Summer is one of the most popular travel seasons in the United States. Families take vacations, students are out of school, and millions of travelers visit beaches, national parks, and major cities. Because of this, hotel prices across the country often increase significantly from June to August. However, with the right strategies, you can still find affordable and comfortable places to stay—even during the busiest months of the year. Here is a complete guide on how to save money on hotels in the U.S. during summer travel.
- Book Early to Lock in Lower Rates
During summer, hotel rates increase rapidly as rooms get booked. The earlier you reserve, the more you save. Many hotels raise their prices weekly based on demand, especially in locations such as:
Los Angeles
Miami
New York City
Orlando
Las Vegas
Honolulu
Booking 4–8 weeks before your trip usually gives you the best price. Some hotels also offer early-bird discounts that disappear as dates approach.
If your travel dates are fixed, booking early is the safest way to avoid overpaying.
- Avoid Weekends and Save Up to 40%
Summer weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights, are the most expensive times to book a hotel in the U.S. Travelers visiting beaches, theme parks, and popular cities often drive up demand, causing hotel rates to spike dramatically.
Best strategy:
Stay Sunday to Thursday
Avoid peak Friday and Saturday nights
Check your destination’s event calendar (concerts, festivals, conferences)
If you can shift your trip by even 1–2 days, you may save a substantial amount.
- Compare Booking Platforms Before Reserving
Hotel prices can vary widely across platforms. Before finalizing your booking, always compare at least three sites:
Booking.com
Expedia
Hotels.com
Priceline
Agoda
Then check the hotel’s official website, which sometimes offers:
Direct booking discounts
Free breakfast
Free parking
No resort fees
Free cancellation
Using comparison tools helps you identify the cheapest option while still receiving the best terms.
- Choose Hotels Outside City Centers
Staying in the heart of major cities—such as Manhattan, downtown Los Angeles, or central Chicago—can be extremely expensive during summer.
A smarter approach is to stay slightly outside the city center. For example:
Queens instead of Manhattan
Burbank or Long Beach instead of downtown L.A.
Arlington instead of Washington, D.C.
Jersey City instead of New York
These areas offer significantly lower hotel rates while still providing easy access to main attractions through public transportation or short drives.
- Avoid Peak Tourist Dates When Possible
Certain summer dates are more expensive than others due to holidays and major events. Prices usually skyrocket around:
Memorial Day Weekend
Fourth of July
Labor Day Weekend
Major sports games or conventions
Theme-park summer openings
If your schedule is flexible, traveling just one week before or after these dates can save 20–50% on hotel costs.
- Use Memberships and Loyalty Programs
Many hotels offer exclusive discounts to members of certain programs. Some memberships that give you instant savings include:
AAA
AARP
Costco Travel
Hotels.com Rewards
Marriott Bonvoy
Hilton Honors
IHG One Rewards
Even if you don’t travel often, signing up for a free loyalty program can unlock:
Lower member rates
Free Wi-Fi
Late checkout
Room upgrades
These perks add up to major savings.
- Consider Alternative Accommodation Options
Hotels aren’t the only choice for summer travel. Many travelers save money by choosing:
Vacation homes
Short-term rentals
Guesthouses
Bed and breakfasts
Extended-stay hotels
These options often provide:
Kitchens for cooking
More space
Laundry facilities
Lower nightly rates
This is especially helpful for families and long-term travelers.
- Watch Out for Hidden Fees
Hidden fees can significantly increase your hotel bill. Common charges include:
Resort fees
Parking fees
Wi-Fi fees
Extra person charges
Early check-in or late check-out fees
Always read the full price breakdown before booking. A hotel with a slightly higher nightly rate may actually be cheaper if it includes free parking, breakfast, and Wi-Fi.
- Book Refundable Rates First, Then Recheck Prices
Hotel prices can drop even after you book. A useful strategy:
Step 1
Book a refundable room early.
Step 2
Re-check prices once a week.
Step 3
If the price drops, cancel and rebook at the lower rate.
This trick alone can save travelers hundreds of dollars during summer.
- Use Cashback or Discount Gift Cards
Smart travelers stack discounts by using:
Rakuten cashback
Hotels.com gift cards
Credit card travel portals
Summer promotional codes
Some credit cards even offer:
Free hotel nights
Points bonuses during travel seasons
Automatic upgrades
Combining these benefits helps you reduce your total costs.
