With Christmas Day now just over two weeks away and schools breaking up for the holidays, many across the UK are looking to secure a festive getaway. Whether planning a UK city break to make the most of the Bank Holidays or chasing winter sun abroad, the cost of accommodation can be a major hurdle.
Strategic Booking is Key to Festive Savings
Melissa Cid, a consumer savings expert at My Savings, has highlighted that Christmas hotel rates can vary dramatically. She emphasises that with clever planning, significant savings are within reach. "Most people don't realise that Christmas hotel rates can vary massively depending on when and how you book," Ms Cid stated. "With a bit of strategic planning and knowing where to look, you can find the same rooms for a fraction of the cost."
Here are the six top strategies she recommends for securing a value-for-money hotel stay during the busy festive period.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
One of the most effective ways to reduce costs is to adjust your travel schedule. Hotels typically charge premium rates for Friday and Saturday nights in December when demand is highest. "Midweek Christmas stays can be 30-40% cheaper than weekend rates," the expert advises. If your plans allow, consider arriving on a Sunday and checking out by Wednesday to make substantial savings without missing out on the festive atmosphere.
2. Explore 'Mystery' and 'Hidden Deal' Apps
Several booking platforms offer deals where the hotel's name is concealed until after you've paid. While this requires some trust, these mystery offers often feature four and five-star hotels at heavily discounted prices. Apps like Hotwire and Priceline's Express Deals can reportedly provide savings of up to 50 per cent on luxury accommodation. These discounts exist because hotels use them to fill empty rooms without publicly advertising rates that could damage their brand value.
3. Book Directly with the Hotel
While comparison sites are excellent for initial research, finalising your booking on the hotel's own website can unlock exclusive member rates. "A lot of hotel chains offer loyalty programmes that are free to join and provide instant discounts of 10-15 per cent," explains Ms Cid. Major chains like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG frequently offer member rates cheaper than third-party sites, and you'll also earn points towards future stays.
4. Pick Up the Phone and Call the Front Desk
Sometimes, the best deals aren't listed online. Hotel staff often have the discretion to offer last-minute rates for cancelled rooms or to match competitors' prices, especially as Christmas nears. Ms Cid suggests: "About a week before your intended stay, call the hotel directly and ask what their best available rate is." A simple phone call could unlock an unadvertised bargain.
5. Target Newly Opened Hotels
New hotels opening in December can be a goldmine for savvy travellers. "They need positive reviews and social media buzz, so they're willing to offer substantial discounts," says the expert. It's worth searching for properties that have opened in the last six to twelve months, as they may have attractive introductory offers to build their reputation.
6. Widen Your Search Area
Location has a huge impact on price. Hotels in prime city centre spots command premium rates, but looking slightly further afield can yield much better value. "We've found that hotels 2-5 miles outside main city centres can be 40 per cent cheaper, especially during Christmas when central locations charge peak rates," Ms Cid adds. Expanding your search radius by just a few miles could lead to major savings.
By employing these strategic hacks—from flexible dates and direct calls to exploring hidden deals and new hotels—travellers can significantly cut the cost of their Christmas accommodation, leaving more budget to enjoy the festive season itself.
