CHICAGO — When asked in a recent survey how they save on hotels, 34 percent of respondents replied they join hotel loyalty programs, compared to only 25 percent in 2012, in a survey conducted by GO Airport Express.

Online comparison sites also saw an increase from 26 percent to 30 percent, but most travellers still preferred to book well in advance.

Using membership discounts, such as AAA and AARP to reduce hotel costs remained steady at 31 percent.  There also were no changes in percentages of people relying on their employers for negotiated corporate rates, which is 16 percent.

Seven percent of respondents travelled during off peak times and used frequent flyer points for hotel rooms to save money.

Seven percent noted they look for last minute deals while 12 percent don’t use any strategies at all to save on hotels. 

Write-in suggestions included using government and military discounts, as well as discounted rates offered through convention sites.  Several commented on their use of home-sharing programs such as Airbnb, which have exploded since 2012.

“Travellers are willing to give their repeat business to hotels offering the best deals,” says John McCarthy, president, GO Airport Express.  “But savvy travellers are exploring all their options to save on accommodations.”