Many seniors plan on traveling through their retirement years, especially with more opportunities to travel than ever before. One great way to avoid high travel expenses this year, especially during peak months, is by planning in advance and taking advantage of these senior discounts.
Popular hotel chains like the Holiday Inn, Marriott, Four Seasons, and Crown Plaza offer senior discounts that can help you save on your next trip. Keep reading below to find out what you need to know about these senior discounts and their eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Senior Discounts in Hotels
Before we start, keep in mind that these are just general guidelines that most hotels adhere to; it’s still best to call your chosen hotel in advance to check the specifics of their discount policy. That said, the following criteria need to be fulfilled in order to get the senior discount:
- Aged 55 Or Above - The most basic guideline is that you have to be 55 or older to be eligible for senior hotel discounts. However, hotels might offer their discounts to seniors aged 50 and above, while others may require you to be 60 before you can claim their senior discounts.
- AARP Membership - Being an AARP member means you can get access to deals and discounts with partner hotels. You might have to pay a membership fee, but you could end up saving money in the long run by having these discounts available to you. Some of these membership perks may include early check-ins, free breakfast, and placement in accessible rooms.
- Advanced Booking - Many hotels only offer a limited number of their rates for advanced reservations. In order to successfully book your spot in advance, you might need to book online or call the hotel to make a reservation.
- Time Of The Year - Waiting until the last minute to book your vacation can be a risky strategy. When rooms get booked up, hotels have less of an incentive to offer discounted rates for senior citizens and students.
To get the most out of all the senior discounts available, read up on when someone is considered a senior citizen at Senior Strong.
Charlotte Senger is a senior discount expert who handles all financial concerns and ensures that seniors are able to save money. She got her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Texas.
