AAA vs AARP Hotel Discounts: Which One is Better for You?
Are you planning a vacation but want to save money on hotel bookings? You might have heard about the hotel discounts offered by AAA and AARP, two popular organizations in the United States. But which one should you choose?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: AAA and AARP both offer hotel discounts, but the eligibility criteria and discounts vary. In this article, we will compare AAA and AARP hotel discounts to help you decide which one is better for you.
We will cover the following sections:
AAA Hotel Discounts
Eligibility criteria for AAA hotel discounts
To avail of the AAA hotel discounts, you need to be a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA). The membership is open to anyone who holds a valid driver’s license and pays the membership fee. You can join AAA online or at any of their local offices.
Types of discounts offered by AAA
AAA offers various types of hotel discounts, including exclusive rates for members, discounts on hotel packages, and discounts on hotel amenities such as spa and dining. The discounts can range from 5% to 20%, depending on the hotel and the location.
How to avail AAA hotel discounts
To avail of the AAA hotel discounts, you first need to make a reservation with a participating hotel. Then, you will need to provide your AAA membership number at the time of check-in. The discount will be applied to your room rate automatically.
Pros and cons of AAA hotel discounts
Pros:
- Exclusive rates for members
- Discounts on hotel packages and amenities
- Easy to avail of discounts
- Available at a large number of hotels across the US and Canada
Cons:
- You need to be a member of AAA to avail of the discounts
- The discounts may not be as high as other hotel discount programs
- The availability of discounted rooms may be limited during peak travel seasons
AARP Hotel Discounts
Eligibility criteria for AARP hotel discounts
AARP is a non-profit organization that caters to the needs of people aged 50 and above. To avail of the AARP hotel discounts, you need to be a member of AARP. Membership is open to anyone who is 50 years or older, and the annual fee is $16. You can become a member of AARP by visiting their website or by calling their toll-free number.
Types of discounts offered by AARP
AARP hotel discounts offer a range of benefits to their members, including discounts on hotel stays, car rentals, and vacation packages. Members can save up to 10% on hotel bookings made through the AARP travel center, which partners with Expedia. Additionally, members can get discounts on luxury hotels, resorts, and budget-friendly motels.
How to avail AARP hotel discounts
To avail of AARP hotel discounts, you need to book your hotel stay through the AARP travel center. You can do this by logging into your AARP account, selecting the hotel you want to stay at, and making the booking. Alternatively, you can call the AARP travel center and make the booking over the phone.
Pros and cons of AARP hotel discounts
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Comparison of AAA and AARP Hotel Discounts
Discounts and Eligibility Criteria
Both AAA and AARP offer discounts on hotel bookings, but the eligibility criteria differ. To receive AAA discounts, you need to be a member of the automobile association. Membership is open to anyone interested in automotive safety, and fees vary by region. On the other hand, AARP membership is open to anyone over 50 years of age, and the discount program is one of the many benefits offered. AARP hotel discounts are typically 10-15% off the regular rate, while AAA members can save up to 20%.
Participating Hotels and Locations
Both AAA and AARP have partnerships with many hotels across the United States and globally. However, it is important to note that not all hotels participate in both discount programs. Before booking, check the list of participating hotels on the AAA and AARP websites to see which program offers discounts at your preferred hotel. Additionally, some hotels may offer better discounts through one program over the other, so it is worth comparing both options.
Membership and Renewal Fees
AAA membership fees vary by region and level of coverage, but typically range from $50-$100 per year. AARP membership fees are $16 per year, with a discounted rate for multi-year memberships. Both organizations offer renewal discounts and other benefits such as roadside assistance, travel insurance, and more. It is important to consider the overall value of the membership before making a decision based solely on hotel discounts.
Additional Benefits and Perks
In addition to hotel discounts, both AAA and AARP offer a range of benefits and perks to members. AAA members can receive discounts on rental cars, theme parks, restaurants, and more. AARP members have access to discounts on healthcare, insurance, and other services, as well as travel resources and a variety of member-exclusive events. Consider your overall needs and lifestyle when deciding which program offers the best benefits for you.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing AAA or AARP Hotel Discounts
Age and membership eligibility
One of the first factors to consider before choosing between AAA or AARP hotel discounts is your age and membership eligibility. AAA membership is typically available to anyone with a driver’s license, while AARP membership is only available to those aged 50 or older. If you’re not yet 50, then AAA discounts may be the better choice for you.
Travel preferences and destinations
Another factor to consider is your travel preferences and destinations. AAA discounts may be more beneficial if you frequently travel by car, as they offer discounts on car rentals and other travel-related services. On the other hand, if you prefer to fly or travel internationally, AARP discounts may be more suitable as they offer discounts on flights and hotels worldwide.
Membership fees and benefits
Membership fees and benefits are also important to consider. AAA membership fees vary by region and level of coverage, while AARP membership fees are currently $16 per year. AAA members also receive roadside assistance, while AARP members receive discounts on other types of insurance, such as health and life insurance.
Availability and accessibility of discounts
Finally, it’s important to consider the availability and accessibility of discounts. AAA discounts are widely available and accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and other travel-related businesses. AARP discounts may be more limited in availability, but they may offer more substantial savings. It’s worth researching both options and comparing discounts to determine which one is best for your travel needs.
Overall, both AAA and AARP offer valuable hotel discounts for their members. By considering your age, travel preferences, membership fees, and discount availability, you can make an informed decision on which one is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both AAA and AARP offer hotel discounts that can help you save money on your travel expenses. However, the eligibility criteria, discounts, and additional benefits vary for each organization. Before choosing one, consider your age, travel preferences, membership fees, and accessibility of discounts. We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy travels!
