Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, meaning it’s a perfect chance to escape for a little TLC with your boo.
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Unfortunately, prices for romantic getaways hike during this period. Though not nearly as high as the holiday season or the summer rush, you’re guaranteed to pay a pretty penny for a weekend getaway over Valentine’s Day.
Unless you know which booking platforms and travel apps can help you save big on last-minute bookings, of course.
Assuming you play your cards right, you can save hundreds (possibly thousands) by booking hotel rooms, private rentals, spa packages, pool days, and even flights with apps made for last-minute reservations.
The big question is, do you know which booking apps to use to save big on Valentine’s Day?
Start with these five travel apps that let you save on hotels, flights, tours, spa dates, pool dates, fine dining, and more.
Money-saving travel apps that you can use for Valentine’s Day
The go-to hub for last-minute bookings: HotelTonight
HotelTonight lets you book last-minute (including same-day) hotel rooms around the world. You can choose from budget to luxury hotels, which usually list their last-minute rooms at 9 am every morning. Prices can be slashed by over 50%, in some cases. The only catch is that you don’t know which room you’re getting, and bookings are non-refundable. (Plus, listed prices don’t usually include all fees, which mean you’ll pay a little more than what you see advertised.)
The best way to steal lux hotel rooms: Secret Escapes
Secret Escapes is a membership program that gives you access to hand-picked hotel rates that are discounted. Secret Escapes focuses on luxury bookings, giving you the chance to steal five-star room rates for more affordable prices. You can even shop for holiday packages, too. Just know that you need to sign up to start shopping for deals.
The top pick for finding discounted rentals: Whimstay
Whimstay compares rental prices from Airbnb and VRBO to give you exclusive last-minute deals. The setup works by allowing hosts to list their unbooked rooms for an upcoming period. You can reserve your spot at a popular Airbnb or VRBO up to thirty days in advance. Usually, the heftiest savings are available during the week because rentals tend to get booked for the weekends.
The secret trick to booking pools, spas, and more: ResortPass
ResortPass is a platform that lets you book day access to pools, spas, gyms, and beyond. For example, Hotel 1 South Beach in Miami has a gorgeous rooftop pool—which you can access using ResortPass instead of booking a room. It’s one of the best ways to find your way into a private rooftop pool or a full-service spa that isn’t normally open to the public.
The reliable marketplace for any and all travel deals: Travelzoo’s Last-Minute Deals
Travelzoo has a Last Minute Deals page that you can use to access a range of last-minute experiences and services. From hotels to cruises to car rentals, you can find the discounted experience that will help you save on a Valentine’s Day experience. Just make sure you read the fine print carefully—not all deals are created equally. Personally, I’d use Travelzoo to book treatments in upscale spas located inside hotels.
