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Where to Stay in Franklin, Tennessee: the Harpeth Hotel

One of my favorite weekends getaways is Franklin, Tennessee. It’s just an hour from where we live, but sometimes it feels necessary to break up your routine and reset your mental battery for a weekend—the closer, the better. And with the opening of the Harpeth Hotel a few years back, we love to stay in Franklin and ditch our cars for a weekend getaway that is walkable and brimming with good food and even better cocktails.

This post was last updated in August 2025.

So if you’re coming to Williamson County for a week, a weekend or just a night, here’s what to expect with a stay at the Harpeth Hotel.

Staying in Downtown Franklin

The Harpeth Hotel is the place to stay in downtown Franklin, and it’s also the city’s premier boutique hotel option. With 119 guest rooms spread throughout the four-story hotel, it embodies the look and feel of Williamson County, which is to say: upscale, yet approachable; historic in honoring Franklin’s roots while simultaneously contemporary in design and offerings.

Check rates for the Harpeth Hotel here

What I love the most about the location is how walkable it is. You can check your car into the valet and explore Franklin on foot for the majority of the weekend, no car needed. Everywhere on Main Street is walkable from the Harpeth, as is the Factory at Franklin, the Franklin Farmers Market, the Park at Harlinsdale Farm and so much more.

What to know about Franklin

But first, if you’re new to this area of the South, you need to know a bit about Franklin’s backstory. Fiercely fought over throughout its history as a Western settlement, Franklin and the surrounding counties suffered losses of American life that are gut-wrenching to contemplate. The steamrollers of war spared quite a few architectural treasures in this part of the world that you can tour and a network of interlinked cultural sites illustrate with excruciating detail how the thousands of acres of graveyards scattered on the countryside were populated with the bodies of men. Some of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War happened in this well-preserved Tennessee town, a fact that’s easy to forget unless you visit the battlefields and museums, which we must insist you do.

The hotel is part of a greater development project that fuses 150 residential spaces with commercial concepts; you’ll find everything from the Bakehouse to the NOW Massage day spa in Harpeth Square, just minutes outside of your door. The square also has its own restaurants like Culaccino and Culamar, plus an olive oil shop to boot.

Named after the river that snakes its way through town, the Harpeth Hotel is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, so it meets the brand’s standards while still being completely unique. This means that you can accrue Hilton Honors points if you’re a member and also use the Hilton Keyless App if you prefer.

The Harpeth has a couple of different lodging options, including standard and accessible rooms, as well as various suites: junior, king and presidential. Many rooms have balconies with seating areas, a definite plus in warmer months.

Oh, and did I mention that the Harpeth Hotel is pet-friendly, too? This seamlessly ties into Franklin’s pet-friendly approach to welcome dogs into the town’s various spaces: the shops, the cafes, the restaurant patios, the galleries.

The hotel also boasts some really gorgeous event spaces; if you have a group of 250 or less, the Harpeth is the perfect place in Franklin in which to host your meeting, conference or other event.

For more Franklin hotels, check availability here

Drinking and dining at the Harpeth Hotel

What I love the most about the Harpeth Hotel is that it truly lives up to its motto of being “Franklin’s living room.” When I’m staying in a plush boutique like this one, I prefer to spend time physically in the hotel, but not necessarily inside the confines of my room, which is why the Harpeth is the perfect place to stay in Franklin for me.

There are nooks and vignettes all over the hotel that lend themselves well to grabbing a cup of coffee (or if you’re us, a cocktail) and settling in for a long chat with a friend or an afternoon with your laptop if you’re always working on the road.

The Library also hosts a daily whiskey tasting for guests at 4:45pm, in which a skilled connoisseur will guide you through a sampling of a special whiskey, some from the area and others hand-picked from destinations across the world.

There’s a courtyard right smack in the middle of the hotel that connects to the lobby bar and the Riverside Ballroom with staircases leading up to the second level of the hotel, in addition to ample seating for those who prefer to lounge in the open air. In the summer, there’s live music in the courtyard several nights a week, but no matter the season, you’ll find someone taking the mic in the Harpeth’s 1799 bar on every weekend as the singer-songwriter industry is at the core of Franklin’s culture.

In fact, there are even Gibson guitars hanging in the lobby that guests can check out for free to play!

Eating and drinking at the Harpeth Hotel in Franklin

The centerpiece of the hotel’s lobby is the chef-driven 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room, which is as visually striking as it is delicious. Built around the abstract deconstruction of the inside of a whiskey barrel, with large, circular nook booths encased in the restaurant’s staves, this corner of the hotel is incredibly pleasing to the eye with all of its lines and symmetry.

The homage to the colors and texture of whiskey beer mash inside of the oak is stunning, and surprisingly the design limitations of working in the round appear to have only enhanced the experience of dining with companions because we could actually hear each other speak, an essential quality that unfortunately has been forgotten all too often if you’re breaking bread with others.

The menu trends to high-end French and Italian, with locally sourced ingredients for menu items like the trout, pork roast, leg of lamb and steak. Brunch is also spun up as an option and includes all the usual suspects like crab Benedict, chicken and waffles, and flank steak, among other choices for a lazy weekend meal.

There’s also a bar in the central lobby area that carries local spirits like Leiper’s Fork Distillery, as well as craft beer from Jackalope, Wiseacre and other Tennessee breweries. No big surprise that this is where we made our base during the length of our stay!

And if you’re looking for a more casual grab-and-go option, McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions is the place for you. Tucked in the corner of the building right along Main Street, this bistro has specialty coffee drinks, beer, cocktails, fresh pastries, handmade ice cream and a selection of lunch items. We loved it so much, we’ve now been for lunch at McGavock’s three times in less than two weeks; SVV always gets the bahn mi, while the roast beef sandwich is my go-to.

Whether you are staying in downtown Franklin or are just passing through, lunch at McGavock’s and/or a meal at 1799 should definitely be on your to-eat list in a city crowded with culinary delights.

Around the Harpeth Hotel

Of course, the hotel is right on Main Street, meaning there’s plenty to do, see and eat beyond its walls. So many of my favorite shops in Franklin are located within blocks’ of the Harpeth, including Emmaline, Tin Cottage, Hester & Cook, White’s Mercantile and Rooted by Yarrow Acres, a plant store with the most gorgeous greenery.

If you’ve already eaten at 1799, there are plenty of whiskey stops—like Stable Reserve, OBJ and Leiper’s Fork Distillery’s House of Spirits—along Main Street, as well as plenty of places to eat within walking distance from the Harpeth Hotel. A few of my favorite downtown Franklin restaurants include: Gray’s on Main, Red Pony, Cork & Cow, 55 South and Biscuit Love.

And while McGavock’s is divine for a cup of joe, downtown Franklin also houses an outpost of one of my favorite regional coffee brands: Frothy Monkey. You can also walk to the Factory at Franklin, a beloved spot of both SVV’s and mine thanks to the artisan-backed shops and eateries that populate this old textile mill just outside of downtown.

I suggest staying in downtown Franklin a three-day weekend so you can make the most of the area’s Civil War history, as well as hitting up the Masters & Makers trail, Leiper’s Fork and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Franklin is also a great base for exploring the Natchez Trace Parkway, which travels right through the heart of the county.

When to visit Franklin

Like most of Tennessee, Franklin’s most popular months are often April and May and September and October, though the height of summer promises greenery in spade. That said, it depends on the year, as our winters are getting shorter, meaning it’s warmer through late November and starts to thaw by March. That also means you shouldn’t discount the holiday season, though. In fact, at the moment, it’s mid-60s and prices are lower, but yuletide spirit is high!

Franklin has a few banner events, my go-tos being Pilgrimage Music Festival every September and Dickens of a Christmas in mid-December. Both are located in or adjacent to downtown Franklin and walkable from the hotel.

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19/08/2025
NEW ZEALAND Travel Guide • How to Plan a Multi-City Trip (Itinerary, Visa & Hotel Tips)
New Zealand. Aotearoa. Middle-Earth. Whatever you wanna call it, one thing is the same: it is a spectacular destination. And for many of us, it is a place we have been dreaming of visiting. But how do you start planning a trip to this real-life fantasyland? In this video, we’ll walk you through the essentials —from timing and transportation to must-visit spots. Because yes, it may be an epic destination, but it also takes a bit of strategy.

WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

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Step 1: Decide how long your trip will be.

Size-wise, New Zealand is a bit tricky when seen on the map. It does look like just a couple of droplets in the ocean, especially when the gigantic Australia is in the same frame. But it is not that small. And even if it were, there’s just a lot to see and do. It’s got glaciers, glowworm caves, snow-capped peaks, iconic filming locations, and charming cities. And chances are, you’d want to see them all.

Our first advice is to stay longer. We stayed for 10 days, and it felt really short. Getting to New Zealand is not easy or cheap, so make the most out of it by staying longer and seeing more, especially if you plan on making a stop at multiple cities.

But if you can really allocate a few days, that’s fine, but it’s going to be more challenging unless you’ll be focusing on just one or two destinations.

Step 2: Build your itinerary.

Once you figure out how many days you will be spending in New Zealand, it’s time to start building your itinerary. The first step is to identify what destinations are non-negotiable for you. For example, if you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, I’m sure you will not forgive yourself if you don’t set foot in Hobbiton. Right?

So list them out. In our case, we only had a few: Hobbiton, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

And just by looking at the map, I realized early on that they’re pretty far apart. So from here, we tried to come up with a route that would connect all of these and can realistically be enjoyed in 10 days.

From the get-go, we knew our entry point would be Auckland. As New Zealand’s largest city, it has the country’s biggest airport and is the most usual jumpoff point to Hobbiton. But instead of going back to Auckland, we decided to stay for a couple of days to Rotorua, since it is also a popular tourist destination.

Rotorua has an airport, which serves direct flights to Christchurch, so we opted to fly for this leg. But from Christchurch to Queenstown, we wanted to travel by land so we could admire the landscapes along the way. So we’ll only be booking four hotels, one each in Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

But as we continued researching, we realized that we could also visit other attractions. For example, from Christchurch to Queenstown, instead of booking a direct bus, we discovered that there are one-way tours on Klook. One-way because it will pick you up in Christchurch, make several extended stops at tourist spots along the way including Lake Tekapo and the areas close to Mt. Cook, and then drop you off in Queenstown. It’s like a bus transfer and group tour in one!

On Klook, they have Christchurch to Queenstown and Queenstown to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook, and Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton.

✅ Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton

✅ Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt. Cook & Lake Tekapo

✅ Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt. Cook & Lake Tekapo

Step 3: Figure out transportation.

One thing that became apparent early on while researching for this trip was that public transportation options between cities in New Zealand were quite limited. This is why, many online publications will tell you that the best way to get around is by renting a car or a campervan.

I agree. By driving, not only do you have total control of your time, you also don’t get restricted by rigid bus or tour schedules. But before you lock it in, make sure you have a valid driver’s license and that you’re confident driving on the left side of the road.

But if you’re traveling alone or a couple, you might end up spending more. It’s more ideal if you’re part of a group so you have companions to split the cost with.

If driving is out of the picture for whatever reason, you can take InterCity Buses. But again, know that departures are few and far between. For example, from Auckland to Rotorua, there are only a handful of journeys available. But you can totally make it work if you plan your trip well.

Another option is by joining the one-way tours that I mentioned in the previous section of this video.
You can also fly. Domestic flights in New Zealand are delightfully inexpensive, so don’t count them out just yet. For example, when we flew from Auckland to Christchurch, we only paid around 108 NZD (P3640) per person.

Originally we wanted to fly straight from Rotorua Airport to Christchurch, but this route was twice or thrice more expensive so we decided to travel back to Auckland Airport instead.

Speaking of flights…

Step 4: Compare flight prices.

New Zealand is pretty remote, so it’s no surprise that flights going there are expensive. Its national flag carrier is Air New Zealand, which has direct flights to and from Taipei, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Vancouver and various cities across Australia, the United States, and the Pacific. Other airlines like Qantas, Jetstar, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Air, Qatar Airways and Emirates fly to New Zealand too. So do a number of American and Chinese carriers.

Via Wikipedia

We’re based in the Philippines and there are no direct flights available. Philippine Airlines used to offer direct Manila to Auckland flights, but that route has been discontinued. So we had to connect elsewhere. But this trip is part of our greater Australia-New Zealand trip so we flew from Melbourne.

✅ COMPARE FLIGHTS HERE TOO!

If you book in advance, a roundtrip flight from Manila usually costs PHP 40,000 to 50,000 in off-peak season and around PHP 60,000 in peak season.

Manila-Auckland Flights in OFF-PEAK season

Manila-Auckland Flights in PEAK season

As much as possible, try to book both legs of the journey with the same airline or at least airlines with code-share agreements, so you won’t need to clear immigration at your layover airport and pick up and check in your bags again. Especially if you’re connecting in Australia, which will require you to obtain a Transit Visa first.

In this sample booking, you will need an Australian Transit Visa.

Anyway, if you see fares and arrangements that you like, don’t book just yet. Just compare and canvas. Don’t finalize anything.

Step 5: Check accommodation options.

Another thing you need to consider is accommodations. The good news is, most New Zealand city or town centers are not that big. Even Auckland, which is the country’s largest city, isn’t as bustling and is actually quite chill compared to other big cities in other countries. So in theory, as long as you’re within the city center or town center, you should be fine.

But one thing you need to be prepared for is the cost. While planning our trip, we quickly realized that accommodation rates in New Zealand are quite steep especially in the summer months.

SkyCity Hotel Auckland
- In Auckland, we booked a room at SkyCity, which is just next to the Sky Tower, Auckland’s most iconic landmark. We paid around NZD 170 (P5740) per night. Great location, and the Sky Drive, which is the airport bus terminates just around the corner. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- In Rotorua, we stayed at Rock Solid Backpackers, a hostel right in the city center within walking distance of major attractions. It was just a fan room, but New Zealand summers are pretty mild so we didn’t mind. It’s equipped with all the basic amenities, a TV, a table, toiletries, and all. And yes, it has an ensuite toilet and bath. We paid USD 87 (NZD 147, PHP 4950) per night. Yes, for a fan room. That’s how expensive rooms are here. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- In Christchurch, we booked a private room at Haka House, which I think is also classified as a hostel, but it didn’t feel like it at all. It was newly renovated and our room had ensuite toilet and bath and everything was squeaky clean, so it felt like we were staying at a boutique hotel. Awesome location, too, close to most points of interest including the Botanical Garden and Riverside Market. They had no elevator though, so it can be challenging if you have heavy luggage. This room set us back NZD 183 (USD 109, PHP 6145) per night. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
- But Queenstown was the priciest of them all. We stayed at another hostel called BLACK SHEEP Backpackers Hostel, in a fan room without its own toilet and shower. The place was neat and nice, and it’s not too far from the center of the action, but we shelled out NZD 215 (USD 128, PHP 7240) per night for this. And this was the cheapest that we found even if we booked this way in advance. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
By the way, you don’t need to memorize all these details. We compiled all the NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS including a list of all the hotels and hostels we tried in the TPT Masterlist. Just visit and scroll until you see the section about New Zealand. We also have a compilation for other destinations around the world. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

So yeah, New Zealand lodging is super expensive. Just keep it in mind when budgeting for your trip. That’s probably why some travelers choose to just rent a campervan.

Anyway, just like with flights and transpo, don’t commit to your hotel booking yet. Instead, choose properties that offer FREE CANCELLATION. Both Klook and Agoda have these options.
- If you book with Klook, please use our promo code THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK for up to P300 OFF or TPTKLOOK5 for up to P500 OFF. These codes might change in the future so best to just visit thepoortraveler.net/klook to redeem updated discount codes!
- If you prefer AGODA, use our promo code AGODATPT for 10% discount.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s FREE CANCELLATION because there’s one crucial thing that you need to take care of first before you make any booking final…

Step 6: Apply for a New Zealand visa.

You might be wondering why I’m bringing up the visa just now. Well, 2 reasons:

First, a New Zealand visa isn’t cheap. It costs NZD 100 (PHP 3300), as of this writing. And it’s usually valid for just 1 year. It’s not like the US or Canada visas which can give you up to 10 years. No, just 1 year. So if you’re not yet 100% certain that you’re New Zealand-bound, don’t apply. You’ll just be wasting money if you end up not using it.

Also, before you start the visa application process, it’s best that you have a strong grasp of your travel plans. When applying for a New Zealand visa, you’ll be asked for your travel dates and hotel addresses, and you can even submit a detailed day-to-day itinerary to bolster your case. Having a solid travel plan will greatly increase your chances of approval. You can also upload your hotel bookings as supporting documents, although it’s optional.

I’m not going to delve deeper into the process because we have discussed it in detail in our comprehensive NEW ZEALAND VISA GUIDE! ✅

If you prefer it in Tagalog or Filipino, just watch this video.

According to the official New Zealand Immigration website, visa processing usually takes 4 weeks or 1 month. I got mine after only 2 days but don’t count on it. It’s always best to apply at least 2 months before your target departure date.

Step 7: Finalize all your bookings.

Once you’re granted a visa, finalize all your bookings! Book those flights, tours, transfers, and other stuff that you were eyeing. Or if things change, adjust accordingly.

Again these are all the promo codes that you can use. We have discounts for hotels, tours, and eSIM for internet connection. We even have special rates for travel insurance, exclusive for TPT subscribers.

Make sure to also accomplish and submit the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Form within 24 hours before your departure flight. It has to be in their system by the time you arrive in New Zealand.

That’s all for now. Remember, plan smart, travel safe, and make every trip WORTH IT!
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25/06/2025
Quinta Real Hotel in Oaxaca: A Blend of Luxury, History, and Authenticity

Nestled in the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico, the Quinta Real Hotel stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of the region. This review explores the various facets of this enchanting hotel we enjoyed during our visit to the city, from its luxurious rooms to its delectable cuisine and everything in between.

Quinta Real Hotel is not just a place to stay; it’s an immersive experience that seamlessly blends the old and the new, offering guests a unique opportunity to connect with the soul of Oaxaca.

Rooms: A Haven of Comfort and Elegance

Quinta Real Hotel’s rooms are more than just spaces to rest; they are cocoons of comfort and elegance.

The Deluxe Rooms, adorned with local artwork and equipped with vintage amenities, provide a perfect balance between traditional charm and contemporary convenience.

The Suites, with their spacious layouts and panoramic views, offer a heightened sense of opulence. Guests can unwind in luxurious surroundings, appreciating the attention to detail that defines the quintessential Oaxacan hospitality experienced in each room.

For those visiting Oaxaca with kids, it’s important to note that the beds are full size double beds, not queen or king size.

The ambiance within the rooms is carefully curated to reflect the cultural richness of Oaxaca. From the choice of textiles to the handcrafted furniture, every element tells a story, creating an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and cultural immersion.

Quinta Real Hotel invites guests to not just stay in a room but to embark on a sensory journey through the artistic and historical tapestry that defines the Oaxacan aesthetic.

Common Areas: Old-World Elegance Meets Modern Comfort

The common areas of Quinta Real Hotel are a perfect fusion of old-world elegance and contemporary comfort. The lobby, adorned with historical artifacts and colonial-inspired decor, serves as a welcoming gateway to the hotel’s rich history. Guests can- and should- take a leisurely stroll through the corridors, marveling at the architectural splendors of the meticulously restored 16th-century convent.

The courtyard, with its lush greenery and tranquil fountain, is a serene escape within the bustling city. It’s a space where guests can unwind with a book, enjoy a cup of local coffee, or simply bask in the beauty of the surroundings. The swimming pool area, surrounded by palm trees and adorned with comfortable loungers, provides a refreshing oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Quinta Real Hotel’s commitment to preserving the historical integrity of the building while offering modern amenities creates a unique and immersive stay for every guest.

History of the Hotel: A Journey Through Time

Quinta Real Hotel is not merely a place to rest; it’s a living museum that tells the story of Oaxaca’s rich history. The hotel is housed within a meticulously restored 16th-century convent, a structure that has witnessed centuries of cultural evolution (learn 40+ fun and interesting facts of Mexico!). Original architectural elements, such as the intricate archways and stone columns, have been preserved to transport guests to a bygone era.

The convent later became a movie theater, and eventually was bought to become what is Oaxaca’s best high end hotel within the city center.

Exploring the history of the hotel is like taking a step back in time, with every nook and cranny revealing a piece of Oaxaca’s cultural tapestry. The hotel’s commitment to historical preservation is evident in the way it seamlessly integrates the past with the present, creating an immersive environment that educates and enchants visitors.

Guests can partake in guided tours led by knowledgeable staff, gaining insights into the hotel’s transformation and its significance in Oaxacan history.

Dining: Culinary Delights at Quinta Real

Food enthusiasts will find themselves in gastronomic heaven at Quinta Real Hotel. The on-site restaurant showcases the best of Oaxacan cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes.

The culinary team, led by experienced chefs, crafts a menu that celebrates the diverse flavors of the region. From the iconic mole poblano to the rich and complex taste of mezcal, every dish and drink tells a story of Oaxaca’s culinary heritage.

We did have a delicious dinner the first night that we arrived, but it’s the breakfast that really blew our socks off. As you can see in the pictures they have everything you might want and more, scattered as well along different rooms.

For what it’s worth I don’t really like to eat non sweet food in the mornings, but the tamales I had hear were the best I’ve had anywhere. Really.

The dining experience at Quinta Real extends beyond exquisite flavors. The restaurant’s ambiance is carefully designed to complement the culinary journey, with warm lighting, elegant decor, and attentive service creating a memorable atmosphere. Guests can choose to dine al fresco in the courtyard for a romantic evening under the stars or enjoy a more intimate setting indoors.

The breakfast at the Quinta Real in Oaxaca has to be one of the best I’ve ever had. The tamales they had were- hands down- the best I’ve eaten anywhere.

Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a sophisticated dinner, Quinta Real Hotel elevates the dining experience to a cultural celebration of Oaxacan cuisine.

Spa and Wellness: Rejuvenation in Tranquil Surroundings

For those seeking relaxation, the hotel’s spa and wellness facilities are a sanctuary for the mind and body. Indulge in a range of rejuvenating treatments inspired by ancient Oaxacan healing traditions, ensuring a blissful escape from the stresses of everyday life. The spa, with its soothing ambiance and skilled therapists, invites guests to unwind and embrace a holistic approach to well-being.

The wellness offerings at Quinta Real extend beyond traditional spa treatments. Guests can partake in yoga sessions in the peaceful courtyard, surrounded by the fragrance of local flowers and the gentle sounds of nature.

The hotel’s commitment to holistic wellness is reflected in every aspect of the spa experience, from the carefully selected ingredients used in treatments to the tranquil surroundings that promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

Events and Meetings: A Venue for Every Occasion

Quinta Real Hotel goes beyond being a mere accommodation; it’s also a premier venue for events and meetings. The hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities, expert event planning services, and an exquisite backdrop for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings. The meeting rooms, equipped with modern technology, provide a sophisticated setting for business events, while the lush courtyard and elegant banquet halls offer versatile options for celebrations.

The hotel’s event planning team works closely with organizers to ensure every detail is meticulously executed. From intimate family celebrations to large corporate conferences, Quinta Real Hotel caters to a diverse range of events. The seamless blend of historical charm and contemporary amenities creates an ambiance that enhances the significance of every occasion, making it a memorable experience for both hosts and guests.

Local Experiences: Exploring Oaxaca Beyond the Hotel

Quinta Real Oaxaca Hotel not only provides a luxurious retreat but also serves as a gateway to the vibrant city of Oaxaca. The hotel’s concierge can curate personalized experiences, from guided tours of historical sites to culinary adventures exploring the local markets. Guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry of Oaxaca, discovering the art, traditions, and flavors that define this captivating region.

Beyond the hotel’s walls, Oaxaca offers a myriad of experiences waiting to be explored. Guests can embark on a mezcal tasting tour, visit local artisan markets, or attend traditional festivals.

The hotel’s concierge team, with their in-depth knowledge of the region, assists guests in creating a bespoke itinerary that reflects their interests and preferences.

Quinta Real Hotel not only provides a luxurious stay but also opens doors to the authentic and enriching experiences that Oaxaca has to offer.

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16/04/2025
How to Book a Cheap Hotel in 2025
As much as I love hostels, there is something nice about the luxuriousness of a hotel: the clean room, comfy bed, desk, iron, strong shower, and bottled soap for the taking (errr…I mean borrowing). They are a quiet, relaxing respite from the world.

But luxury comes at a price.

Hotels aren’t cheap and I hate spending money on a room I am only going to be in for a few hours. Often, even at my age, I would much rather stay in a hostel (private room though!), which costs less, has more social interaction, and doesn’t make you feel as removed from the destination you’re staying at. I always feel hotels are isolating, like a concrete bubble keeping you out of the place you’re visiting.

That said, the older I get, the more I use hotel points, and the more I travel for work, the more I find myself staying in hotels, especially if it’s a short trip.

I’ve spent years looking at websites trying to find the best ways to get the best rates on hotel rooms because the budget traveler in me hates spending a lot of money. Post-COVID, hotel prices have increased a lot and it seems there are fewer and fewer bargains these days.

But there are a lot of ways to actually get a good deal and stack deals on deals to lower the cost of your room.

Let me show you how.

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How to Book Cheap Hotels

Here is how to find the cheapest hotel in one simple step:

First, go to Google and type in where you want to go. For example, “New York City hotels.”

That’s it. Google will pull results from all the major booking websites and tell you what site is the cheapest. You just go there and book your hotel. That’s why it’s the best booking site because, rather than searching every website individually, you can just go to Google, find which website has the cheapest rate, and book there. It saves a lot of time!

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Click on the “View hotels” button at the bottom of the first result section to go to Google’s hotel searching hub.

Next, put in your dates and filters to narrow your search until you find a hotel you like in your price range. You’ll be able to sort by lowest price and look at the map to book by location. You can even see typical pricing trends for your dates by clicking on “what you’ll pay.”

Click on the “view prices” button for a hotel and you’ll be presented with all your booking options. Find the lowest price and head to that website. Just keep in mind that the top results are usually ads, so scroll down to make sure you aren’t missing out on any deals.

Once you’ve found the lowest price, book at that website!

But, before you actually book the room, there are a couple of other tips you need to know about to ensure you get the best price possible:

1. Contact the hotel directly

Find the hotel, call them up, and ask them to match the offer (they usually will since it saves them on commission). If they are a big global brand, the big benefit to direct bookings is that you only earn loyalty points and status when you book direct, so if you love earning points and miles, don’t book their rooms elsewhere!

2. Use points

The best way to save money on a hotel room is to not have to pay for it. Collect hotel points through branded credit cards or transferring them from a Chase, Capital One, etc., and book a free room. I save thousands upon thousands of dollars a year doing this. Here are my favorite hotel cards to get you started.

3. Use discount rates like AAA or AARP

If you are part of the AARP or AAA you can get special rates that are cheaper. Fun fact: Anyone can join the AARP. I’m a member. They have amazing travel benefits (including deals on hotels and British Airways flights). It’s well worth the membership.

4. Use Mr.Rebates or Rakuten

If the lowest rate is through a major booking site like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com, go through Mr. Rebates or Rakuten. By using their links, you’ll get 1–10% back. It’s a little extra savings that can add up over time. I never do any online shopping without going to these sites (they have deals for everything).

5. Book a mystery deal

Both Priceline and Hotwire offer cheaper rates on hotel bookings where you don’t get the full reservation details up front. On Hotwire’s Hot Rates and Priceline’s Express Deals, you’ll see the general neighborhood as well as star rating of the property and amenities offered, just not the exact hotel itself. With Priceline’s Pricebreakers deals, you’ll be guaranteed one of three hotels that they group together (you just won’t know which one until you book). You can save 30–60% off with these deals if you can tolerate a bit of the unknown!

6. Sign up for Booking.com’s loyalty program

Booking.com offers members 10–20% off bookings. They definitely helped a lot. Before you sign up for their loyalty programs before you book with them!

7. Get discounted gift cards

You can book major hotel chains with hotel gift cards. Check out a website like Giftcardgranny.com for discounted gift cards and use it to book your hotel. (Gift card purchases also count toward point earnings and status.)

8. Buy someone else’s reservation with Roomer

Often people can’t go on a trip and can’t cancel the reservation, so rather than lose the money, hotels put these rooms on Roomer, where they sell it at a discount to earn some money back. I’ve never used this website, but I’ve heard good things about it.

***

Hotel pricing is a lot more set than airline pricing and tends to fluctuate less. I wouldn’t spend hours searching hotel websites or days tracking prices like people do with airline prices. I’d spend, at the most, 30 minutes on booking a hotel.

Just follow the steps above to get a cheap hotel by using my favorite (and what have been shown to be the best) hotel booking websites listed here so you get a good deal and enjoy your trip quicker.

And if you find yourself staying in a lot of hotels, it might be worth looking into getting a hotel credit card so that you can start earning points towards free stays (free is always better than cheap)!
Stop paying full price for travel!

Download my free guide to points and miles and learn how to use points and miles for free travel! It’s how all the pros travel so much! In this guide, I’ll show you:

How to Pick a Credit Card

How to Earn Up to 10x Miles on Your Spending

How to Redeem Your Points

And a Ton of Other Money Saving Tips!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
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15/04/2025