The Secret to Finding Hotel Deals in Peak Summer

Summer is the season we all look forward to - longer days, warm evenings, spontaneous escapes, and dreamy destinations. Well, exclude this UK heatwave at the moment. It is also the time when hotel prices skyrocket and availability disappears overnight. If you have ever spent hours scouring booking sites only to find bland rooms at inflated rates, you are not alone.

Finding a great hotel deal in July or August feels impossible, but it does not have to be. Here is how smart travellers save money and book better stays, even during peak summer travel season.

1. Book at the Right Time (and for the Right Dates)

Timing matters. The best rates are not always found months in advance or at the very last second. For peak summer stays, aim for the 3 to 6-week window. Close enough to catch late releases and cancellations, but not so last-minute that options are gone.

Also, play with your dates. Midweek stays, Sunday to Tuesday check-ins, or avoiding bank holidays can save you a surprising amount.

2. Skip the Comparison Sites (They Are Not Always Cheaper)

It sounds counterintuitive, but many hotels raise their rates on third-party booking platforms to cover commission costs - sometimes up to 25 percent per booking. That means the price you see is padded.

Secret Stays members pay a yearly fee to access commission-free hotel pricing, so there is no markup. You get lower prices. It is that simple.

3. Think Beyond the Tourist Hotspots

If you're finding prices in Cornwall, the Amalfi Coast, or Paris eye-watering in August, look just a little outside the typical tourist zones. You will often find better hotels for less money, plus a calmer experience overall.

Examples:

• Try North Devon instead of central Cornwall

• Choose Antibes or Villefranche-sur-Mer over Nice

• Go for Padua instead of Venice

These places are just as beautiful, often more authentic, and still well connected.

4. Use Membership-Based Platforms That Cut Out Commissions

This is where things get interesting. Secret Stays is not a regular booking site. We do not charge hotels to be listed and we do not take a percentage of what you pay. Because you have already paid for your membership, you unlock lower-than-public prices on hotels and holiday homes, even during high season.

That means:

• No hidden markups

• No third-party fees

• Just better deals every time you book

Many members save the cost of their yearly fee in just one summer trip.

5. Avoid Overpaying for Extras

One common mistake during summer is overspending on unnecessary perks. Does the price include breakfast Is there free parking Are pets allowed without extra fees Look beyond the room rate and read the fine print.

Secret Stays listings show you what is included so you can compare apples to apples — not apples to mystery charges.

Final Thought

You do not have to settle for bland overpriced rooms just because it is peak season. With a few smart booking habits and the right access, you can enjoy stylish stays in beautiful locations without overpaying.

Whether you are planning a spontaneous long weekend or a proper summer escape, Secret Stays helps you find hotel deals that make the trip feel as good as it looks.