How to Hack Hotel Travel: Deals, Upgrades and Insider Benefits

In partnership with

The right hotel can elevate a holiday, while the wrong one can leave you wishing you'd done your due diligence. From location and comfort to warm hospitality, your stay sets the tone for the entire trip. And anyone who travels often will tell you the same thing: there's a bit of an art to booking hotels.

It's not always about spending the most money or booking the penthouse suite. Instead, it's about gathering an arsenal of tips over the years that make each stay more rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or are trying to find ways to upgrade without dropping a whole pay cheque, we've collated some pearls of wisdom to help you get the most out of every stay.

Research Reviews

Here at Concrete Playground, we love spotlighting the best new hotels and chicly designed lobbies, but not all accommodations are made equally. Expert traveller, Rachel Choy, recommends researching reviews as closely as your travel insurance. "I once left my husband in charge of booking accommodation, and he almost booked a shack with no running water or electricity. I looked at reviews and realised pretty quickly that this was definitely not the place for us. So if you're trying to find the cheapest deal, cross-check with reviews to make sure it's clean, convenient and safe." 

Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands

Take Advantage of Hotel Memberships

There's a perception that hotel memberships are complicated or there'll be a catch that has you out on the street, luggage-laden, before your dinner reservation. In reality, many hotel memberships are easy to maintain and offer a wide range of benefits. Marriott Bonvoy, for example, is the world's largest hotel loyalty program and offers exclusive member rates when you sign up. You'll earn points by checking in to over 30 of Marriott Bonvoy's brands that are located in over 10,000 destinations. You can then use these points to redeem free nights.

By earning more nights, you'll reach different membership tiers. For example, Gold members can enjoy a complimentary 2pm late checkout, which could come in handy for a slow and easy morning before heading to the airport. Your staycays across the year could quickly add up. 

There's actually not been a better time to consider hotel membership, as Marriott Bonvoy currently has an offer to help you earn even more from each trip. Registered Marriott Bonvoy members can earn 2,500* bonus points on each stay and one bonus Elite night credit for each hotel brand they try, helping travellers achieve rewards and higher membership status. Registration is open now through to Sunday, April 26, with eligible stays occurring between now and Sunday, May 10.

Membership is free to join and takes a couple of minutes to set up. Plus, it gets even more rewarding, as members can save 10 percent on stays in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Book now for trips between April 1 and June 30**. So, if you're searching for a city break, a long weekend across the ditch, or a tropical escape, consider becoming a member and receive instant discounts and rewards. 

Book With a Credit Card

Once you've found a hotel that fits your criteria, the next step is locking it in. Booking your stay with a credit card can unlock a surprising range of extra benefits that many travellers overlook. Depending on the card, this can include complimentary travel insurance, bonus points on accommodation purchases and even hotel room upgrades or late checkout. It also adds a layer of protection if plans change or you need a refund. For seasoned travellers, booking hotels with a rewards credit card can quickly add up points and benefits. Keep in mind this isn't financial advice, so be sure you know the pros and cons of owning a credit card before taking the plunge.

Book Direct

While third-party booking platforms can be useful for browsing, booking directly with a hotel often comes with advantages. Many hotels reserve their best prices, flexible cancellation policies and loyalty benefits for guests who book through their own websites.

Booking directly also makes it easier to request small room changes. For example, if you need a solid night's sleep or want to roll the dice for a better view, ask the hotel if you can have a room away from the elevator. Requesting a corner or end room, if possible, is another way to try to book a larger room for the same price. Plus, don't forget, if it's around your birthday or an anniversary, make it known to hotel staff when booking. We won't tell if it's a little white lie. And who knows, you may end up with a small surprise in your room.

Travel During Shoulder Season

If you want better rooms and better value, plan strategically. Travelling during shoulder seasons (the period just before or after peak travel months) often means lower rates, fewer crowds and more availability. Hotels are more likely to have spare rooms during these windows, increasing your chances of scoring an upgrade or a better rate. In Australia, autumn and early winter are particularly good times to find great deals on city stays and coastal escapes.

Hotel travel doesn't have to be overwhelming or complicated. With a few small habits like booking smart, joining hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, and keeping an eye on promotions, you can make every trip (and hotel stay) go that little bit further.

* T&Cs apply. Earn 2,500 bonus points per stay, with registration by 26 April to register, visit Marriott Bonvoy