Embarking on a road trip offers the freedom to explore new destinations at your own pace. However, finding budget-friendly lodging with convenient parking can be a challenge. Fortunately, several hotel chains cater to travelers seeking affordable accommodations with free parking. Additionally, leveraging cashback apps like Fluz and Rakuten can further enhance your savings. Here’s a guide to help you make informed choices for your journey.
1. Best Western
Best Western hotels are renowned for their commitment to comfort and affordability. Many locations offer complimentary parking, making them a convenient choice for road trippers. By booking directly through Best Western’s website, you can join their loyalty program, Best Western Rewards, to earn points for future stays. To maximize your savings, consider purchasing Best Western gift cards through the Fluz app, which offers cash back on such purchases. Use your rewards credit card to buy the gift card, and you’ll stack rewards from both Fluz and your credit card.
2. Holiday Inn (IHG Hotels)
Holiday Inn, part of the IHG Hotels group, provides a range of amenities tailored to travelers. Many Holiday Inn locations offer free parking, especially those situated in suburban or less congested areas. By enrolling in the IHG Rewards Club, you can accumulate points redeemable for future stays. To enhance your savings, book your stay through Rakuten, which offers cash back on accommodation bookings with select hotels.
3. La Quinta by Wyndham
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham is known for its budget-friendly accommodations and traveler-friendly policies. Many locations provide free parking, making them ideal for those on the road. Joining the Wyndham Rewards program allows you to earn points for each stay, which can be redeemed for free nights.
4. Hampton Inn by Hilton
Hampton Inn offers consistent quality and numerous locations with complimentary parking. By becoming a member of the Hilton Honors program, you can earn points toward free stays and enjoy additional perks. To further your savings, book your Hampton Inn stays through Rakuten to earn cash back on your reservations.
5. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Fairfield Inn & Suites offers comfortable accommodations with many locations providing free parking. Enrolling in the Marriott Bonvoy program allows you to earn points redeemable for future stays. To enhance your savings, book your Fairfield Inn stays through Rakuten, which offers cash back on accommodation bookings with select hotels. Additionally, purchasing Marriott gift cards via Fluz can provide further cash back, enabling you to stack multiple rewards.
Maximizing Savings with Cashback Apps
Utilizing cashback apps like Fluz and Rakuten can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Fluz allows you to purchase gift cards for various merchants, including hotel chains and parking services, offering immediate cash back. For instance, you can buy gift cards for ParkWhiz, SpotHero, and Ace Parking through Fluz, earning cash back on each purchase. Rakuten provides cash back when booking hotels through their platform, partnering with numerous lodging providers. By combining these apps, you can stack rewards, earning cash back from Fluz on gift card purchases and from Rakuten on bookings, all while accumulating points through hotel loyalty programs.
Considerations for Free Parking
While many budget-friendly hotel chains offer free parking, it’s essential to verify this amenity at your chosen location, as policies can vary. Urban hotels, in particular, may charge for parking due to limited space. To ensure free parking, review the hotel’s amenities on their official website or contact them directly before booking.
Finding affordable lodging with free parking is achievable with careful planning. By choosing budget-friendly hotel chains and leveraging cashback apps like Fluz and Rakuten, you can enhance your savings and enjoy a more cost-effective road trip. Remember to verify parking policies and explore various rewards programs to maximize your benefits. Safe travels!
