Get hotel discounts without using your chase points

Not everyone wants to play that game of opening new accounts and tracking points. You also want to stay in the hotel you like, not the only one you can redeem points at. There IS a way of getting hotel discounts (rebates) in addition to earning chase points, not spending them.

This article is about how to earn ADDITIONAL cashback when you book hotels with your existing credit card.

Like many people reading this, you probably already have a points earning card like the chase credit card that earns ultimate reward points.

I’m going to share with you my trick for earning 5% IN ADDITION TO the 2% from my credit card. I used this trick for my road trip, and I received $170 cashback and rewards on $3,000 worth of hotels.

The Power Duo: Rakuten + Hotels.com Rewards

This is a game-changer, folks, and it’s surprisingly simple. You can essentially double-dip on rewards for the same hotel booking! Here’s how:

1. Sign up for Rakuten (it’s free!)

Rakuten is a platform that partners with thousands of online retailers, including major travel sites like Hotels.com. When you shop through Rakuten‘s links, you earn cashback on your purchases.

I even do my grocery shopping through Rauten to get 1% back ON TOP of my credit card rewards. I literally never purchase anything anymore before checking on Rakuten first. Installing the chrome extension was a game-changer for me as I used to always forget to check.

I am not an influencer with their program, but if you sign up with this link, we BOTH get $40.

2. Navigate to Hotels.com through Rakuten

Before you start your hotel search on Hotels.com, log in to your Rakuten account and find the Hotels.com link. Click through this link to be redirected to the Hotels.com website. This ensures your purchase is tracked for Rakuten cashback.

How to get hotel discounts without using chase points

3. Book your hotel on Hotels.com as usual

Search for your desired hotel, dates, and room type. Complete your booking just like you normally would.

Hotels.com is owned by Expedia, which is a trusted brand in the hotel booking space. Expedia and booking.com are full service booking platforms for things beyond just hotels, whereas hotels.com is specialized in hotels, and it has an interface that is made for searching and booking hotels.

The discounts you can get across these platforms is the same as the are the same company, so take advantage of the transparency and user-friendliness provided by hotels.com.

Their customer service is very responsive, and I like how it groups my trips by region, and how easy it is to favorite and save hotels I’m interested in.

REMEMBER TO CLICK THROUGH TO HOTELS.COM FROM RAKUTEN!!!

4. Earn Rakuten Cashback

After your stay is completed, Rakuten will credit your account with the advertised cashback percentage for your Hotels.com booking. This is real money back in your pocket!

5. Earn Hotels.com Rewards

Simultaneously, because you booked directly on Hotels.com (albeit via Rakuten’s link), you’ll also earn Hotels.com Rewards credits. For every 10 nights you stay with Hotels.com, you get one reward night to redeem at a participating property.

Making Each Booking Count Twice: By using Rakuten to access Hotels.com, you’re essentially earning two forms of rewards on a single booking – cashback from Rakuten and progress towards a free night with Hotels.com Rewards. It’s a win-win!

Important Note: Cashback percentages on Rakuten can fluctuate, so be sure to check the current rate before you book.

Beyond the Double Dip: Other Smart Booking Strategies

While the Rakuten and Hotels.com combo is powerful, here are other effective ways to secure hotel discounts without relying on new credit cards:

Embrace Price Comparison Websites: Don’t limit yourself to just one booking site. Use aggregators like Kayak, Skyscanner, or Momondo to compare prices from various online travel agencies (OTAs) and the hotel’s direct website. While I don’t think this arbitrage strategy would yield large savings, certain sites might make promotions worth the search.
Consider Off-Season Travel: Traveling during the shoulder seasons (the periods between peak and off-peak) or the true off-season can lead to significant savings. Hotels often lower their rates to attract guests during these times. Plus, popular destinations tend to be less crowded!
Look at Midweek Stays: If your travel dates are flexible, consider staying during the week rather than on weekends. Business travelers often fill hotels during the week, but leisure travelers can sometimes find better deals on Sundays through Thursdays.
Be Flexible with Location: Sometimes, staying slightly outside the main tourist hub can result in considerable savings. Consider hotels a short drive or public transport ride away from the central attractions. You might get more space and amenities for your money.
Sign Up for Hotel Loyalty Programs (the free kind!): Many major hotel chains offer free loyalty programs that provide instant benefits like member discounts, free Wi-Fi, and the potential for room upgrades. While these programs can eventually lead to free nights, you typically earn points based on stays you’ve already paid for, without needing a specific credit card.
Check for Package Deals: Sometimes, booking your hotel and flights together through an OTA or the airline’s website can result in a discounted overall price. It’s worth comparing the cost of booking separately versus as a package.
Follow Hotels on Social Media and Sign Up for Email Lists: Hotels often announce flash sales through their social media channels and newsletters. A little scrolling or a quick email sign-up could lead to a great deal.
Consider Last-Minute Deals (with caution): While sometimes you can snag incredible last-minute hotel deals, this strategy is best for flexible travelers who aren’t too picky about location or specific amenities.
Look for Extended Stay Options: If you’re planning a longer trip, hotels with extended stay options often offer discounted weekly or monthly rates that can be significantly cheaper.
⚠️REMEMBER TO BUY EVERYTHING YOU CAN THROUGH Rakuten⚠️

The Role of Your Existing Travel Credit Card (If You Have One)

While this post focuses on discounts without opening new credit cards, if you already have a travel credit card, by all means, use it for your hotel bookings! You’ll likely earn points or miles on your purchase, adding another layer of potential future savings. Just remember, the key here is maximizing discounts without feeling pressured to apply for new cards.

You can check here for the latest Chase offers if you happen to be in the market for a new card.

Chase points are roughly equivalent to 2% cashback in the form of travel points, but seasoned players of the credit card game can manage to get higher percentages.

Happy Travels, Happy Savings!

Finding affordable accommodation is a crucial part of planning any family adventure. Utilize strategies like the Rakuten and Hotels.com Rewards combo, exploring price comparison sites, and being flexible with your travel dates, to unlock hotel discounts without getting caught up in the credit card game. So go forth, plan your dream trips, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of a great deal!

What are your favorite ways to save on hotel bookings? Share your tips in the comments below!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may get some coffee money if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Quite frankly, it hasn’t happened yet, but I still appreciate you stopping by, because I put a lot of time into these posts 🙂