Foreign hotels will be more open to your reviews because it’s harder for them to market themselves in your country. Contact the hotel and say something like, “I’m a small travel blogger looking to stay in Bali and promote local hotels like yours. Would you be willing to provide me with a free room on the 29th? In exchange, I’d post rave reviews on all my social media accounts as well as sites like Yelp, Tripadvisor, and Facebook. ” Aim for an audience of 2000 followers/subscribers/unique viewers per month to boost your odds at a free stay. [2] X Research source

Two of the most popular loyalty programs are Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. [5] X Expert Source Laura Krueger & Michelle DonsonTravel Specialists Expert Interview. 30 September 2020. For example, at Hilton hotels, you earn about 10 points per dollar spent on a room. You can get free hotel rooms starting at 5,000 rewards points. [6] X Research source Likewise, with Marriott Bonvoy, you earn 10 points per dollar spent on a room, and free hotel rooms start at 5,000 rewards points or $55 plus 3,500 points. [7] X Research source

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card: 130,000 points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership and an annual fee of $95. IHG Rewards Club Premier: 150,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, $0 annual fee for the first year, then $89 each year. [10] X Research source Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: 3 free nights after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months and an annual fee of $95. [11] X Research source World of Hyatt: 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months and an annual fee of $95. [12] X Research source

Hotels. com averages the value of your 10 bookings to determine the value of your free hotel night.

Choice Hotels and Wyndham Hotels are two prominent chains that offer shopping portals.

Frequent flyer miles are valued at about $0. 01 per mile.

STPC is usually only available for business or first-class passengers. Airlines that offer STPC include Air Canada, China Southern, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, Icelandair, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Thai Airways, TAP Portugal, and Turkish Airlines.

For example, with the Marriott Bonvoy referral program, you can earn up to 50,000 points through referrals. [20] X Research source That’s worth about $350.

Don’t make up a complaint in order to get a free room. You might get a staff member in trouble.

Try this strategy during a travel off-season so that the hotel won’t be totally booked.