Costco is well-known for its bulk bargains on groceries, electronics, and household essentials, but did you know their savings extend to travel? Costco Travel offers members exclusive deals on car rentals, cruises, vacation packages, and yes, Costco Travel Hotels. Leveraging their group-buying power, Costco negotiates competitive rates and added perks you won’t find elsewhere, making them a serious contender for your next hotel booking.
For over two decades, Costco Travel has been operating as a members-only online travel agency, applying the same value-driven approach to vacations that has made their warehouses so popular. If you’re a Costco member looking for straightforward booking and package deals, especially on hotels, Costco Travel is worth a closer look. And when it comes to Costco Travel hotels, the savings can be significant.
To access these exclusive Costco Travel hotel deals, you do need a Costco membership. Let’s explore the membership options and then dive deep into the world of Costco Travel hotels to see if they truly live up to the hype.
Understanding Costco Membership: Your Key to Hotel Savings
Costco offers two primary membership tiers for individual customers, both granting access to Costco Travel hotels and other travel benefits:
- Gold Star Membership ($60 annually): This is the standard membership, providing access to all Costco warehouses and Costco Travel deals.
- Executive Membership ($120 annually): This premium membership includes all Gold Star benefits, plus a 2% annual reward on eligible Costco purchases (including Costco Travel hotels!), potentially offsetting the membership cost and unlocking even greater savings. Executive members sometimes also receive enhanced perks on select travel packages.
Costco membership types.
Choosing the right membership depends on your spending habits. However, for frequent Costco shoppers and travelers, the Executive Membership can quickly pay for itself through the 2% reward, especially when booking Costco Travel hotels or vacation packages.
Consider this: a $3,000 Costco Travel hotel booking with an Executive Membership earns you a $60 reward. This reward, combined with potential hotel discounts and perks, makes the Executive Membership a smart investment for savvy travelers seeking value from Costco Travel hotels. Remember, the 2% reward applies to most Costco purchases, maximizing your savings throughout the year.
Costco rewards earnings.
Unpacking the Benefits of Costco Travel Hotels
Why should you consider booking your next hotel stay through Costco Travel? The advantages are compelling, especially for budget-conscious travelers and loyal Costco members.
Exclusive Pricing and Value
Costco Travel hotels often come with prices that are hard to beat. Leveraging their bulk purchasing power, Costco negotiates discounted rates with select hotel chains, passing the savings directly to members. This means you can often find the same room for less when booking through Costco Travel compared to booking directly with the hotel or other online travel agencies.
But the value of Costco Travel hotels extends beyond just price. Many bookings include added perks that further enhance your stay:
- Complimentary Breakfast: Start your day right with free breakfast included in your Costco Travel hotel package.
- Resort Credits: Enjoy extra spending money at your hotel with resort credits that can be used for dining, spa treatments, or activities.
- Room Upgrades: Executive members, in particular, may be eligible for room upgrades upon arrival, adding a touch of luxury to their Costco Travel hotel experience.
- Free Parking or Wi-Fi: Avoid extra charges with complimentary parking or Wi-Fi, often included in Costco Travel hotel deals.
These added extras can significantly increase the overall value of your Costco Travel hotel booking, making your vacation more enjoyable and cost-effective.
Streamlined Booking and Time Savings
Planning a trip can be time-consuming, especially when searching for the perfect hotel. Costco Travel hotels simplifies the process by offering a curated selection of pre-vetted properties. This saves you time and effort in sifting through countless options and unreliable reviews.
With Costco Travel hotels, you can:
- Search and compare hotels easily: The Costco Travel website provides a user-friendly interface to search for hotels by destination, dates, and number of guests.
- Book your entire trip in one place: Combine your Costco Travel hotel booking with flights, car rentals, and activities for a seamless vacation planning experience.
- Access 24/7 customer support: Costco Travel provides customer service assistance before, during, and after your trip, offering peace of mind and support should you need it.
For busy travelers who value convenience and efficiency, Costco Travel hotels offers a streamlined booking experience that simplifies the often-complex process of vacation planning.
Rebates and Rewards: Double Dip on Savings
The savings don’t stop at discounted hotel rates. Costco Travel hotels often include rebates in the form of a Costco Shop Card, typically valued at 5-8% of your lodging costs. This shop card can be used for future purchases at any Costco warehouse or online, providing a tangible return on your travel spending.
Executive members enjoy even greater rewards, earning a 2% annual reward on their Costco Travel hotel bookings. Combine this with the Costco Shop Card rebate and potential credit card cashback (when using a Costco Anywhere Visa card), and you could be looking at significant savings on your hotel stay.
This “double-dip” on savings – discounted rates plus rebates and rewards – is a key differentiator for Costco Travel hotels, making them an attractive option for value-conscious travelers.
Potential Downsides of Costco Travel Hotels: What to Consider
While Costco Travel hotels offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to be aware of potential limitations before making a booking.
Limited Hotel Selection
Costco Travel works with a select number of hotel chains, including IHG Hotels & Resorts (which encompasses brands like Holiday Inn and InterContinental), Hyatt, Fairmont, and Swissotel. While these are reputable brands, the selection is not as extensive as you might find on broader online travel agencies.
This means:
- Fewer hotel options per destination: You may have fewer choices when it comes to specific hotels or locations within your desired destination.
- Limited boutique or independent hotels: Costco Travel primarily focuses on larger hotel chains, so you may not find many boutique hotels or unique, independent properties.
- Potentially fewer family-friendly options: While some hotels cater to families, Costco Travel may not offer as many options with specific family-friendly amenities like suites or kids’ clubs compared to specialized family travel sites.
If you have very specific hotel preferences or are looking for highly unique or independent accommodations, Costco Travel hotels might not offer the breadth of selection you require.
No Price Matching Guarantee
Unlike some online travel agencies, Costco Travel does not typically offer a price matching guarantee. While their initial prices are often competitive, if you find a lower price elsewhere after booking your Costco Travel hotel, Costco may not match it.
This means:
- You need to be diligent with price comparisons: It’s always wise to compare Costco Travel hotel prices with other booking sites before finalizing your reservation to ensure you’re getting the absolute best deal.
- Price fluctuations are possible: Hotel prices can change, and if prices drop after you book your Costco Travel hotel, you may not be able to take advantage of the lower rate unless Costco proactively offers a price adjustment (which is not guaranteed).
While Costco Travel strives to offer competitive pricing upfront, the lack of a price matching guarantee means you need to do your due diligence to ensure you’re comfortable with the price you’re paying.
Are Costco Travel Hotels a Good Deal? Let’s Compare
To determine if Costco Travel hotels are truly a good deal, let’s look at a hypothetical price comparison.
Imagine you’re planning a 7-night stay in a San Juan, Puerto Rico hotel for a family of four.
- Costco Travel Hotel Package: Priced at $3,621. This package includes the hotel stay, complimentary roundtrip airport transfers, a $235 Costco Shop Card, and a $15 daily resort credit for Executive members.
- Booking Directly with the Hotel: The same room for the same period booked directly through the hotel website costs $3,900.
Initial Price Comparison: Costco Travel is already cheaper by nearly $300 before considering the added perks.
Value of Perks:
- Airport Transfers: Valued at approximately $100 (roundtrip for a family).
- Costco Shop Card: $235 (usable for future Costco purchases).
- Resort Credit (Executive Member): $15/day x 7 days = $105.
Total Value of Costco Travel Package: $3,621 (price) – $235 (Shop Card Rebate) – $105 (Resort Credit) – $100 (Airport Transfers) = $3,181 (Net Cost)
Savings with Costco Travel: $3,900 (Direct Hotel Booking) – $3,181 (Net Costco Cost) = $719 in potential savings!
This example demonstrates that Costco Travel hotels can offer significant savings when you factor in discounted rates, rebates, and added perks. While individual savings will vary depending on the destination, hotel, and travel dates, the potential for value is clear.
room details on Costco.
How to Book Costco Travel Hotels: A Step-by-Step Guide
Booking your Costco Travel hotel is a straightforward process:
- Visit the Costco Travel Website: Go to CostcoTravel.com.
- Select “Hotels Only” Search: On the homepage search form, click the “Hotels” icon.
- Enter Your Destination and Dates: Fill in your desired destination, check-in and check-out dates, number of rooms, and number of travelers (including children).
- Click “Find My Hotel”: Initiate your hotel search.
- Browse Hotel Options: Review the available Costco Travel hotels in your chosen destination. The search results display total prices, included extras, property photos, and member reviews.
- View Details & Customize: Click “View Details & Customize” for a hotel that interests you.
- Review Hotel Details: Explore property information, room types, member reviews, rate details, cancellation policies, and included extras.
- Modify Room (Optional): If desired, explore other room options by clicking “Modify Room.”
- Continue to Transportation (If Applicable): If you’re adding transportation to your package, click “Continue to Transportation.” Otherwise, select “Continue to Recap.”
- Log In and Finalize Booking: Log in to your Costco account, review your booking summary, enter contact information, accept terms and conditions, and click “Finalize Booking.”
selecting hotel search on Costco.
hotel search info on costco.
Who are Costco Travel Hotels Best For?
Costco Travel hotels are particularly well-suited for:
- Costco Members: The most obvious benefit is for existing Costco members who can leverage their membership for travel savings.
- Value-Seekers: Travelers who prioritize getting the best possible deal and appreciate added perks and rebates.
- Travelers Booking Chain Hotels: If you prefer staying at well-known hotel chains like Hyatt or InterContinental, Costco Travel hotels offers a good selection within these brands.
- Package Vacation Bookers: Those who like the convenience of booking hotels, flights, and car rentals together in a package will find Costco Travel’s bundled options appealing.
- Travelers Seeking Streamlined Booking: The simplified booking process and pre-vetted hotel selection are ideal for those who want to save time and effort on vacation planning.
Final Verdict: Are Costco Travel Hotels Worth Exploring?
Costco Travel hotels can be a valuable resource for savvy travelers looking to maximize their vacation budget. While the hotel selection is limited compared to broader travel sites, the exclusive pricing, added perks, rebates, and streamlined booking process make them a compelling option, especially for Costco members.
Before booking your next hotel stay, take a few minutes to explore Costco Travel hotels. Compare prices, evaluate the included perks, and see if they align with your travel preferences and needs. You might just discover that Costco Travel hotels are your best-kept secret for unlocking significant savings and enhancing your next getaway.
