6 Clever Tricks To Score Cheap Hotel Rooms This Christmas
Christmas is one of the most joyful times of the year—but also one of the priciest when it comes to travel. Between family visits, winter getaways, holiday markets, and last-minute trips, hotel prices skyrocket in December. Many families end up paying double or even triple the usual rate for a room… and that can put a real dent in a Christmas budget.
But according to Melissa Cid, Consumer Savings Expert at My Savings, there’s good news: you don’t have to pay those premium prices. With just a few smart booking strategies, you can snag beautiful rooms for a fraction of the cost—sometimes even at luxury hotels.
“Most people don’t realize that Christmas hotel rates can vary massively depending on when and how you book,” Cid explains. “With a little strategic planning, you can save hundreds.”
Below, she shares six proven, expert-approved tricks to help travelers stretch their budgets and still experience all the magic of the season.
6 Expert Tricks To Book Cheap Christmas Hotels
1. Book Sunday to Wednesday Stays
Christmas weekend rates are notoriously steep thanks to parties, events, and shopping trips. But midweek? A whole different story.
“Midweek Christmas stays can be 30–40% cheaper than Friday or Saturday nights,” says Cid. Arrive Sunday, leave Wednesday, and you’ll likely see a huge difference in cost—without missing the festive charm.
Even shifting your stay by just a day or two can lead to big savings.
2. Use ‘Hidden Deal’ Apps
Mystery or “hidden deal” hotel apps offer deep discounts—sometimes up to 50% off—by keeping the hotel name hidden until after you pay.
Apps to try:
- Hotwire
- Priceline Express Deals
You’ll know the rating, neighborhood, and guest scores—you just won’t know the hotel name until after checkout. If you’re flexible, this is one of the best ways to score luxury hotels for less.
3. Check Hotel Websites Directly
Comparison sites are helpful for research, but hotels often reserve their lowest prices for members who book direct.
Many chains offer:
- Free membership programs
- Instant 10–15% discounts
- Loyalty points
- Price-match guarantees
“Marriott, Hilton, IHG—you’d be surprised how often they beat the booking sites,” Cid shares.
Some properties will even match lower rates you find elsewhere and give an extra bonus discount.
4. Call the Front Desk Directly
It may feel old-school, but picking up the phone can unlock unpublished deals.
“About a week before your stay, call and ask for the best available rate,” Cid recommends. “Front desk staff can adjust prices, offer upgrades, or fill last-minute cancellations.”
This is especially effective with:
- Boutique hotels
- Independently owned inns
- Smaller chains
A polite phone call may save you more than any promo code.
5. Target Newly Opened Hotels
New hotels need reviews, guests, and buzz—especially during their first Christmas season.
“Hotels that opened in the past 6–12 months often run soft-launch discounts,” notes Cid. These deals can be some of the best in the industry, offering upscale experiences at budget-friendly prices.
You can find new openings by:
- Filtering by “newly opened” on booking platforms
- Checking chain announcements
- Searching “new hotel + city name”
6. Expand Your Search Radius
When you stay right in the heart of the city, you pay the highest possible rates. But move just 2–5 miles out—and the prices drop dramatically.
Cid explains: “Hotels slightly outside city centers can be up to 40% cheaper, especially during Christmas.”
With rideshare, public transit, or even a short walk, you can enjoy the festivities for far less.
A Final Word from the Expert
Melissa Cid sums it up perfectly:
“The secret to maximizing Christmas hotel savings is to combine strategies rather than rely on just one. Be flexible with dates, check direct sites, expand your search area, and set price alerts. Booking refundable rates also gives you room to rebook if prices drop.”
And her final tip?
“Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Hotels want to fill rooms—especially over longer stays. You might be surprised by how often they say yes.”
f you’re planning Christmas travel this year, a little strategy can go a long way. With these expert tricks, you can save hundreds and still enjoy a magical holiday getaway—without stretching your budget thin.
