
How to Book Cheap Hotels Using Skyscanner
Jan 20 2026
Finding affordable accommodation without compromising on comfort is one of the biggest challenges travellers face today. Whether you’re planning a short city break, a business trip, or a long international vacation, hotel costs can quickly consume a major part of your travel budget.
This is where Skyscanner stands out as a powerful hotel comparison tool. Known globally for flight searches, Skyscanner also helps travellers compare hotel prices across hundreds of booking platforms, making it easier to find the best deals in one place.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn how to book cheap hotels using Skyscanner, backed by real-world travel expertise, smart comparison strategies, and proven money-saving tips.
Why Use Skyscanner to Find Cheap Hotels?
Skyscanner is trusted by millions of travellers worldwide because it acts as a meta-search engine, not a booking site. Instead of selling hotels directly, it compares prices from leading platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Hotels.com.
Key Benefits of Using Skyscanner for Hotel Booking
Compares prices from multiple hotel booking websites
Shows the lowest available price instantly
No hidden booking fees
Transparent reviews and ratings
Easy-to-use filters for budget travelers
Available worldwide across thousands of destinations
From budget hotels to luxury resorts, Skyscanner allows you to make informed decisions based on price, location, and guest ratings.
How Skyscanner Hotel Search Works
Understanding how Skyscanner works helps you use it more effectively.
How It Finds the Best Hotel Prices
Skyscanner scans hundreds of hotel providers in real time
Prices update based on availability and demand
Results are ranked by price, popularity, or rating
You’re redirected to the booking partner to complete the reservation
Because Skyscanner does not control pricing, you benefit from unbiased comparisons, which is crucial for booking cheap hotels.
Click here to know more about the prices and ways to save more on Skyscanner.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Book Cheap Hotels Using Skyscanner
Step 1: Visit Skyscanner and Select “Hotels”
Go to Skyscanner’s website or mobile app
Click on the Hotels tab
Enter your destination, check-in date, and check-out date
Add the number of guests and rooms
This initial search gives you a broad overview of hotel prices in your chosen city.
Step 2: Sort Hotels by “Lowest Price”
Once results load, sorting is key.
Select “Lowest Price” to see the cheapest hotels first.
Compare nightly rates across booking platforms.
Pay attention to the total price, not just the per-night cost.
Expert Tip: Some hotels appear cheaper per night but cost more overall due to taxes or fees. Always check the final price.
Step 3: Use Filters to Narrow Down Budget-Friendly Options
Skyscanner’s filters help you balance price and comfort.
Most Useful Filters for Cheap Hotels
Price Range: Set your maximum budget
Guest Rating: Choose hotels rated 7+ or 8+ for better quality
Property Type: Hotels, hostels, apartments
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast included
Location: Distance from the city centre or landmarks
This ensures you don’t sacrifice essential comfort just to save money.
Best Features on Skyscanner That Help You Save Money
Price Comparison Across Multiple Platforms
Skyscanner displays the same hotel listed on different booking websites with varying prices.
Hotel Name | Booking Site | Price per Night |
City View Hotel | Agoda | $72 |
City View Hotel | Booking.com | $79 |
City View Hotel | Expedia | $85 |
Note: This transparency helps you choose the cheapest provider instantly.
Map View for Location-Based Savings
Using the map feature, you can:
Find cheaper hotels slightly outside tourist hotspots
Compare prices by neighbourhood
Avoid overpriced central locations
Often, staying just 1–2 km away from the city centre can cut hotel costs significantly.
Flexible Dates for Lower Hotel Prices
Hotel prices fluctuate daily.
Searching with flexible dates often reveals cheaper nights
Midweek stays (Tuesday–Thursday) are usually cheaper
Avoid peak travel seasons when possible
Skyscanner makes it easy to adjust dates and instantly compare prices.
Cheap Hotel Booking Strategies Using Skyscanner
Book Early for Popular Destinations
Hotels in tourist-heavy cities sell out quickly. Early bookings usually offer:
Lower prices
More room options
Better cancellation policies
Use Free Cancellation to Your Advantage
Many hotels listed on Skyscanner offer free cancellation:
Book a cheap hotel early
Monitor prices closer to your travel date
Rebook if prices drop
Combine Skyscanner with Loyalty Programs
Although Skyscanner doesn’t offer loyalty points, you can:
Earn points on Booking.com, Agoda, or Expedia
Use cashback offers or credit card rewards
Stack discounts for additional savings
Tap Here to visit Skyscanner to know more about the hotel prices and ways to save more.
Skyscanner vs Other Hotel Booking Platforms
Feature | Skyscanner | Booking.com | Agoda |
Price Comparison | Yes | No | No |
Multiple Providers | Yes | No | No |
Loyalty Program | No | Yes | Yes |
Best for Budget Search | Excellent | Good | Good |
Transparency | High | Medium | Medium |
Note: Skyscanner is best for finding the cheapest hotel price, while booking platforms are best for loyalty perks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Hotels on Skyscanner
Ignoring Total Cost
Failing to consider the final amount you pay after adding taxes, resort fees, and service charges can make a seemingly cheap hotel booking much more expensive than expected. You should always check for taxes, resort fees, and service charges.
Overlooking Guest Reviews
A cheap hotel with poor reviews can ruin your trip. You should aim for balanced value, not just a low price.
Booking Non-Refundable Too Soon
Avoid booking non-refundable rooms. Even though they are cheaper, they are risky if your plans change.
Is Skyscanner Safe and Trustworthy for Hotel Booking?
Yes. Skyscanner is a globally trusted travel comparison platform used by millions.
Why Skyscanner Is Reliable
Partners with reputable booking websites
No direct handling of payments
Transparent pricing and reviews
Strong global reputation
Your final booking and payment are handled securely by the hotel provider or booking platform.
All you need to do is visit the Skyscanner site and get the best hotel prices and save more on your bookings.
FAQs: How to Book Cheap Hotels Using Skyscanner
Is Skyscanner cheaper than Booking.com?
Skyscanner is a platform where you can book hotels and often shows lower prices when compared with Booking.com or other platforms.
Does Skyscanner charge booking fees?
No. Skyscanner is free to use and does not add extra charges. You can book your hotels and flights without any fees.
Can I book hotels worldwide on Skyscanner?
Yes. You can book hotels worldwide as Skyscanner covers thousands of cities globally, making it ideal for international travellers.
Are Skyscanner hotel prices accurate?
Yes, prices are updated in real time, but final costs may vary slightly due to taxes or currency changes.
Can I cancel a hotel booked through Skyscanner?
Cancellation policies depend on the booking provider. Always check cancellation terms before confirming.