Can you believe that you can get paid to stay in hotels?
If you love travel and exploring the world, why not make some money at the same time?
Are you always looking for ways to earn money while enjoying luxurious hotel stays?
Look no further!
We have compiled a list of 25 legitimate ways for you to get paid to stay in hotels.
If you love waking up in a luxury hotel room and want to make it part of your regular day-to-day life, you will love this list of the best ways to make money while travelling.
So start packing your bags and get ready for your next adventure!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more information
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How To Get Paid To Stay In Hotels
Who doesn’t want to visit different countries and stay in the best hotels for free?
Read on for all our fun side hustles for globetrotters.
1. Use Hotel Reward Programs For Free Nights
If you’re a frequent traveller, you’re probably familiar with hotel rewards programs.
These programs offer a variety of benefits to members, including free nights, room upgrades, and exclusive discounts.
Hotel Loyalty Programs
Hotel loyalty programs are free to join and offer a variety of benefits to members.
These benefits can include free nights, room upgrades, and exclusive discounts on hotel amenities.
To earn these benefits, you’ll need to accumulate points or miles by staying at participating hotels.
Popular hotel reward programs include the Marriott Bonvoy program and Hilton Honors.
Credit Card Rewards
Many credit cards offer rewards for hotel stays, including points or miles that can be redeemed for free nights or other rewards.
Some hotel credit cards also offer perks such as automatic elite status or free room upgrades.
2. Review Hotels On Your Blog
If you love writing about your travel experiences and have good writing skills, you can get paid to review hotels.
Starting a blog is a great way to get paid to review hotels.
Many people look for honest reviews when deciding what hotel to book.
You can start your own travel blog and write about your experiences staying in different hotels.
To make money, you can join affiliate marketing programs and get paid if someone books a hotel after reading your review.
You will also be able to put ads on your website and make money that way too.
How much does a hotel reviewer earn?
In ads alone, there are some travel bloggers who make over six figures reviewing and writing about different destinations.
3. Start A YouTube Channel
Reviewing hotels on your YouTube channel is another way to get paid to stay at hotels.
You can start a YouTube channel and create videos of your hotel stays, showing your subscribers the good and bad about each place.
Some companies will offer you free stays in return for advertising and a review on your channel.
For others, you can take advantage of affiliate marketing to earn referral commissions for your reviews.
Of course, in order to succeed as a YouTuber, you will want to really build up your subscriber list – the more subscribers you have, the more you will get paid for your hotel reviews.
4. Get As Work A Hotel Reviewer
One of the most popular ways to get paid to stay in hotels is through hotel and travel review websites.
Companies like Trivago, Yonderbound, and Reviewstream.com pay individuals to write honest reviews of hotels and travel experiences.
5. Mystery Shopping
Getting a hotel mystery shopper job is a great way to get paid to stay in hotels.
As a mystery shopper, you will be tasked with evaluating the quality of service, cleanliness, and amenities of a hotel.
You will be reimbursed for your stay and may even receive additional compensation for your time and effort.
To get started with mystery shopping, you can sign up with companies such as Coyle Hospitality, BestMark, or Reality Based Group.
These companies work with hotels to gather feedback from customers and will pay you to stay at their properties.
Before you begin, it’s important to understand that mystery shopping requires attention to detail and a willingness to follow specific instructions.
You will be expected to evaluate everything from the friendliness of the staff to the quality of the bedding.
6. Investing in Timeshares
If you’re someone who loves to travel frequently and you want to keep your travel costs down, investing in timeshares may be a good option for you.
Timeshares can provide you with a guaranteed vacation spot every year, without the hassle of booking hotels or resorts.
Here are some things to consider before investing in a timeshare:
Understand the costs
Timeshares can be expensive, and you’ll need to factor in the initial purchase price, maintenance fees, and any other associated costs.
Make sure you can afford these costs before investing in a timeshare.
Research the company
Do your due diligence and research the timeshare company thoroughly before investing.
Look for reviews and complaints online, and make sure the company is reputable and trustworthy.
Consider the location
Make sure the location of the timeshare is somewhere you want to visit frequently.
In addition, make sure the list of available destinations for swaps is also desirable.
If you’re not happy with the location, you may end up regretting your investment.
One benefit of investing in a timeshare is that you can rent it out when you’re not using it, potentially earning some extra income.
However, it’s important to note that renting out your timeshare can be a complex process, and you’ll need to make sure you understand all the rules and regulations before doing so.
7. Attending Timeshare Presentations
One way to get paid to stay in hotels is by attending timeshare presentations.
Sure it can be time-consuming but it is a legit way to get hotel rooms, excursions and even tickets to shows for free.
Often, large hotels have these kinds of offers, especially in resort towns such as Las Vegas.
Many hotels offer incentives such as free hotel stays, bonus points, and gift cards to motivate you to attend one of their timeshare presentations.
In exchange for attending the presentation, you will be required to sit through a sales pitch that typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes – you will often get a free breakfast or lunch too!
Here are some tips to maximize your benefits from attending timeshare presentations:
- Research the hotel and the timeshare company before attending the presentation.
- Make sure you understand what you are getting into and what the terms and conditions of the offer are.
- Be prepared to say no. The salespeople will try to convince you to buy a timeshare, but remember that you are there for the incentive, not to purchase a timeshare.
- Pay attention to the details of the offer. Some offers may require you to pay a deposit or attend a certain number of presentations to receive the incentive.
- Be polite but firm. If you decide not to purchase a timeshare, politely decline and stick to your decision.
Attending timeshare presentations can be a great way to get paid to stay in hotels. Just make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the offer and are prepared to say no if you are not interested in purchasing a timeshare.
8. Working Remotely in Hotels
Working remotely is becoming increasingly popular, and many hotels are now offering remote work packages to attract guests.
These packages typically include a comfortable workspace, high-speed internet, and other amenities that make it easy to work from the hotel room.
If you’re considering working remotely from a hotel, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, make sure the hotel has a comfortable workspace that meets your needs.
This could be a desk in the room or a dedicated workspace in a common area.
You’ll also want to check that the hotel has reliable high-speed internet, as this is essential for remote work.
Another consideration is the cost.
While some hotels offer remote work packages at a discount, others may charge a premium.
Make sure you’re comfortable with the cost before booking a remote work package.
Here are some hotels that offer remote work packages:
| Hotel | Package Details |
|---|---|
| Hyatt | Work from Hyatt packages |
| MGM Resorts | Viva Las Office packages |
| Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island | Work and Learn packages |
| Crosby Street Hotel | Work from Crosby Street Hotel packages |
| Marriott | Work Anywhere packages |
These are just a few examples, and many other hotels offer similar packages.
When choosing a hotel, consider factors such as location, amenities, and cost to find the best option for your needs.
Overall, working remotely from a hotel can be a great way to escape the distractions of home and increase productivity.
With the right hotel and package, you can enjoy a comfortable and productive work environment while also enjoying the amenities of a hotel.
9. Entering Hotel Contests and Sweepstakes
Another way to get paid to stay in hotels is by entering hotel contests and sweepstakes.
Many hotels and travel companies offer these types of promotions to attract new customers and reward loyal ones.
Here are some tips on how to enter and win hotel contests and sweepstakes:
- Check hotel websites and social media pages: Many hotels and travel companies post information about their contests and sweepstakes on their websites and social media pages.
- Make sure to follow them to stay up-to-date on the latest promotions.
- Enter multiple contests: The more contests you enter, the higher your chances of winning. Make sure to read the rules carefully and follow all instructions when entering.
- Share with friends and family: Many hotel contests and sweepstakes offer extra entries for sharing with friends and family. Make sure to take advantage of this to increase your chances of winning.
- Enter early and often: Many hotel contests and sweepstakes have a limited entry period, so make sure to enter early and often to increase your chances of winning.
- Read the fine print: Make sure to read the rules and regulations carefully before entering. Some contests and sweepstakes may have restrictions on who can enter or require certain qualifications.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of winning hotel contests and sweepstakes and get paid to stay in hotels.
10. Taking Advantage of Overbookings
When hotels overbook, they have more reservations than rooms available.
While this may seem like a bad thing, it can actually be an opportunity for travelers looking to get paid to stay in hotels.
Hotels overbook because they know that not all guests will show up.
This means that there may be rooms available even if the hotel appears to be fully booked.
If you’re flexible with your travel plans and willing to take a chance, you may be able to snag a paid stay in a hotel that would otherwise be booked up.
Here are a few tips for taking advantage of overbookings:
- Call ahead and ask about overbooking policies. Some hotels may be more willing to offer compensation for overbooked guests than others.
- Be flexible with your travel dates. If you’re able to adjust your plans, you may be able to find a hotel that has overbooked on the dates you’re looking for.
- Sign up for hotel loyalty programs. Members of these programs may be given priority if a hotel is overbooked.
- Be prepared to be bumped. If a hotel doesn’t have a room for you, they may offer compensation in the form of a free night’s stay or other perks.
Remember, overbooking is not guaranteed to work in your favor.
It’s important to have a backup plan in case you’re unable to secure a paid stay in a hotel.
11. Use Cashback Websites
If you’re looking to get paid to stay in hotels, using cashback websites is a great way to earn a little extra cash.
These websites essentially pay you a percentage of your hotel booking cost as cashback. Here are a few popular cashback websites to consider:
Rakuten
Rakuten is one of the most popular cashback websites out there.
They offer cashback on a variety of hotel booking websites, including Expedia, Hotels.com, and more.
You can earn up to 10% cashback on your hotel bookings through this site.
TopCashback
TopCashback is another popular cashback website that offers cashback on hotel bookings.
They offer cashback on a variety of hotel booking websites, including Booking.com, Hotels.com, and more.
You can earn up to 12% cashback on your hotel bookings through TopCashback.
BeFrugal
BeFrugal is another cashback website that offers cashback on hotel bookings.
They offer cashback on a variety of hotel booking websites, including Priceline, Expedia, and more.
You can earn up to 10% cashback on your hotel bookings through BeFrugal.
Using cashback websites is a simple way to earn a little extra cash for your hotel stays.
Just be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure you’re eligible for cashback and to maximize your earnings.
12. Promoting Hotels on Social Media
Becoming a social media influencer is one of the most fun ways to get paid to stay in hotels.
For hoteliers, social media provides a cost-effective way to promote their hotel and reach potential guests.
Travel influencers are in high demand and many of the major hotel chains even have a budget line item specifically for hiring Instagram and TikTok powerhouses.
This job will normally involve sharing your hotel experiences with your audience in exchange for a free stay and/or cash.
The going rate for social media posts often depends on the number of followers you have but many people earn $500+ per post.
To get started with this side gig, you will want to finely tune your socials to look aesthetically pleasing and travel-oriented.
Then, start building up your follower list before reaching out to hotels and travel agencies.
12. Become A Brand Ambassador
Similar to an influencer, a brand ambassador uses their social media clout to promote a hotel or hotel chain.
In most cases, you will get paid a set amount for promoting the brand for a set number of months or years.
Although you won’t be an employee of the brand, you may be asked to work exclusively with them in exchange for payment and free hotel rooms.
13. Freelancing for Hotel Chains
If you have experience in a particular field, such as marketing, accounting, or graphic design, you may be able to find freelance work with hotel chains.
Many hotels outsource work to freelancers to save money on staffing costs.
To find freelance work with hotels, you can search online job boards, such as Upwork or Freelancer, for hotel-related projects.
You can also reach out to hotels directly and inquire about freelance opportunities.
When applying for freelance work, be sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
If you have worked with hotels before, be sure to mention that in your application.
Some examples of freelance work you may be able to find with hotels include:
- Marketing and advertising
- Graphic design
- Writing and editing
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Event planning
- Photography and videography
Freelancing for hotel chains can be a great way to earn money while also gaining experience in the hospitality industry.
Just be sure to carefully review any contracts or agreements before accepting work to ensure that you are being fairly compensated for your time and skills.
14. Participating in Hotel Surveys
One way to get paid to stay in hotels is by participating in surveys.
Many hotels conduct surveys to gather feedback from their guests to improve their services.
These surveys can be conducted online, via email, or on paper forms.
To participate in hotel surveys, you can sign up for hotel loyalty programs or join survey websites that offer paid hotel surveys. S
Some of the survey websites that offer paid hotel surveys include Reviewstream.com, Survey Junkie, and Toluna.
When participating in hotel surveys, it’s important to provide honest and detailed feedback.
This will not only help the hotel improve its services but also increase your chances of being selected for future surveys.
In addition to getting paid for participating in hotel surveys, some hotels also offer rewards such as free room upgrades, discounted rates, and loyalty points.
These rewards can be redeemed for future stays at the hotel or with their partner hotels.
Overall, participating in hotel surveys can be a great way to get paid to stay in hotels while also providing valuable feedback to improve their services.
15. Become a Hotel Tester
If you love staying in hotels and have a keen eye for detail, becoming a hotel tester could be the perfect job for you.
Hotel testers are hired by hotels and travel companies to test and review their services, facilities, and amenities.
In return, they receive payment and sometimes even free stays at luxury hotels.
To become a hotel tester, you will need to have a passion for travel and hospitality, as well as excellent communication skills.
You will also need to be able to pay attention to detail and provide honest feedback to the hotel or travel company.
16. Join Hotel Affiliate Programs
If you love traveling and staying in hotels, joining hotel affiliate programs can be a great way to earn money while doing what you love.
While I’ve already mentioned promoting affiliate links on your blog or YouTube channel, you can also refer friends and promote links via emails and social media posts.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a hotel affiliate program:
Commission Rates
Commission rates vary between hotel affiliate programs, so it’s important to find one that offers a competitive rate.
Some programs offer a percentage of the total booking amount, while others offer a flat rate per booking or per click.
Cookie Duration
The cookie duration refers to the length of time that a cookie, or a small piece of data stored on a user’s computer, remains active after they click on your affiliate link.
A longer cookie duration means that you have a better chance of earning a commission if the user books a hotel stay within that time frame.
Affiliate Tools
Look for a hotel affiliate program that offers a variety of tools to help you promote hotels.
This can include banners, text links, and search boxes that you can add to your website or blog.
Popular Hotel Affiliate Programs
There are many hotel affiliate programs to choose from, but some of the most popular ones include:
- Booking.com
- Hotels.com
- Travelocity
- Priceline
- TripAdvisor
17. Providing Professional Photography Services
If you have a passion for photography, you can leverage your skills to get paid to stay in hotels in a few different ways.
Many hotels and resorts require professional photography services to showcase their properties on their websites and marketing materials.
Additionally, you could look to start a photography business for weddings.
Many resort hotels host many destination weddings and a photographer is always on the list.
If you can get your name out to the top hotels in a certain area, you can become the go-to photographer that they recommend to their couples.
18. Becoming a Travel Agent
Becoming a travel agent is a great way to get paid to stay in hotels and even on a cruise ship!
As a travel agent, you will be able to book hotels for your clients and earn a commission on each booking.
Many resort chains also offer loyalty bonuses for travel agents who promote their property a lot.
For example, Sandals Luxury resorts in the Caribbean offer 1 week free at their resorts for travel agents who book 70 nights of paid stays.
Additionally, most hotels have “agent rates” or “fam trips” for travel agents to get to know their properties for free or at a huge discount.
Overall, becoming a travel agent can be a rewarding career that allows you stay in hotels while making money – plus you get to help others plan their dream vacations.
19. Get Hotel Sponsorships
If you’re a travel blogger or influencer, earning hotel sponsorships can be a great way to get paid to stay in hotels.
It can also be a great way to get exposure to your brand and increase your following.
Here are some tips for finding sponsorships:
Build a strong brand
Before you start reaching out to hotels, make sure you have a strong brand and a solid following.
This means having a well-designed website, active social media accounts, and high-quality content.
Research hotels
Do some research on hotels that align with your brand and target audience.
Look for hotels that have sponsored other bloggers or influencers in the past.
Prepare a media kit
Create a media kit that includes information about your brand, your audience, and your reach.
Include statistics such as your website traffic, social media followers, and engagement rates.
Reach out to hotels
Send personalized emails to hotels that you want to work with.
Introduce yourself, explain why their hotel interests you and include your media kit.
20. Teach or Host Workshops at Hotels
Hotels are not only a place for leisure and relaxation, but they also serve as a venue for learning and development.
If you have expertise in a particular field, you can offer your services as a workshop or seminar facilitator.
Maybe you can run a roadshow where people pay to come and listen to your talks or classes on a certain topic.
Of course, you will need to be comfortable with public speaking in order to have success with this job.
This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge, gain experience, and earn extra income while getting paid to stay at a hotel.
Not sure what kind of thing you could do? Are you a specialist in anything or do you have a hobby that you could teach others?
21. Rent Out Your Home and Stay at Hotels
If you own a home or apartment that you can rent out, you can make money while staying at hotels.
Here are some ways to do it:
Rent out your home on Airbnb Or VRBO
If you have a spare room or entire home that you can rent out on Airbnb or VRBO, you can make money while staying at hotels.
You can use the money you make from renting out your home to pay for your hotel stays.
22. Become a Freelance Travel Writer
If you love writing, why not look for work writing reviews and articles for a travel website?
Becoming a freelance writer without experience requires a bit of work but it is doable – check out my in-depth guide for all the details!
To become a freelance travel writer, in most cases, you have two options:
1. You can either pitch an article idea to a publication or,
2. Once you have a reputation for your work, you will likely be in contact with travel magazines and websites to write specific reviews.
These will include a travel stipend for your time.
23. Get A Job That requires Travel
It might sound obvious but one of the easiest ways to get paid to stay in hotels is to get yourself one of the many travel jobs out there.
While working in the travel industry is the obvious choice, remember that there are many jobs that need people who are willing to travel.
Sales jobs, trainers and trade show exhibitionists are all careers that require many many nights at hotels – on your company’s dime.
24. Take Flight As Cabin Crew
Flight attendants are famous for their hard work up in the air but one of the perks of the job is the fun layovers around the World.
As a cabin crew member, you can expect to experience the world of luxury travel without having to pay for it!
As part of the cabin crew, you will see so many different places while enjoying expense-free travel.
Of course, working as cabin crew is not one of the highest-paying professions, depending on the airline you work for, you may have a tax-free salary and an apartment at your hub city.
25. Become an English Teacher
Language teaching is a great option for people who want a full time job that will let them travel around the world.
As an English teacher, you can work all around the world and many companies will offer you a housing allowance to help with your costs.
Another option is to find a language school that will actually pay you to teach English and stay at a great resort.
One such option is Angloville.
This company offers free accommodation and free food in beautiful venues in +12 destinations throughout Europe for people willing to share their language skills with locals.
Get Paid To Stay In Hotels: Final Thoughts
So there you have it – 25 different ways to get paid to stay in hotels.
Whether you want to do hotel testing, travel writing, photography or starting a YouTube channel, there are plenty of opportunities available to you.
It’s important to remember that while earning money to stay in hotels may sound like a dream job, it does require hard work and dedication.
When considering these opportunities, it’s important to do your research and make sure that you are working with legitimate companies.
Be wary of any companies that ask for money upfront or promise unrealistic pay rates.
Overall, making money to stay in hotels can be a fun and rewarding way to travel the world and earn money at the same time.
With the right skills and mindset, you can turn your love of travel into a profitable career or side hustle.