Best Summer Hotel Deals

Forget the standard percentage-off deals. This summer, the top hotel deals are throwing in things like free nights or free food.

Perhaps rising travel costs, particularly when it comes to the cost of dining out, has something to do with it. (Yes, restaurant prices in the U.S. are up on average 4% in May 2024 versus May 2023, which is a much faster pace than the overall 3.3% rate of inflation).

Other hotels are leaning into unique offerings, particularly as travelers continue to lean into unique (and Instagrammable) vacation activities that distinguish their trip from everyone else's.

So between the killer deals, or just the killer, unique offerings, here are the top hotel deals for summer 2024:

If you're looking for a great way to redeem Marriott points, here's a sweet deal. Marriott Bonvoy members always receive their fifth night free on consecutive stays book on Bonvoy points. But for a limited time, you'll not only get that same fifth night free benefit, but travelers at certain Marriott hotels also get a $200 hotel credit per stay.

The deal only applies to stays booked between now and Oct. 1, 2024, and for trips between now and Nov. 19, 2024. Dozens of properties across the Caribbean and Latin America are eligible, though you can search all the participating properties on Marriott's promotions page.

This summer’s promotions offer several benefits for visitors of El Mangroove, Autograph Collection in Costa Rica. The Wellness Getaway offer comes with daily breakfast for two, stand-up paddleboarding and a bliss massage for two.

An unlimited spa treatment offer for two-night stays or more can be another way to relax after spending time in the Costa Rican jungle.

For guests staying at least three nights, there’s a promotion offering a 10% discount on the best available rate and 5,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points. Some packages may have a minimum four-night stay requirement.

There are all sorts of deals over on the Hawaiian island of Oahu to round out the summer — and some extend into fall. Here are a few hotels running especially good deals to help you save on an Oahu vacation right now:

Waikiki Malia: This hotel in the midst of Honolulu's main tourism and shopping street (and just two blocks from Waikiki Beach) is running a freebie night promo. When you book a minimum four-night stay between Aug, 19 and Nov, 17, 2024, your fourth night is free.

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head Hotel: This hotel is for the calmer crowd, seeking a luxury, boutique hotel away from the crowds. This serene hotel, which stands out for its views of Diamond Head, is running a 30% off sale, plus an additional 50% discount on its daily amenity fee (bringing the usual $40 daily fee down to $20). Sure, the resort fee is annoying, but it covers some nice perks including complimentary rental of beach bikes, complimentary wine hour, and use of tennis and pickleball racquets and balls.

Hotel Renew: This is another luxury boutique hotel — but this one sits right near the famed Waikiki Beach. The savings here aren't quite as high at 20% off. But guests get some nice perks including complimentary use of boogie boards, snorkel gear, beach chairs and towels, free weekly yoga classes and in-room workout equipment, Illy espresso and coffee machines in room

While the hotels at the Disneyland Resort are notoriously expensive, stays on certain nights at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel or The Villas at Disneyland Hotel spanning four nights or longer are going for 25% off. The deal is valid for most nights between June 10 and Sept. 26, 2024.

Related read: Disneyland Hotel vs. Grand Californian: Which is better?

Use the deal as an excuse to visit some of the summer's top Disneyland events, including summer showings of the beloved nighttime show, Fantasmic. The show returns following a hiatus after a fire broke out during a showing in April 2023.

Halloween lovers can even take advantage of the deal. That's because Halloween at Disneyland is so popular, special spooky festivities kick off as part of the resort's 'Halloween Time' on Aug. 23.

There are all sorts of Hilton promos happening in Cancun this summer. Most notably, most resorts in Cancun are participating in Hilton's Everyday Escape package offer. The deal applies to 3-night stays booked before June 30, 2024 and completed anytime before Dec. 31, 2024.

So what's the deal? When you book an eligible stay, you'll get 20% off the Best Available Rate. And here's another sweeter deal to encourage you to join the Hilton Honors program. All members, regardless of their level of Hilton elite status, get a heftier 25% discount. Among the participating Hilton hotels in Mexico include:

• Hilton Cancun.

• Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya.

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

Unlike many Hilton resorts in the area, the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is not an all-inclusive. But here's a summer promo that gets you free food. The resort's Tulum Summer Vibes package offering free food and stay for children under 12, complimentary breakfast and airport transfers, and a $150 resort credit.

Waldorf Astoria Cancun

At the luxe Waldorf Astoria Cancun, two packages add some pampering spa treatments. The Mayan Spirit package includes private yoga classes, a session with a local shaman, craft beer tasting, a massage for two people, airport transfers and breakfast. The Treasured Retreat package includes a ride to and from the airport, private yoga, breakfast and a massage for two people.

By many metrics, San Francisco still hasn't recovered from its pre-pandemic travel figures.

For example, in 2019 (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic), more than 26 million visitors came to San Francisco. But in 2023, just 23.1 million people arrived, according to SF Travel.

Meanwhile, San Francisco hotel occupancy rates are still relatively low. For example, in March 2024, San Francisco hotel occupancy rates were at just 64%, versus 85% for New York City and 73% for Los Angeles, according to data from the City and County of San Francisco's Office of Economic and Workforce Development.

That's not a bad thing though, as hotels are pulling out all the stops to entice travelers.

Solaire Terrasse with Veuve Clicquot at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

From now until Oct. 27, 2024 the The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience that champagne enthusiasts should travel specifically for. Called the Solaire Terrasse, it's a limited-time pop-up on the outdoor deck of one of San Francisco's most iconic hotels.

It's a classy, outdoor summer experience, where guests sit on plush furnishings under yellow and white umbrellas at French-inspired cafe tables surrounded by the chef's herb garden. Though Veuve Clicquot Champagne is at the forefront of the event, it's surprisingly family-friendly with oversized games such as chess, Jenga and corn hole.

Adults will likely sip on a selection of Veuve Clicquot Champagne (Brut Yellow Label, Brut Rosé, Rich, and La Grande Dame). But adults and kids alike shouldn't miss the first-of-its-kind, Veuve Clicquot-inspired, zero proof sorbet. In fact, the sorbet was created exclusively for the Solaire Terrasse pop-up.

Though, this won't come cheap. A seafood tower for two starts at $195 (but optional upgrades like caviar will add to the bill), while the cheese and charcuterie board costs $55. Champagne bottles start at $170.

On certain Sundays, the pop-up becomes a Madame Clicquot Afternoon Tea service, which costs $135 per guest.

On the bright side, it's a good opportunity to rack up some serious Bonvoys. Pay with a Marriott credit card to earn bonus points on your afternoon at the Solaire Terrasse.

Revolve at the Regency package at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco

The Solaire Terrasse is not the only uniquely memorable dining experience in San Francisco this summer. After a 17-year-hiatus, the top floor of the Hyatt Regency San Francisco — which famously rotated — spins again.

Inside is a unique dining experience that entails 360-degree panoramic views of the city skyline and the San Francisco Bay.

Unlike the Solaire Terrasse, which can be bookable even by non-hotel guests, you'll need to stay at the hotel to get inside the hotel's top floor. And even still, it's exclusive only to certain guests including travelers who hold the highest tier of World of Hyatt elite status, Globalist.

Without elite status, the best way to get in is by purchasing a room through the Revolve at the Regency Package. With it, you get a complimentary upgrade to a Bayview Balcony Room and access to The Regency Club.

Though the package is more expensive than a standard room (exact price differences vary by day), it's only about $60 on many nights. That's an incredible deal considering it includes breakfast, dinner and snacks throughout the day (plus unbelievable views).

To book, use code SPIN before July 29, 2024 (though the deal is valid for reservations through Feb. 28, 2025, as long as you book before the end of July).

Say less. The viral food combo, which TikTok has dubbed the "It" meal on Sunday is on menus this summer at participating Courtyard by Marriott locations in the U.S. & Canada — and it's pretty affordable too.

The meal consists of a Caesar Salad, fries, and martini. If you'd rather, you can sub the martini with a Diet (or regular) Pepsi. The meal starts at just $22.50 (expect an extra charge for upgrades such as adding chicken.

Yotel's Long Hot Summer campaign runs now through Sept. 23, 2024 across its hotels, which are in popular cities around the world.

The promotion is about both saving money as it is about unique experiences. Guests who enter the code LONGHOTSUMMER at participating hotels from now to September 23, 2024 will be able to book deals that featuereadd-ons such as food & drink credits, boat tours, canal cruises and prosecco picnics.

For example, at Yotel Boston, guests receive two roundtrip ferry tickets to Provincetown and a $50 food and drink credit to use at Deck 12 or Vela Seaport. And over at Yotel New York Times Square, receive $25 to spend at the Social Drink and Food rooftop, along with two tickets for a one-hour Statue of Liberty & Midtown Cruise.

Dozens of Marriott family hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa are offering a summer promotion that cuts the cost of a second room in half. It’s a great deal for families looking to use the savings for more exciting activities or meals on their trip.

The offer is available on many of Marriott Bonvoy’s brands if the second room is occupied by someone under 16. Some eligible properties for this promotion include the W Muscat, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane and Aloft Dubai Creek, among others.

No matter where you’re headed, chances are there are some loyalty points promotions, hotel deals or special offers to help you save cash or enjoy more during your trip. And if not, don’t be afraid to call the hotel and politely ask if there are any deals.

Some loyalty programs through in an extra free night when redeeming points

Hilton offers the fifth night free on award reservations for Hilton Honors members with Silver status or higher. When you redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, you'll get the fifth night free, no matter what level of status you have.

IHG offers the fourth night free to all members who have one of the IHG's co-branded credit cards.

Book directly with the hotel

Many hotels offer better discounts when you book with them directly. For example, Ovolo Hotels is a Hong Kong-based chain (with no resort fees) operating boutique properties in Australia and Asia. Across all Ovolo properties, its perks include free breakfast, free self-service laundry, a gym, a complimentary in-room mini bar, candy in the lobby and a snack bag offered at check-in. The catch? You only get them when you book direct.