4 Secrets to Finding the Best Hotel Rates in 2025

Hotel prices are skyrocketing, especially in the U.S., where rates have surged 20% above 2019 levels. On one hand, it’s showing the growing demand for travel. On the other hand, it also highlights how challenging it is to find an affordable hotel for a stay. But don’t worry! The situation won’t be the same for you anymore. 

Below, we’ll reveal four proven secrets to finding the best hotel rates in 2025. These methods are tried, tested, and guaranteed to work and ensure you always secure the best deal. 

Let’s explore these secrets one by one. 

Secret #1: Use VPN Service to Find Best Hotel Rates 

You may not have heard about the VPN strategy, but it actually works, regardless of the location. It’s based on a concept called ‘price discrimination’, a term often used in the travel industry. Essentially, it means showing different rates to different customers for the same hotel room, all depending upon the location they’re browsing from. 

This pricing strategy is used by many booking websites, which shows higher rates in certain countries or regions. However, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can easily solve this issue, as it masks your real location by hiding your IP address. 

How Does it Work? 

The process is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is pick a VPN and select your virtual location. For example, in the image below, we chose Belgium as our virtual location. We found a hotel named Crowne Plaza Los Angeles, which was priced at $109. 

However, when we switched back to the real IP address, the price for the same room increased to $131. This clear difference shows how helpful a VPN can be when it comes to finding the best hotel rates. 

Secret #2: Book at the Right Time for the Lowest Prices

The next secret is booking at the right time. This doesn’t necessarily mean booking months in advance, though it’s also an effective tip. However, the best deals often come a few weeks before the planned stay. That’s why we suggest following our ‘safe gateway booking strategy’.

How Does It Work?

Start by booking a hotel room in advance, but choose one with a flexible and refundable policy. Once you’ve secured your refundable hotel, look for the best hotel deals. Visit social media pages dedicated to travel discounts, and keep an eye on booking websites. 

If you find a better and more affordable place to stay, cancel your initial booking (since it’s refundable) and rebook at a lower price. In case you don’t acquire a better deal, you already have your safe booking in place, so there’s no need to worry about the last-minute price hikes. 

Secret #3: Maximize Discounts with Membership & Credit Cards

With membership programs and credit cards, you can unlock exclusive hotel discounts. These discounts depend on the card you have and the membership perks the organization offers. Some provide a percentage-based savings, while others offer free nights, room upgrades, or complimentary breakfast. The key is knowing which ones to use for the best deals. 

Which Cards Offer the Best Hotel Perks in the USA? 

There are plenty of ways to save money while traveling with memberships and credit cards. For instance, Marriott Bonvoy membership offers special hotel rates, complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, and instant reward points for experiences like cocktails, spa treatments, and meals. 

Costco Executive and Gold Star memberships are great options for travelers, and they include exclusive hotel rates with added perks. You can also use AAA credit cards, which give you cashback benefits like 5% on gas and EV charging, 3% on dining and travel, and 1% on all other purchases. 

Secret #4: Check Multiple Platforms Before You Book

Last but not least, don’t rely on one platform to find the best hotel rates. This is the same as limiting yourself to one store while shopping; you’ll likely miss out on all the better deals. We’d suggest using Google Travel, the best platform for comparing hotel prices across multiple booking sites. 

Which Website Offers the Best Hotel Deals?

Using Google Travel is easy-peasy. Go to Google and type in the location you’re planning to visit, like ‘Hotels in Paris’. It will show you a list of hotels along with their prices. Click on the hotel you’re interested in, and you’ll see a detailed breakdown of its prices across different platforms. 

To secure your money, click the ‘free cancellation’ toggle button, which will filter the websites and hotels offering free cancellation options. This is particularly useful if you’re unsure about your travel plans and want flexibility in case you need to cancel your trip or change the hotel. 

Stay at Branson Club If You’re Traveling to Missouri

Branson Club in Missouri offers two properties, Oak Ridge at Branson and Great Rock at Branson. Both are ideal options if you’re visiting Branson with your family or friends and want a charming resort with complete privacy and luxurious amenities. 

At these properties, you can enjoy spacious suites, a fully-equipped kitchen, and all top-tier facilities. For booking, contact us at 417-427-3934 or through email tours@thebransonclub.com and make your stay unforgettable.