How to Save Money on Hotel Rates as a Senior

Hotels publish a "rack rate" — the most expensive price they will charge for a room — and then offer that same room at a series of lower prices to anyone who knows to ask. The lowest rate at most US hotel chains is reserved for travelers age 60 or 65 and older. The exact age, the exact discount, and the exact name of the program differ by chain, but every major US hotel brand offers something. The AARP rate, available to AARP members aged 50 and up, runs about 5% to 10% off and is offered at Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, Wyndham, and Best Western. The senior rate (no AARP needed) runs 10% to 15% off at most chains.

What most older travelers do not realize is that these discounts can be combined with other savings. Free loyalty-program enrollment (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards) brings free Wi-Fi, late checkout, and a fifth-night-free perk on award stays. Stacking AAA membership with the senior rate often beats either one alone. Booking directly on the hotel's own website (not Expedia or Booking.com) unlocks a "best rate guarantee" that pays the difference if a lower rate is found within 24 hours.

The other half of saving money on hotels is timing. Sunday and Monday nights are usually the cheapest at city hotels (business travelers go home for the weekend on Friday and arrive Tuesday). Friday and Saturday nights are cheapest at resort hotels in business cities. Booking 21 to 60 days in advance hits the lowest rates for most leisure trips, while last-minute bookings (within 7 days of arrival) often find unsold rooms at 30% to 50% off through HotelTonight or the chain's own app.

This guide walks through the seven steps that bring a $200-a-night hotel down to $130 or less, on average, for any traveler 60 or older. None of the steps require special skills — only a few minutes of phone calls and a willingness to ask for the senior rate at every booking. The phone calls take about 10 minutes total.