Important information:
Am 10. April 2024 wurden das Kundenportal sowie der Web-Zugriff auf das Kartenkonto eingestellt. Bitte laden Sie die Swiss Bankers App herunter, um weiterhin uneingeschränkten Zugriff auf alle Dienste zu haben.
Are you a Swiss Bankers sales partner?
Hier geht es zum Partnerportal.
In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey of discovery to find affordable hotels in Switzerland and elsewhere, and show you how you can not only save money on your next booking but also book smartly. We’ll share with you the most effective strategies and insider tips for getting the most out of any travel budget. Get ready to explore the world of affordable hotels and take your travel plans to a whole new level of savings and enjoyment.
07.04.2024
Miryana
Looking for budget hotels can often feel like a treasure hunt – you never quite know what you’ll find, but the reward of affordable accommodation makes it all worthwhile. In a world where travel is becoming increasingly accessible, yet often expensive, the cost of accommodation is one of the biggest challenges for any travel budget. But there’s good news: with the right strategies, you can make significant savings on your hotel bookings.
Contents:
In the world of travel, hunting for a great hotel deal is often just as exciting as the trip itself. To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of the top 11 websites where you can find the best hotel deals without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for affordable hotels in Switzerland or elsewhere, these platforms offer a wide range of options, from last-minute deals to exclusive discounts that help you stay in luxury whilst saving money.
Booking.com: Known for its huge selection and the Genius loyalty programme, which offers additional discounts on accommodation worldwide. A particular highlight: if you pay with your Swiss Bankers card, you’ll receive up to 10% cashback on your bookings
Expedia: Offers comprehensive travel packages and member discounts that come in handy when booking hotels, flights and hire cars.
Agoda: Your gateway to a diverse selection of hotels, hostels, apartments and holiday homes.
Hotels.com: Its rewards programme offers one free night for every ten nights booked, which is particularly attractive for frequent travellers.
Hostelworld: Ideal for budget travellers looking for affordable hostels without compromising on quality or location.
Priceline: Known for its Express Deals, which offer significant savings without you knowing in advance which hotel you’ll be staying in.
Trivago: A hotel search engine that compares prices from various booking sites to show you the best deal.
Hotwire: Offers ‘Hot Rate’ hotel deals where you only find out which hotel you’ll be staying in after booking, resulting in substantial discounts.
Kayak: Another price comparison service that helps you compare prices across different websites at a glance and find the best deal.
HotelTonight: Another price comparison service that helps you compare prices across different websites at a glance and find the best deal.
Use the BYHOURS app: This app gives you access to booking options at over 4,000 hotels for stays of 3, 6 or 24 hours. A special feature of the hotels listed on the BYHOURS app is the flexibility to set your check-in time to suit your needs, whether during the day or at night.
Whilst comparison sites are an excellent resource for exploring the market, booking directly with a hotel opens the door to exclusive benefits not available elsewhere. Many hotels prefer direct bookings as they allow them to bypass the commissions normally paid to third parties. In return, they often offer lower prices or special incentives directly on their website.
The most effective strategy for finding a good-value hotel is to combine the strengths of both approaches. Start your search on comparison websites to get an overview of the available options and price ranges. Once you’ve found a hotel that meets your requirements, visit its official website to discover any direct booking benefits. This hybrid approach ensures that you not only get the best available price, but also maximise all the additional benefits and amenities that will make your stay even more memorable.
Plan early, save big. The saying ‘the early bird catches the worm’ has never been more apt when it comes to hotel bookings. As an early booker, you’ll find yourself immersed in a sea of opportunities that can help you save significantly. This isn’t just the time to take advantage of the tempting discounts hotels offer to fill their rooms early, but also the chance to choose from a wealth of options. Would you like a room with a breathtaking view? Or would you prefer a suite on the top floor? As an early booker, you have the freedom to tailor these details to your preferences without having to compromise.
Reward spontaneity – with unexpected bargains. Last-minute bookings are the hidden gems of the travel world, perfect for those who love the unexpected. These offers are like an exciting secret waiting to be revealed, and often provide access to luxurious accommodation at a fraction of the regular price. The trick is to be flexible and decisive. Imagine booking a five-star hotel for the price of a three-star one, simply because you were prepared to wait until the very last minute. This strategy is ideal for the adventurous and those who love to plan on the spur of the moment.
Flexibility when travelling is not only desirable, but also an effective way to save money. Being willing to be flexible with your travel dates can lead to significant savings and unique experiences.
Discover how travelling outside the peak season or on weekdays can be not only more affordable but also a more authentic experience. Travelling in the off-season means fewer crowds and lower prices, whilst weekdays often offer unexpectedly good deals, whether you’re looking for affordable hotels in Switzerland or elsewhere in the world. Make the most of these strategies to enjoy quality experiences at affordable prices.
In a world that’s constantly on the move, travellers’ loyalty is not only valued but also rewarded. Hotel chain loyalty programmes are your key to a world of benefits, savings and experiences that go beyond the ordinary travel experience. These programmes are carefully designed to reward regular guests for their loyalty and encourage them to keep coming back. If you enjoy travelling, whether for business or pleasure, joining these programmes is a smart move that pays off in many ways.
Well-known loyalty programmes include:
Every stay, every booking and sometimes even every Swiss franc you spend at participating hotels can earn you points. These points add up faster than you might think and can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards. The great thing is that signing up for these programmes is usually free, so you can get started straight away.
A simple and often overlooked way to save money when travelling is to ask directly for discounts. This strategy can lead to unexpected savings, particularly when it comes to special offers for specific groups or situations. Many hotels offer discounts for senior citizens, military personnel, teachers and students, though these aren’t always obvious.
Here’s how to go about it:
Asking directly about discounts is a simple step with great potential that can significantly reduce your travel costs.
Forget conventional hotel rooms and discover the world of budget-friendly yet unforgettable accommodation that will turn your trip into a real adventure.
Save money the smart way with these platforms:
Enjoy free or almost free accommodation:
These options not only offer an affordable alternative to expensive hotels, but also open up the chance for deeper, more authentic travel experiences. From waking up in a cosy corner of the world you’ve never seen before to falling asleep surrounded by the hospitality of new friends – get ready to immerse yourself in the world’s cultures and beauty on a budget.
In the digital age, where every transaction holds the potential for savings, cashback portals and voucher codes offer untapped treasures. These seemingly small savings can add up to a considerable sum and make a noticeable difference to your travel budget. Taking advantage of cashback and voucher codes is a simple, effective way to get the most out of every franc you spend.
Examples of valuable vouchers and cashback offers:
Top cashback websites and voucher portals:
By making use of these resources, you can turn every booking into an opportunity to save money. Actively searching for and applying these offers makes every trip not only more affordable, but also more rewarding.
In the world of modern travel, where every experience and every saving counts, we have discovered that flexibility, knowledge and careful planning are crucial. Whether it’s taking advantage of early-bird discounts, keeping an eye out for last-minute deals, exploring budget hotels in Switzerland or alternative accommodation, or making clever use of loyalty schemes and cashback options – all these methods offer ways to travel more for less.
The willingness to think outside the box and actively seek out discounts not only enriches our travels with more authentic experiences, but also teaches us how small savings can make a big difference. Smart travel is therefore an invitation to explore the world with curiosity, to discover hidden gems away from the crowds, whilst keeping an eye on our budget. It’s not just about seeing the world, but about making our travels deeper and more meaningful without exceeding our financial limits.
© Swiss Bankers 2026
