Save Money on Accommodation in Ireland

Everyone wants the best value for money on vacation, and as accommodation will be one of your biggest costs, saving even a little money per night can make a big saving overall.

There is little in the way of cheap accommodation available in Ireland, but there are ways to get deals that will result in considerable savings without resorting to poor quality accommodation.

Many of Ireland's 4 star hotels are not filling up, there is vastly increased capacity over previous years and good deals to be had. If you are planning a stay in this class of hotel be sure to call the Hotel directly as well as checking prices online - that is often the best way to get a good price.

Book as Late as Possible

If you are prepared to live dangerously, leave your booking right to the last minute.

In fact the danger is tiny, even in high season it is very unlikely that you will find nowhere to lay your head for the night - though you do run a slight risk of the occasional night in a dump.

In low season there is very little or no risk involved unless there is a special event or a festival taking place at your destination.

For online booking excellent last minute rates are available by searching below - often there is 60% or even more off when rooms are booked at the last minute.

Travel Off Season

Not everyone has this option, but it will result in considerable savings. Many of Ireland's best hotels have bargain breaks available between October and April, which typically comprise 3 nights bed and breakfast with dinner on 2 nights for little more than you would pay for a single night in high season.

If you are travelling off season, do not book accommodation more than a few days in advance unless you absolutely must stay in a particular hotel - there will be lots of last minute availability.

There are a number of ways to track down these deals:

Browse through hotel websites, bookmark those you like and and check their special offer pages regularly
Many hotels advertise deals on the back page of the Irish Times newspaper, if you can get hold of a copy do so
Ask. Call the hotels and ask have they any package deals for those staying a few nights during the off season
Subscribe to our Newsletter and be informed of selected upcoming deals

Upgrade Midweek

This applies all year round but is especially effective off season. If you plan to mix your accommodation, with a few nights in special (ie expensive!) hotels or castles, book those nights midweek when the hotel is less busy. If you are not happy with the deal you are getting online, call and ask what their best price is. If you are planning to stay two or three midweek nights this will get you some excellent deals.

Upgrade at Weekends

In cities and in hotels used mainly by business people the opposite advice applies - the best rates are available at weekends.

Use Insider Jargon

If you ask in the right way there are often unexpected bargains available, use insider terminology and the booking agent will often assume you work in the industry and offer you a better rate.

Ask for the "rep rate" (country hotels) or "corporate rate" (city hotels)
These are rates offered to business users and sales representatives, who since they stay in hotels frequently and are more likely to result in repeat business for the hotel than a tourist. For this reason they are often quoted better rates.
Staying more than one night?
If you plan to use the same hotel for more than one night ask "Do you have a DBB rate?" DBB is jargon for "Dinner, Bed and Breakfast" and will this rate is usually well less than the price of these purchased separately.
Leaving Early?
Irish hotel rates almost always include breakfast. If you are leaving early or do not plan to eat breakfast at the hotel ask for a room-only rate.
Travelling Alone?
This one is a bit cheeky, but ask for a deal on the duty managers room - it may have no window and be a bit small, but it will be cheap. Don't be concerned about the duty manager - he or she will probably end up sleeping in a suite instead!
Ask for an executive upgrade
If you are happy with the rate quoted ask if you can have an executive upgrade to a better room.
Celebrating?
Tell the booking agent if you are travelling on honeymoon or to celebrate a special event such as a birthday or anniversary. You will often be given an upgraded room or extra goodies in your room.

Be Over 55!

Some of you may have to wait a bit for these deals, but many hotels offer special "golden years" prices for over 55's - ask when you call or email if there are any available. These rates are not always available in July or August, but are widely available and remarkable value at other times.

Downgrade!

Not really by much though! Many 4 and 5 star hotels charge a premium because of their often excellent golf and leisure facilities. But guests who are touring and staying only one night often have no interest in these, but will still pay the premium.

There are many excellent three and four star hotels which apart from the lack of these facilities are indistinguishable from more expensive ones. If you will not be availing of leisure facilities, find accommodation that has none or few and you will save a pretty penny.

Your Comments

Please note: To prevent spam all comments are moderated. Promotional or advertising comments will not be published. If you want to ask a question or start a discussion rather than post a comment, please so so in the forum. Thank you!