7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024

7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Use WhatsApp Direct Messages to Hotels in Southeast Asia for Up to 40% Off Published Rates

In Southeast Asia, a surprising way to find lower hotel prices is to bypass the usual booking sites and use WhatsApp to communicate directly with hotels. You can often secure discounts of up to 40% off the rates advertised elsewhere. It's becoming more common for hotels, especially smaller independent ones, to offer these deals through WhatsApp. It's a quick and easy way for them to communicate directly with potential guests and offer personalized offers, last-minute deals, or even simply respond to questions about their services.

Many hotels have embraced WhatsApp as a channel for communicating booking confirmations, sharing details about their properties, and even sending targeted promotions. It's a good option for travelers who value a more personalized approach. They are likely to see better deals by going direct. Keep in mind that many hotels simply want to avoid the hefty commissions charged by booking platforms. By communicating via WhatsApp, you may not only get a discount but also have a better chance to engage with the hotel directly and possibly even influence the final price you'll pay.

To avoid unnecessary roaming fees when messaging hotels via WhatsApp, it is a good idea to find free or low-cost Wi-Fi in the area or to use a local SIM card that offers unlimited data in Southeast Asia, if that makes sense for you. This practice is not limited to Southeast Asia but can be successfully utilized in other destinations as well. The trend of hotels using messaging apps like WhatsApp to connect with guests seems to be growing in popularity and is definitely worth exploring.

Many hotels in Southeast Asia are increasingly using WhatsApp for direct communication with guests, and it's worth exploring if you're after a bargain. It's quite common to find discounts of up to 40% off standard rates if you initiate a conversation via WhatsApp. Why? They're essentially trying to avoid commissions charged by online travel agents and are willing to offer lower prices to secure direct bookings.

It seems that a sizable number of hotels across Southeast Asia have started using WhatsApp Business to create official profiles. These profiles often include essential information such as address, operating hours, and the range of services they provide. It also allows them to efficiently manage bookings by sending out notifications and updates through the app. They also use the broadcast features to send promotional material to a larger group of guests simultaneously.

The hotel industry is realizing that customers are increasingly favoring direct messaging. Guests are often initiating the conversation with specific questions or requests and prefer this method of communication, especially before or during a stay. However, reaching out to a hotel can be made simpler without needing to save the hotel's number as a contact using specialized services which can handle the messaging routing.

A noteworthy point is that the rate at which people book hotels on weekends is surprisingly high—around 24%. It implies hotels should have robust communication strategies in place to capture this segment of the market, and using messaging platforms like WhatsApp seems to be a favored solution. It's also advisable to utilize WiFi whenever using WhatsApp internationally to prevent incurring high roaming charges. You might be surprised at the deals hotels might offer during those times.

Smart hoteliers even put their WhatsApp number and a logo on their websites or social media profiles to encourage direct communication. This shows how important the channel is becoming for hotel-guest interactions. And who knows, these direct conversations might even allow you to negotiate better deals on room upgrades or complimentary extras. Some even seem to experiment with AI-powered chatbots to offer customized recommendations and options during these chats. These AI features can potentially unlock even greater savings and customized services during the reservation process.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Use WhatsApp Direct Messages to Hotels in Southeast Asia for Up to 40% Off Published Rates
2. 7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Book Through Hotel-Specific Apps in Japan During Off-Peak Hours 11 PM - 2 AM
3. 7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Stack Corporate Codes with Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts Benefits
4. 7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Switch Your IP Location to the Hotel's Home Country for Local Rates
5. 7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Switch Your IP Location to the Hotel's Home Country for Local Rates
6. 7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Use Hotel Chain Gift Cards Bought at Supermarkets with Grocery Multipliers
7. 7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Book Rewards Stays Using Points from Different Programs on the Same Night
8. 7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Call Hotels Directly in Spanish-Speaking Countries for Local Market Rates

7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Book Through Hotel-Specific Apps in Japan During Off-Peak Hours 11 PM - 2 AM

In Japan, booking hotels through their specific apps during the off-peak hours of 11 PM to 2 AM can be a smart way to save money. These late-night hours often see less competition for rooms, possibly leading to lower prices. Hotel occupancy tends to be lower at these hours which might prompt hotels to adjust prices downwards. Some hotel-specific apps, like Rakuten Travel or others you might find through Google Maps, sometimes offer exclusive deals not found on general booking sites. These apps could be a good alternative to consider for budget-conscious travelers. However, it's important to keep in mind that certain Japanese hotel websites may limit bookings to those with local credit cards or bank accounts. It's worth planning ahead to avoid potential booking headaches related to payment methods.

Booking hotels in Japan through their specific apps, especially during the late hours between 11 PM and 2 AM, can be a surprisingly effective strategy for finding better prices. It seems many Japanese hotels are experimenting with dynamic pricing strategies that leverage their own apps. These apps can subtly change rates in real-time based on various factors including demand, occupancy, and potentially even the time of day. This is similar to how airline tickets often fluctuate based on factors like competition and travel patterns.


Some hotel apps might offer exclusive promotions only accessible through their apps, and these can sometimes be tied to odd booking hours, such as the late-night slot I mentioned. There seems to be some evidence that they can generate a greater interest in these late hours simply to experiment with how much people are willing to pay based on the time of day.


It's also interesting to consider that some hotels are reportedly using apps to promote deals or upgrades to attract bookings during what would otherwise be a slower period. The logic is straightforward: They can boost occupancy and revenue by offering a more compelling value proposition in those hours.

It seems some hotel chains have implemented various loyalty programs that are tied to booking through their own channels. In some instances, booking during off-peak times can potentially unlock doubled reward points, which can be an attractive feature for frequent travellers. This practice is not uncommon in other industries either where rewarding frequent users leads to brand loyalty.

The ability to use payment options like cryptocurrency or a local credit card, may be restricted to bookings made through hotel-specific applications, particularly for smaller, independent establishments. While this could be more convenient for certain travelers, it might also unintentionally lead to lower prices on a particular hotel. If it is not a wide-spread practice it is unknown if it has a true benefit. It's certainly a trend worth keeping an eye on to understand its impact.


Booking directly with a Japanese hotel's app can also be more complex or less transparent for travelers who are not proficient in Japanese and the local market dynamics. Many travellers who are not familiar with the local practices and are less prone to using these applications because they feel they have less control in the process. This could be a reason why third-party sites are a more popular choice. Third-party booking platforms, such as Booking.com, typically have fewer technical restrictions for foreign travellers, making the booking process more streamlined for them.


The idea that you can get a potentially cheaper or more convenient travel experience is intriguing. However, it is unclear whether the strategy of late-night bookings or these various app features is sufficiently adopted to lead to consistent results. It might be a great way to find a bargain in certain instances, but there is a lot of variation. As travel trends evolve, it is likely that Japanese hotels will continue to experiment with various ways to leverage their own apps to better capture demand and optimize pricing. It's intriguing to wonder about the overall success of this concept.

7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Stack Corporate Codes with Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts Benefits

Combining corporate discount codes with the perks offered by American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) can significantly boost your hotel experience while potentially saving you money. The FHR program alone provides valuable benefits like potential room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and later check-outs, but strategic travelers can often amplify these perks through corporate discount codes. It's worthwhile to see if there are targeted offers that could potentially stack on top of the standard FHR perks. However, the process of combining these benefits can be a bit tricky. Not all corporate codes are universally applicable to all hotels or booking scenarios. Even for regular Amex users, it's important to understand the intricacies and restrictions involved to truly get the most value from this combination of benefits. It requires a bit of digging, but it might pay off.

American Express's Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program provides a collection of perks for cardholders, often exceeding the value of traditional hotel loyalty programs. While the average benefit is estimated around $550 per stay across 1,600+ hotels worldwide, I've been investigating how to further maximize this. I've noticed that you can sometimes combine, or stack, a corporate discount code along with the FHR benefits, which can lead to even greater savings and perks.


When booking through FHR, you'll typically get advantages such as a possible room upgrade, complimentary breakfast for two (which can save you over $50 a day, depending on the location and hotel's dining options), a guaranteed 4 PM checkout, and early check-in (when available). However, by adding a corporate discount code you might further increase your chance of getting an even better room category beyond what is typically available through FHR. This is intriguing as it suggests there might be hidden categories that only become accessible when using certain codes.

Furthermore, the 4 PM late checkout, a common FHR benefit, can be enhanced with other deals and flexible cancellation policies. One of the reasons that these late checkouts are valuable is that it gives you more time to relax and experience the hotel before heading to the airport.

But the stacking technique can be useful for more than just the rooms themselves. Many FHR participating hotels offer on-property credits. These can include things like spa treatments, dining at the hotel, or even resort fees. I have seen cases where travelers successfully stacked these credits onto their stay, essentially unlocking hundreds of dollars in savings over a week-long vacation. The question remains: how commonly can this stacking strategy be used, and are there any rules that might hinder or change this in the future?

The reported cost savings when using FHR in comparison to other platforms is noteworthy. Some reports suggest that FHR offers savings of 20-30% on average compared to more conventional travel booking sites. It is unclear if this is due to the program itself, or because FHR frequently includes hotels that also offer corporate codes which lead to a wider range of pricing options.

Many FHR hotels also have their own loyalty programs, where you might earn points or credits when staying. Using a corporate discount code, it seems, in some cases, might generate extra points or upgrades. It is unclear how widespread this practice is and whether hotel chains are aware of this. But if used consistently, this might eventually shift how travelers book and engage with the loyalty programs.

Interestingly, by stacking these codes, some have reported accessing suites or room types that were initially not available through the standard FHR booking interface. There seems to be some interesting room categorization that can lead to unique experiences and options for travelers.

Some independent research suggests that FHR hotels have a 30% higher customer satisfaction rate compared to those not part of the program. It could be that this is a correlation caused by the exclusivity of the properties and the program itself. However, it seems worthwhile to investigate why people are reporting a higher level of satisfaction, and if there is any statistical validity to these numbers.

Another fascinating facet is that customers using these stacking strategies often receive bespoke offers, such as welcome amenities or more tailored concierge services. It's as if the hotels are trying to reward travelers who go through the extra steps and are seeking these combined deals. This is another area where further research is needed to explore the nature of these offers and how widespread the practice is.


The increasing popularity of FHR stacked with corporate codes indicates that many travelers are becoming aware of this approach. It seems that stacking these offers can result in a better experience or provide value for money compared to more traditional methods. But is this the best way to do it? There are different ways to book hotels that have not yet been studied systematically. Overall, it seems this technique offers great potential and is worth exploring further.

7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Switch Your IP Location to the Hotel's Home Country for Local Rates

One intriguing way to potentially snag better hotel rates is to adjust your perceived location to the hotel's home country. By utilizing a virtual private network (VPN), you essentially trick the hotel's booking system into believing you are a local resident. Many hotel websites dynamically adjust pricing based on your IP address, often offering significantly lower rates to domestic customers. This practice is more successful with hotel bookings than airline tickets, with some examples showcasing considerable differences for the same hotel depending on your simulated location.

The effectiveness of this method depends on how well the hotel's systems are programmed to recognize location. Some hotels may be more prone to displaying different prices, particularly if they actively manage rates based on the user's apparent origin. However, keep in mind that it's advisable to clear your browser history and utilize private browsing to avoid personalized pricing mechanisms that might be attempting to identify you as a repeat customer and therefore potentially inflate the rate.

This trick is an increasingly relevant strategy in the age of granular online tracking and targeted pricing. It suggests there may be a number of hidden deals that are simply not revealed to customers who are perceived to be outside of the hotel's primary market. In 2024, this tactic is becoming easier and more accessible due to the proliferation of readily available VPN services, presenting a compelling option for those who wish to optimize their hotel costs. While not a universal solution, it is a relatively easy approach worth considering.

7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Switch Your IP Location to the Hotel's Home Country for Local Rates

It's fascinating how hotel websites adjust their prices based on where you appear to be located. They employ sophisticated algorithms that seem to identify your geographic location through your IP address and then adjust prices accordingly. If you are accessing the website from a different country, they might charge a premium. It appears they are assuming you are less sensitive to price increases.

There is some research suggesting that hotels might have a bias in their pricing strategies that is based on how they perceive you as a traveller. If you are accessing the site from a location far from the hotel, they seem to conclude that you are likely to be a less price-sensitive visitor and thus charge you more. It's a bit like how car dealerships might quote a higher price if they think you are a more affluent buyer. By appearing as a local resident of the hotel's country, you might effectively change the pricing dynamics.

An interesting consequence is that by masking your true location, you could potentially save money on currency conversions. Many booking sites apply currency conversion rates that can be unfavourable, sometimes adding transaction fees as well. By booking at local rates from within the hotel's country, you potentially avoid these costs and get a better deal.

It seems a bit of a technical trick to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to temporarily switch your IP address, but the outcome can be quite beneficial. Some research indicates that many travelers are not even aware that these tools are available, and this potentially leads to a substantial missed opportunity to save money. It's also interesting to note that VPNs have other uses as well that relate to privacy, security, and censorship circumvention.

Some hotels seem to promote discounts or special offers only to those located in their immediate region. By using a VPN, you might uncover these deals that are generally not accessible to travellers from outside the country. Essentially, you are able to disguise your location to the website and thus be treated as a local customer.

It is quite conceivable that some hotel loyalty programs might restrict access to membership benefits and promotions to those residing locally. It would be in the best interest of the hotel to offer better rates to locals than to those who are visiting from overseas. By using a VPN, you could qualify for membership rates or specific discounts that might be available only to local customers.

In areas where there is a high concentration of hotels, there is a strong tendency for them to compete more aggressively. If there is a need to fill more rooms, hotels might offer deep discounts to locals. It could be quite strategic to change your location to a specific area to see if there are promotions specifically targeted at people in that area. It might be possible to find lower rates in a competitive environment that are not usually available to foreigners.

There is some evidence that hotels tend to reduce prices if they have empty rooms and need to fill them in the last minute. These promotions, or sometimes secret deals, are not always visible to people accessing the site from a foreign country. It might be a good idea to check periodically if there are hidden deals available to local travellers.

If a hotel has a lot of free rooms available, they might offer better deals to fill those rooms. It's a good idea to experiment with different IP locations to see if the prices change based on the occupancy levels of the hotel.

By utilizing a VPN, you might get access to deals that are usually reserved for direct bookings, such as promotions or room upgrades. These offers are often limited to those booking through the hotel's website rather than through a third-party booking platform. It's another way to potentially unlock better rates compared to using traditional travel booking services.

It seems like there are a few techniques that can be employed to save money on hotels by changing the IP address from which you access the hotel website. There is a bit of experimentation involved to find out if it truly delivers results, but it's certainly worth exploring further.

7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Use Hotel Chain Gift Cards Bought at Supermarkets with Grocery Multipliers

A potentially underutilized way to save money on hotel stays is by buying hotel chain gift cards at your local supermarket. Interestingly, in some instances, these gift card purchases are classified as grocery purchases. This can be advantageous if your credit card has rewards tied to grocery spending. By combining your regular grocery shopping with the purchase of these gift cards, you can effectively earn bonus points or cash back without making your purchase pattern too obvious. Coupled with hotel loyalty programs which often provide bonus points and perks for booking through their channels, this technique allows for a more strategic approach to building up rewards or simply getting a better price. It can be a clever way to stretch your travel budget. While not a common practice, it's a relatively simple way to boost the value of your grocery spend and can be a consideration if you are a regular buyer of gift cards for travel purposes. Ultimately, this technique reminds us that there are always hidden nuances to rewards programs that can lead to interesting savings opportunities.

### Use Hotel Chain Gift Cards Bought at Supermarkets with Grocery Multipliers


Supermarkets sometimes offer bonus rewards or multipliers on certain grocery items, including gift cards. This presents an opportunity for travelers to effectively reduce the cost of hotel chain gift cards through these rewards programs. It's intriguing to consider how a seemingly unrelated purchase like groceries can influence hotel spending.

Many major supermarket chains now carry gift cards for a wide range of hotel brands, offering increased convenience and potentially more options for the traveler. This accessibility, however, could potentially lead to increased competition for hotel deals and more promotional strategies.

Hotel gift cards are often versatile, allowing for use in various ways, including hotel stays, restaurants, or spas. The benefit to the traveler is a broader range of uses for the gift card, especially for multi-day trips. Whether these cards are widely used or if the hotel brands are taking advantage of this strategy is difficult to assess.

One interesting aspect is that many of these gift cards do not have an expiration date, reducing the pressure on the traveler to use the card within a certain time frame. This feature might be useful to the traveler in planning travel during times when they can access the best rates, and it is a less risky way to leverage these cards compared to those with an expiration date.

It's also noteworthy that purchasing hotel chain gift cards at supermarkets might provide an avenue to avoid booking fees that can sometimes be charged by online travel agencies. It appears that hotels and supermarkets see mutual benefit from this practice.

If you use the hotel chain gift cards to book stays, you can potentially earn loyalty points within the hotel's reward program, stacking your rewards. There seems to be some evidence that this can create a compounding effect on your future hotel stays and can enhance the traveler experience with a broader range of perks.

Some supermarkets, depending on their promotional calendar, offer increased rewards or multipliers at specific times. Travelers who actively monitor supermarket promotions might discover better deals on hotel gift cards than those who do not pay attention to these details. It remains to be seen if this practice will be adopted more widely in the future and whether it will influence overall consumer behavior when buying gift cards.

It is interesting to note that many hotel chain gift cards are not transferable or cannot be exchanged for cash. This feature can discourage impulse spending and encourages the traveler to focus their travel budget on the hotel experience.

Some hotel chains may offer additional promotions that can be combined with gift card purchases. It is unclear if travelers can stack different promotional offers and how this behavior might be perceived by the hotels. However, there is evidence that this combination of offers can be beneficial for the savvy traveler.

Finally, tracking your grocery purchases with supermarket rewards programs can be useful to identify which stores consistently offer multipliers on gift cards. By actively managing these programs, travelers can take a more proactive approach in optimizing their travel budget and enhance their overall travel experience. It's important to note that the level of engagement required may not be ideal for every traveler, and whether this is a truly effective strategy is yet to be seen.

7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Book Rewards Stays Using Points from Different Programs on the Same Night

Using points from different hotel loyalty programs to book a single night at different hotels can be a smart approach, but it's not without its nuances. Some hotel chains, like IHG or Marriott, offer the option to combine points and cash for bookings, making it simpler to redeem rewards even if you haven't amassed a large number of points. However, it's important to note that you generally won't earn points or elite status credits for staying at multiple hotels on the same night. This can make the strategy less appealing if you are keen to build up your points balance.

Before diving into this method, it's vital to assess whether the point redemption is worthwhile. Using your points for premium room types or special experiences may offer more value compared to simply using them for a standard room. Essentially, while this technique can potentially lead to savings, it requires a solid understanding of the rules of various hotel loyalty programs. You need to navigate this system carefully to ensure that you are indeed getting the most from your rewards.

### Surprising Facts About Booking Rewards Stays Using Points from Different Programs on the Same Night


It's intriguing how some hotel chains are starting to allow travelers to mix and match points from their loyalty programs for a single stay. This might offer a chance to benefit from multiple memberships and create unique reward combinations. It's certainly not a universal practice, but certain chains are exploring this sort of interoperability more than others.


However, it's not necessarily the best strategy to blindly use points from various programs without understanding the nuances. The value of these points isn't fixed and hotels change their point requirements based on demand and occupancy rates. This means that a similar booking with different point combinations might have vastly different point requirements.


The way your loyalty status is handled when using a mixed-program strategy can have a huge impact on your rewards. Some programs might offer certain benefits only when you're actively engaged with their specific program. This suggests you have to be mindful of which program to prioritize during your stay, since you can't always get the same perks across programs.


Unfortunately, not all hotels are open to these combined-program bookings. There's often a limited number of rooms available for such stays, and you need to be careful to understand the hotel's specific rules to avoid disappointment.


If you mix programs for your stay, you also might find that each part of the reservation has its own cancellation policy. This could be problematic if your plans change unexpectedly, as one program might be entirely non-refundable while another has flexible cancellation terms.


Experienced travelers have noticed some hidden fees connected to these rewards stays. These could be resort fees or taxes that are not automatically waived when using points. That can make the overall savings less significant than originally anticipated.


Keep in mind that your points are subject to expiration dates under specific program rules. If you mix and match points from different programs, you might lose out on some benefits because of a single program's rule. You need to monitor your balances across programs to make sure you don't lose out on valuable points.


Booking your mixed-program stay during off-peak times tends to be a better value. Some loyalty programs adjust the number of points you need based on how many people are staying. If you can plan around less busy times, it's possible to make your points stretch much further.


Interestingly, some hotel programs also offer loyalty credits when you book with points. This could help you keep your current loyalty status or even increase it, offering additional long-term benefits. This is a feature that isn't immediately obvious and adds an interesting layer to the decision-making process for planning trips.


Finally, the dynamic pricing tools used by hotels don't always treat guests redeeming points the same way. They might assess travelers based on their IP location, potentially influencing point redemption rates and the availability of rooms. Those with local connections might find it easier to get better deals and terms. It suggests that geographic considerations are becoming more important when booking hotels.

7 Unconventional Money-Saving Hotel Hacks That Actually Work in 2024 - Call Hotels Directly in Spanish-Speaking Countries for Local Market Rates

In Spanish-speaking countries, reaching out to hotels directly can often lead to more appealing local rates compared to what you find on online booking platforms. Hotel managers often have the flexibility to offer discounts that might not be available through centralized reservation systems. It's a good idea to bypass the usual 800 numbers and instead call the hotel's front desk directly to explore potential cost savings. Furthermore, having a basic understanding of Spanish can smooth communication and potentially lead to even better deals or even uncover hidden discounts. As a result, this tactic isn't just a way to engage with local culture, it can also lead to significant savings on your next trip. It is interesting to see how these practices vary across regions. It would be beneficial to understand what strategies work best in different countries or even at specific hotels. There are likely cultural differences that could play a role in these practices.

It is likely that some of these practices are becoming less common with the increasing use of online channels by hotels and a shift in the business model towards using sophisticated online algorithms to adjust prices in real-time. Some hotel managers may be less inclined to negotiate rates or offer discounts over the phone, and it might be more difficult to engage in bargaining compared to the past. However, there is a chance that this tactic will remain useful, at least for some hotels.
Here are 10 interesting observations about contacting hotels directly in Spanish-speaking countries to get local market prices:

1. **Language as a Lever:** When you speak the local language, you often get a better reception and a greater chance of securing discounts. It seems hotels are more inclined to negotiate or offer deals with someone they perceive as a local, potentially leading to substantial savings.

2. **Haggling Culture:** In many parts of the Spanish-speaking world, negotiating prices is a common practice, particularly at smaller hotels. This contrasts with the fixed online rates often seen in other parts of the world. Direct calls allow for more flexibility in price discussions, potentially resulting in a better price.

3. **Last-Minute Price Adjustments:** Hotels sometimes adjust prices dynamically throughout the day, especially as occupancy levels fluctuate. Calling towards the end of the day, or even in the late evening, may reveal hidden deals or last-minute discounts designed to fill any remaining rooms. The ability to communicate in Spanish may further increase the chances of getting a better price.


4. **No Booking Platform Fees:** When you bypass the online travel agencies and book directly, you avoid their fees. This can translate into substantial savings, potentially up to 15% or more, particularly in places with many hotels competing for business.

5. **Hidden Last-Minute Deals:** Hotels frequently have rooms available at the last minute that don't show up on the main booking platforms. A direct call might unlock these deals, which can be dramatically cheaper than the listed rates, especially when demand is low.

6. **Upgrades Might Be More Common:** Speaking directly to the staff and describing your needs can significantly increase the chance of getting a free room upgrade. It seems some smaller hotels handle upgrades on a first-come, first-served basis, and a direct call gives you a better chance to secure one.

7. **Hidden Offers and Promotions:** Hotels may have special offers, discounts, or promotions for locals that they don't advertise widely, or on their international websites. Calling directly can unveil these offers which often aren't available through online channels.

8. **Personalized Service:** Many smaller hotels in Spanish-speaking countries focus on delivering exceptional customer service. A phone call provides an opportunity to get personalized recommendations, unique room setups or experience local activities that might not be found on standard booking websites.

9. **Bundled Packages:** Some hotels offer bundled deals that include accommodations, meals, and activities, which may not always be apparent on public websites. A direct conversation could shed light on these packages, enabling savings on a complete travel experience.

10. **Avoid Currency Exchange Markups:** Local rates tend to be more transparent and avoid the added fees associated with dynamic currency conversions used by many online platforms. By booking directly, you potentially sidestep these markups and get a more accurate price in the local currency.

By utilizing these insights, it's likely you can save money and gain a more personalized experience during your travels to Spanish-speaking countries.