Episode #18: Family Hotel Cost Saving Tips That Actually Work: How to Use Points, Discounts & Deals to Pay Less
If you’ve ever searched for a hotel room for your family and felt immediate sticker shock, you’re not alone. Hotels are often one of the biggest expenses when traveling with kids — especially when you need extra space, multiple beds, or more than one room.
The good news? There are smart, realistic ways families can dramatically reduce hotel costs without sacrificing comfort, safety, or convenience. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact strategies I use to save hundreds (and sometimes thousands) on hotel stays when traveling with my family.
Let’s break it all down.
Use Points & Miles to Cover Hotel Stays (Hyatt Is a Standout)
One of the most powerful ways to save money on hotels is by using points and miles, and Hyatt is one of the best programs for families.
Hyatt’s award chart often offers better value than other hotel brands, especially when cash prices skyrocket during school breaks and peak travel seasons. Using points allows families to stretch their travel budget further and free up cash for food, activities, and experiences.
Why Hyatt Works So Well for Families
High-value point redemptions
Easy to transfer points from major credit card programs
Many properties allow kids to stay free in standard rooms
Consistent quality and family-friendly amenities
A great strategy is booking a standard room with points, then calling the hotel to ask about room configuration options. Many times, you can secure a room with a sofa bed or additional sleeping space at no extra cost.
Pro tips:
Book award stays early for best availability
Be flexible with travel dates when possible
Use points when cash prices are highest
The Two-Room Hack: How Families Get More Space for Less Money
Here’s a tip many families don’t realize: booking two rooms can sometimes be cheaper than booking one larger room or suite.
Many hotels offer a family discount or reduced rate on a second room, especially when traveling with children. This can be a game-changer for parents who want privacy, earlier bedtimes for kids, or just more breathing room.
How to Use This Strategy
Book your first room online
Call the hotel directly
Ask about:
Family discounts on a second room
Connecting or adjoining rooms
This setup is especially helpful for families with older kids or teens and often costs far less than upgrading to a suite.
When Priceline or Expedia Can Save You Money
Third-party booking sites like Priceline and Expedia absolutely have their place in family travel — when used strategically.
These platforms can offer excellent deals for:
One-night stays
Road trip stopovers
Short stays where flexibility matters
Priceline Tips
Look for Express Deals for quick overnight stops
Filter for family-friendly amenities
Prioritize free cancellation options
Expedia Tips
Loyalty pricing can offer hidden discounts
Bundling flights and hotels can unlock savings
Great for comparing multiple hotels at once
Important caveat:
When booking through third-party sites, you usually won’t earn hotel points and may have limited room-type guarantees. For short stays, that trade-off can still be worth it.
Lesser-Known Hotel Hacks That Add Up Fast
Sometimes the biggest savings come from simple habits that many travelers overlook.
Re-Check Prices After Booking
Hotel prices fluctuate constantly. If your booking allows free cancellation, recheck prices regularly. If the rate drops, cancel and rebook.
Stay Just Outside the City Center
Hotels 10–15 minutes outside major tourist areas often offer:
Larger rooms
Free parking
Free breakfast
Lower nightly rates
Leverage Hotel Status (Even If You Don’t Travel Often)
Many travel credit cards offer hotel perks like:
Late checkout
Free breakfast
Room upgrades (when available)
Ask for Perks — Seriously
It never hurts to ask about:
Complimentary upgrades
Kids eating free
Waived resort fees
Early check-in or late checkout
You’d be surprised how often hotels say yes.
Choosing Family-Friendly Lodging Over “Fancy”
Sometimes saving money isn’t about finding the cheapest hotel — it’s about choosing the right one.
Look for hotels that offer:
Free breakfast
Kitchenettes or mini-fridges
Laundry facilities
Spacious layouts
Extended-stay hotels and vacation-style properties can drastically reduce food and laundry costs on longer trips, making them ideal for families.
My Go-To Hotel Booking Strategy for Family Travel
Here’s the simple step-by-step system I use every time:
Check hotel points availability first
Compare points vs. cash value
Call the hotel to ask about family or second-room discounts
Cross-check Priceline and Expedia
Re-check prices before the trip
This process ensures you’re getting the best deal possible without overcomplicating your planning.
Final Thoughts
Traveling as a family doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget on hotels. With a little strategy, flexibility, and confidence, you can save serious money while still staying somewhere comfortable and safe for your kids.
Try just one of these tips on your next trip — you might be shocked at how much you save.
