Finding a cheap hotel room in India is not always easy. With numerous booking platforms, seasonal price hikes and endless limited-time offers, travelers often wonder, Am I really getting the best deal? Whether planning a weekend getaway, a business trip or a family vacation, hotel expenses usually take up a large part of your travel budget. Knowing a few clever tricks can save you thousands of rupees without compromising comfort. This blog will explore the top 7 tricks to book cheap hotels in India.
These hacks are practical, easy to apply, and perfect for frequent travelers who don’t want to burn a hole in their wallets. And yes, platforms like MakeMyTrip can be a lifesaver; all you need to know is how to use them strategically.
Book in Advance, Not Early
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Timing plays a significant role in hotel pricing. If you book too early, you might miss the last-minute offers or discounts. If you wait too long, you actually risk paying inflated rates.
Here is what you can do instead:
- Book at least two to three weeks in advance for most city stays.
- Book at least a month ahead if you are booking for holiday destinations like Goa or Manali.
- For business hubs like Mumbai or Bengaluru, prices usually drop closer to the date if occupancy is low.
You will understand when to make the final bookings by watching the price fluctuations. Platforms like MakeMyTrip allow you to compare prices easily and even show limited-time deals, which will help you make a more intelligent choice. While the platform is offering hotels at 45% off on using our exclusive coupon code MMTGURU, you can get additional 8% off on domestic hotels booking
Being Flexible
Ever noticed how hotel prices shoot up on weekends or during festivals? That is when demand becomes the game, so simply planning ahead or changing dates will help you cut costs. Here are a few tricks to book a cheap hotels with flexible travel plans:
- Instead of staying on weekends, opt for weekdays.
- Try to plan for long weekends, or avoid long weekends and the holiday rush season.
- Travel during the shoulder season, just before or after the peak season. For instance, a hotel in Jaipur may cost ₹4000 on a Saturday night, but the same will cost you.
- ₹2000 on a weekday. That is almost 40% saving, without changing anything except your check-in date.
Compare Prices Across Platforms
One of the most effective tricks for booking cheaper hotels is simple. Generally, never book the first hotel or the price you see. Making wise choices is essential; it is crucial to understand how far your hotel room is from the Airport or the destination, and what prices these hotels offer on different platforms. Here is how you can compare smartly.
- Opt for MMT to check hotel listings and pricing, and compare them with other Online Travel Agencies.
- You can also check on the hotel’s website, but remember that platforms like MMT and Online Travel Agencies offer cashback, discounts or bundled offers.
- Pay attention to inclusions; sometimes a slightly higher price includes complimentary breakfast and airport pickup, which will help you save more.’
By doing a quick 5-minute comparison, you could save up to 20-30% during your stay.
Coupons and Loyalty Programs
Hotels usually love repeat customers, and platforms like MakeMyTrip reward loyalty with points, coupons and member-only discounts. This motivates and gives the edge to travel, and the first thing they know and will do is check on MMT for offers before making any travel plan. Here is how to get cheap hotel deals with offers:
- Always check for coupon codes, as platforms like MMT usually offer various coupons.
- Making use of credit cards that offer travel rewards.
- Join MMT’s loyalty program to accumulate points for future bookings.
- Look for festive offers, especially during Diwali, the New Year, or Independence Day; these are the times when hotel deals are the best.
Even if it feels like small savings per booking, they add up significantly if you are a frequent traveler.
Choosing Location Wisely
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Suppose you opt for a high-end or prime area like Marine Drive in Mumbai or Indiranagar in Bangalore. In that case, they are usually considered to be expensive. But here is the catch: if you move away a little from the city, the buzz can cut the cost drastically. Here is what you can do:
- Choose hotels near a metro station or any public transport hubs.
- Look for areas usually 10-15 minutes away from the main attractions.
- If you casually use MMT, you can, through the map view, compare hotel locations and prices side by side.
It is a good way to save money and experience the local neighbourhood more authentically.
Book Bundled Packages
Travelers often make the mistake of booking the flight and the hotel separately. Be it a domestic flight with a hotel around, or simply an International flight with the same. And, the great news is you can bundle them together and look for packages offered on travel websites, as they usually have great deals and offers on bundling flights and hotels. Even platforms like MakeMyTrip often provide discounts when you book both together. Here are the benefits of bundled packages:
- Cheaper overall cost compared to booking separately.
- They also offer extra perks like free transfers or meal upgrades.
- It significantly reduces the hassle of managing multiple bookings.
Let’s assume you are booking a Delhi to Goa flight and a 3-night stay. If done through MMT, you can save almost ₹3000-₹5000 easily. That money can be later used for other lavish treatments like beachside dinners or souvenir shopping.
Don’t ignore last-minute Minute Deals.
Sometimes procrastination pays off! Although it is rare, nowadays hotels have started with slash prices at the very last minute to fill the unsold rooms. So if you are flexible and spontaneous, last-minute booking apps and MMT’s Tonight Deals section can be your best friend. Here are a few tips to check for last-minute hotel deals:
- Check for same-day hotel booking in major cities.
- Be flexible about the type of hotel you choose, and be a little less lavish.
- Now, if you are someone who can travel during off-peak days, it is the best time for bargains.
Of course, this strategy is risky during peak holiday seasons. Still, it works like a charm for unplanned business trips or short city breaks.
Last Thoughts
Let’s be real: booking a cheap hotel room in India isn’t about luck; it’s a good strategy. With the right mix of planning, flexibility and innovative use of booking platforms, you can save significantly while enjoying a comfortable stay. We have listed all seven of our hacks, right from booking in advance to booking during the last-minute offers. Each trick will help you cut down on unnecessary costs. Also, when you combine these hacks with a reliable platform like MakeMyTrip, you can find the perfect balance between price and comfort, which becomes easier. So the next time you plan a trip, don’t forget to follow these practical and easy-to-follow tricks to book cheap hotels as they will make your hotel booking affordable and stress-free.