.
For example, we tried booking for the Hyatt Centric Milan Centrale in the USA. When booking through ExpressVPN's Czech server, the price dropped by a surprising 24%.
This isn't an isolated case. At the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas, a significant price decrease was observed when accessing the site via ExpressVPN's Thailand server. Each server location can reveal different pricing, depending on the perceived purchasing power of users in that region.
We also tried other VPNs to check their performance in price decrease in hotel bookings. For instance, using CyberGhost VPN and connecting through an Indian Mumbai server, a booking at the New Hotel Lafayette showed a saving of $22 compared to the standard rates.
Similarly, a session with PIA (Private Internet Access) VPN via a Vietnam server led to a $35 reduction for a stay at the VOTEL London Shoreditch.
So, you see how it is a simple yet effective hack for travelers to not only save money but also to explore a wider range of accommodations within their budget. As always, prices are subject to change, and what works today might not yield the same results tomorrow. Hence, it's advisable to regularly experiment with different servers for the best deals.
Why do hotel prices vary by country?
The fluctuation in hotel prices across different countries can be linked to a variety of factors, primarily revolving around the concept of dynamic pricing in the hospitality industry. This strategy allows hotels and booking platforms to adjust prices based on several key factors:
- Economic conditions: Prices often reflect the economic status of the country. In wealthier nations, hotels might charge more, anticipating that residents have a higher spending capacity. Conversely, in countries with lower living costs, prices might be set lower to match local affordability.
- Demand and supply: Popular tourist destinations or cities with significant events can see higher hotel prices due to increased demand. In quieter locations or during off-peak seasons, prices may drop to attract more guests.
- Currency fluctuations: Exchange rates can greatly impact hotel pricing. A weaker currency in the customer's country can make hotels in foreign countries more expensive and vice versa.
- Local taxes and regulations: Different countries have varying tax policies and regulations for the hospitality sector, which can directly affect room rates. Higher taxes in some countries can lead to increased overall costs for the traveler.
- Market competition: In regions with more hotels and accommodation options, there might be more competitive pricing to attract guests. In contrast, areas with limited options might see higher prices due to lack of competition.
Other ways to get cheap hotel deals
While using a VPN is a smart strategy for snagging hotel deals, there are several other methods to ensure you're getting the best possible price on your accommodation. Here are some additional tactics to consider:
- Utilize price comparison tools and apps
Apps like Ratepunk can be a traveler's best friend. These tools automatically compare prices across multiple booking platforms, ensuring you get the lowest available rate for your chosen hotel. By doing the legwork for you, these apps can save both time and money.
- Check prices across different devices
Believe it or not, the device you use to book your hotel can affect the price you see. Prices can sometimes vary between desktops, laptops, and mobile devices due to differences in browsing habits and perceived user profiles. Try comparing prices across various devices to see if there's a notable difference.
- Sign up for hotel reward programs
Many hotel chains offer loyalty programs that provide discounts, perks, and even free nights to frequent guests. Signing up for these programs can lead to significant savings over time, especially if you often stay with the same hotel brand.
- Book in advance or last-minute
Booking well in advance can often secure you a lower rate, especially during peak travel seasons. On the flip side, last-minute bookings can also lead to deals, as hotels reduce prices to fill up unsold rooms. It's a bit of a gamble but can result in substantial savings.
- Use membership discounts
If you're a member of certain organizations or clubs (like AAA, AARP, or specific credit card holders), you might be eligible for discounted hotel rates. Always check if there are any affiliations you can take advantage of when booking.
- Stay flexible with dates and locations
Being flexible with your travel dates and destination can open up opportunities for lower prices. Hotels in business districts often lower their rates over weekends, while those in tourist areas might do so during the week. Shifting your stay by even a day or two can make a difference.
- Consider alternative accommodations
Apart from traditional hotels, consider options like Airbnb, hostels, or bed and breakfasts. These alternatives can offer competitive pricing and a different type of lodging experience.
- Follow hotels on social media and subscribe to newsletters
Hotels often post exclusive deals and promotions on their social media channels or to their newsletter subscribers. Following your favorite hotels or chains can keep you in the loop for any upcoming specials.
- Use Incognito bode when browsing
Clear your browser's cookies or use incognito mode when searching for hotels. Websites track your visits and may increase prices based on your search history. A clean slate can sometimes reveal lower rates.
- Contact the hotel directly
Sometimes, the best rates are obtained by simply calling the hotel. This direct approach can yield exclusive deals or upgrades not available online.
- Consider package deals
Booking your flight, hotel, and car rental together can sometimes lead to better deals than booking each component separately. Travel agencies and online booking platforms often offer attractive package deals.
- Travel during off-peak seasons
Traveling during the off-peak season can lead to significantly lower hotel rates. Additionally, these periods often mean fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, hotels can be cheaper when using a VPN, such as ExpressVPN. By changing your virtual location, you can access different pricing tiers set for various regions, potentially leading to lower prices in some countries compared to others.
Similar to hotels, you can often save money on flights by using a VPN. Flight prices can vary based on your browsing location, and a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN allows you to explore these different prices by virtually changing your location.
Yes, it is generally legal to use a VPN for booking hotels. VPNs are legal tools globally, so using them to access different pricing is not illegal. However, always ensure you're complying with the terms of service of the booking platform.