Planning a quiet long weekend getaway doesn’t mean you have to overspend. With the right strategies, you can enjoy a relaxing stay at a boutique inn or countryside lodge while staying within budget. From booking tactics to payment tools, these tips will help you make the most of your hotel budget without compromising comfort.
- Stay Outside Tourist Hotspots
Booking a hotel just outside a popular town or destination often yields significantly lower prices. Instead of staying in the heart of Asheville, for example, consider nearby towns like Black Mountain or Waynesville. You’ll still be close enough to explore, but far enough to enjoy better rates and fewer crowds.
Use tools like Google Maps, Booking.com, or Expedia to search within a broader radius for lower-cost lodging.
- Book with Gift Cards That Offer Cashback
One of the most overlooked ways to save is by using gift cards—especially those purchased through cashback platforms like Fluz. You can earn cashback with a Hotels.com gift card and use it to pay for your stay at thousands of boutique and small-town inns.
This approach lets you stack savings on top of already discounted weekend rates. Explore more options at Fluz before you book.
- Travel on Shoulder Weekends
Avoid peak holidays and opt for off-season or shoulder weekends—like early May, late September, or the weekend after major holidays. Rates are lower, properties are less crowded, and you’re more likely to receive personalized attention at smaller inns.
Check local tourism boards like VisitNC.com or OnlyInYourState.com to identify hidden gem events that don’t spike hotel prices.
- Book Direct When Possible
While third-party platforms are convenient, booking directly with a hotel often unlocks discounts or extra perks like early check-in or breakfast. Many small inns offer better deals via their own websites or over the phone—especially if you’re staying for multiple nights.
Be sure to compare the “final price” with taxes and fees before making a decision.
- Use Rewards and Cashback Apps
Cashback platforms like Rakuten and Ibotta allow you to earn money back when booking through partner sites. If you’re combining this with a Fluz-purchased gift card, the savings can stack even higher.
For example:
- Purchase a Hotels.com gift card with cashback via Fluz
- Book through Rakuten for added cashback
- Use a rewards credit card to pay the difference
This triple-layered approach can reduce the cost of your stay by 10–20%.
- Split a Stay Across Properties
If prices spike for one of your weekend nights, consider staying at a second property for part of the trip. Many travelers book a nicer room for two nights, then switch to a budget inn or rental for the third. This hybrid approach keeps your total cost lower while giving you a balance of comfort and savings.
Use Tripadvisor to research nearby lodging and compare guest reviews across categories.
- Pack Thoughtfully to Avoid Extra Costs
Packing your own snacks, toiletries, and even a travel kettle can save money at inns that charge extra for convenience items. If your room doesn’t include breakfast, a few small items brought from home can help you skip expensive morning meals or delivery fees.
Final Thoughts
A long weekend trip doesn’t need to stretch your finances. By using cashback apps, shopping smart for gift cards, avoiding peak dates, and thinking creatively about your stay, you can turn a modest hotel budget into a memorable and restorative getaway.
Before your next escape, consider browsing Hotels.com gift cards with cashback to start saving early—and visit Fluz for more ways to make your money go further.
