The $100-a-Night Hotel Trick Travelers Are Using All Summer

Hotel prices are brutal this summer — unless you know the trick. Below: the actual under-$100 rooms we found this month, and the 3-step trick that gets you those prices with free breakfast included.

The Under-$100 Rooms, Right Now

Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs — off I-25, 20 minutes from Garden of the Gods. Pet-friendly, indoor pool, free parking. Under $100/night. Check prices →

Spark by Hilton Yucca Valley Joshua Tree — 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, with an outdoor pool. Under $100/night. Check prices →

Spark by Hilton Phoenix East Mesa — 10 minutes from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, heated outdoor pool, free airport shuttle. Under $100/night. Check prices →

Spark by Hilton Des Plaines Chicago O’Hare — 4 miles from O’Hare with a free airport shuttle and diner-style restaurant. Under $120/night. Check prices →

Spark by Hilton Clifton — 10 miles from New York City, free parking, near American Dream and the Meadowlands. Under $150/night. Check prices →

Spark by Hilton Seattle Airport — 24/7 free airport shuttle, pet-friendly, connecting rooms, Link Light Rail to downtown. Under $200/night. Check prices →

The Trick, in 3 Steps

• Book Hilton’s newest brand, not its name brands. Spark by Hilton is Hilton’s value line — 225+ hotels with renovated rooms, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and real Hilton service standards. Most travelers haven’t heard of it yet, and the rates show it.
• Join Hilton Honors first — it’s free. Members get the discounted direct rate, plus points on every stay you can put toward a future trip.
• Book in advance, direct. Hilton’s Advance Purchase rate saves up to 17% off the best available rate when you lock your dates in early.

Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking at most locations — the math gets even better once you add up what you’re not paying for.

That’s the Whole Trick

No coupon hunting, no points math, no 2 a.m. deal alerts — just a hotel brand most people haven’t discovered yet, a free membership and a little advance planning. Your wallet (and your travel budget) can thank us later.