Finding the best hotel deals can make a huge difference to your travel budget, but what many travelers don’t realize is that hotel booking sites track your searches and adjust prices based on your activity. One simple way to avoid this price hike is by using Incognito Mode or Private Browsing in Google Chrome and Safari.
I discovered this trick while booking a 4-night stay in Bali. To my surprise, the same hotel, on the same dates with the same number of guests, had a price difference of NZD 70 simply because I switched to Incognito Mode. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to use this mode to ensure I always get the best hotel prices.
In this guide, I’ll share how to effectively use Incognito Mode and Private Browsing, compare prices across different booking platforms, and avoid those sneaky extra fees that pop up when booking hotels.
Why Hotel Prices Increase When You Keep Searching
It’s not common knowledge, but hotel booking websites often use cookies and tracking algorithms to monitor your behavior. If you repeatedly search for the same hotel, these sites may assume you’re very interested and inflate the price to create a sense of urgency. This is a classic tactic to get you to book quickly, often at a higher rate.
By switching to Incognito Mode or Private Browsing, you block these websites from tracking your searches, which means you’ll likely see the most unbiased, lowest prices available.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Book Hotels at the Best Price with Incognito Mode and Private Browsing
1. Start by Opening Incognito Mode or Private Browsing
Before you search for hotels, always open a new Incognito Mode or Private Browsing window. This ensures that the website won’t store your search history, preventing prices from inflating.
For Google Chrome on Windows or Mac: Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac).
For Mobile (Google Chrome): Open Chrome, tap the three dots (⋮), and select New Incognito Tab.
How to Open Private Browsing in Safari on iPhone
If you prefer to use Safari on your iPhone, follow these steps to enable Private Browsing (Safari’s version of Incognito Mode):
- Open Safari on your iPhone.
- Tap the Tabs button (two squares) in the lower-right corner.
- Tap Private in the lower-left corner to enable Private Browsing.
- Then, tap Done. You’re now in Private Browsing mode!
In this mode, Safari won’t store your browsing history, cookies, or search data, which can help you find the best hotel prices without the websites tracking your activity.
2. Compare Prices on Different Hotel Booking Sites
Never settle for the first price you see. Hotel prices can vary across different platforms, so it’s crucial to compare a few sites before making a reservation.
Some of the best sites to check are:
- Google Hotels
- Booking.com
- Expedia
- Agoda
- Hotels.com
For example, during one of my recent trips, I found a hotel for $50 less on Agoda than on Booking.com, even though the room type and cancellation policies were identical. So, always check multiple sites!
3. Use a VPN or Change Your Location for Better Rates
Some websites offer better rates based on your location or IP address. If you’re booking internationally, a VPN can help.
When I was booking a hotel in Thailand, I used a VPN to set my location to Thailand. The price dropped significantly compared to when I searched from my home country. It’s definitely worth trying when booking international hotels!
4. Choose Free Cancellation & Avoid “Pay Later”
Always opt for free cancellation whenever possible. Prices fluctuate, and if you find a better deal later, you can cancel and rebook without penalties.
Also, avoid choosing the “Pay Later” option on booking sites like Agoda. These platforms sometimes add extra fees for selecting this option. I learned this the hard way, paying an additional 5% surcharge. Now, I always pay upfront to dodge those hidden charges.
5. Pay in the Hotel’s Local Currency
When checking out, booking platforms might offer the option to pay in either your home currency or the hotel’s local currency. Always choose local currency to avoid inflated exchange rates and additional conversion fees.
For instance, I once selected “Pay in USD” when booking a hotel in Bali. Later, I checked my credit card statement and saw that the conversion rate wasn’t favorable, which resulted in unnecessary charges. Now, I always pay in the local currency to avoid this problem.
Extra Tips to Save Even More on Hotels
- Sign up for hotel loyalty programs: Many hotel chains offer member-only discounts and perks, like free breakfast or exclusive deals.
- Look for promo codes: A quick Google search for “Booking.com promo code” or “Expedia discount” can sometimes unlock extra savings.
- Consider alternative accommodations: Guesthouses, vacation rentals, and boutique hotels can offer significant savings compared to traditional hotels.
Final Thoughts on Booking Hotels with Incognito Mode and Private Browsing
By using Incognito Mode and Private Browsing on Google Chrome and Safari, I’ve saved money on almost every hotel booking. It’s a simple but effective method for ensuring you get the best possible deal on your stays.
So next time you’re booking a hotel, try using Incognito Mode or Private Browsing and comparing prices across multiple platforms. You may be surprised at how much you can save!