Forget the standard percentage-off deals. This summer, the top hotel deals are throwing in things like free nights, free food — and yes, even free water park tickets.

Perhaps rising travel costs, particularly when it comes to the cost of dining out, has something to do with it (yes, restaurant prices in the U.S. are up on 4% in May 2025 versus May 2024, which is an even faster pace than the overall 2.4% rate of inflation).

Want to hear even more about hotel deals? Tune into the Summer Travel episode of NerdWallet’s Smart Travel podcast:

Meanwhile, hotels are also getting more creative with perks to cater to travelers who crave experiences that are both memorable and Instagrammable. So whether you’re after a killer deal or just something totally unique, here are the top hotel deals worth snagging for summer 2025:

U.S. hotel deals this summer

Book three or more nights in a one-bedroom Arbor Villa and save 20%. Villas include a kitchenette, living room, and washer/dryer — ideal for families. On-site amenities include pools, kayaking, tennis and the region’s only Nicklaus-designed golf course.

Stay four nights and receive a $150 dining credit, $100 spa credit, and a free National Parks Pass. The offer runs June 1 to Sept. 30, 2025, and it includes donations to Grand Teton and Yellowstone park foundations.

Hotel Terra has a modern mountain design with a a rooftop spa. Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa features its own fancy spa, SpaTerre, plus expansive suites with fireplaces and award-winning dining at Spur Restaurant & Bar. Both resorts have outdoor pools and hot tubs with panoramic valley views.

Now through Aug. 31, 2025, guests at Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, get all sorts of freebies, including classes and sweet treats.

It’s part of a campaign called “Sunshine Perks,” where every day guests get something new. Exact offerings vary by day, but some highlighs include:

• Tuesdays: Free shave ice from 3 to 4 p.m. at the pool deck.

• Thursdays: Free wine from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for guests 21 and up in the lobby.

• Fridays: Free ice cream crafted at Halekulani Bakery by Pastry Chef Michelle Baldomero from 2 to 3 p.m. in the lobby.

And that’s not their only offer this summer. For stays between Aug. 18 through Sept. 30, you can get a fourth night free with a three-night stay. Plus, you’ll get a goodie bag including towels, slides and reusable water bottles.

If you prefer an island that’s a little quieter than Oahu, head over to the Garden Isle (that’s Kauai). there, Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort is running a deal if you booked between July 11 to 18.

With it, you’ll find up to 40% off the resort’s best available rates — its biggest discount of the year — for stays during August, October, November and December 2025.

This deal is bookable over the summer, but is designed for stays in winter. It’s the resort’s “Christmas in July” deal. With it, you can save 25% on standard room rates when you book a stay before July 31, 2025, for visits between Nov. 16, 2025 and Jan. 4, 2026.

Holiday festivities include a Thanksgiving brunch, tree lighting and weekly “S’mores with Santa” and “Breakfast with Santa” events. On New Year’s Eve, ring in 2026 with a family-friendly party and fireworks.

The resort recently debuted five new luxury villas with four bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, private patios and exclusive villa hosts. Plus, the on-site water park is open year-round with heated pools — ideal for a winter splash.

For Disney hotels, it’s generally wise to compare prices on reputable, theme-park oriented third-party resellers, such as Undercover Tourist. Often, these sites can either match Disney’s deals — or even top them.

Want free Disney tickets to the Walt Disney World Resort water parks? With certain hotel reservations, you’ll get them.

Guests who book a qualifying stay at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel for stays with a check-in date anytime in 2025 receive complimentary tickets to either of the two Disney water parks—Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. That’s ideal for the hot summer days (and in Orlando, practically any day can feel like summer).

Disney water park tickets typically cost about $80 per person, so this can be huge savings for families or groups who would have purchased water park admission anyway.

Just note that this benefit only works at certain Disney hotels. It also only applies on your check-in day, so plan your trip accordingly (and check-in to your hotel early to maximize the deal’s value).

Disney is offering savings of up to 20% on select rooms at a Disneyland Resort hotel, but it only applies to stays Sunday through Thursday nights (again running between May 16 and August 14, 2025). To book this deal, you need to reserve before July 31, 2025.

IHG Hotels & Resorts: Save up to 20% worldwide

IHG’s Summer Sale includes up to 20% off participating properties across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, East Asia and the Pacific.

IHG is the company behind popular hotel brands including the pet-friendly Kimpton and the luxurious InterContinental Hotels and Resorts.

• Booking window: July 8-16.

• Travel dates: July 11–Sept. 30.

• • Book at least 3 days in advance.

  • Cancel up to 7 days prior to avoid penalty.

By the way, it’s actually free to join IHG One Rewards — so do it to earn rewards for your stay, too.

For stays booked between now and July 28 — and for travel between July 9 and September 30, 2025 — World of Hyatt members are entitled to 25% off hundreds of hotels across the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Mexico and a few other international destinations.

Non-members get a good (but less great) 20% off. Alas, since it’s free to join World of Hyatt, there’s little reason not to sign up for the full 25% off.

Xanterra Christmas in July Sale offers saving on lodging at national parks and luxury resorts

From July 18–30, 2025, travelers can book some of the country’s most iconic hotels and experiences at deep discounts as part of the Xanterra Travel Collection® Christmas in July Sale. Whether you crave classic national parks or globe-trotting tours, here’s what’s included:

• Grand Canyon South Rim: Save up to 30% on hotel stays for travel Oct. 26, 2025–March 12, 2026

• Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel: 50% off train tickets with a 2–4-night Platinum Stay & Save package (travel July 31, 2025–March 5, 2026)

• The Grand Hotel (near South Rim): Free breakfast buffet for two (travel July 31–Aug. 28, 2025)

• The Oasis at Death Valley: 30% off at The Inn and The Ranch at Death Valley (travel July 31, 2025–Jan. 15, 2026)

• Yellowstone National Park Lodges: Save up to 25% (travel July 16–Dec. 20, 2025)

• Glacier National Park – Cedar Creek Lodge: 30% off (travel Oct. 13, 2025–March 31, 2026)

• VBT Bicycling Vacations: 5% off any 2026 biking trip (book by Oct. 16, pay in full by Oct. 30)

• Country Walkers: 5% off all 2026 trips (book by Oct. 16, pay in full by Oct. 30)

• Windstar Cruises: Free all-inclusive upgrade + $50 deposit per guest (for sailings through March 2026)

• Holiday Vacations: Save $300 per person on select Hawaiian island tours

• Sea Island, GA: Save 25% at The Cloister and The Lodge, plus a $250 resort credit (valid for Dec. 1–25, 2025 stays)

• The Broadmoor, CO: Save 30% on rooms, suites and cottages (for select dates Nov. 2025–March 2026)

Mexico and the Caribbean hotel deals

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in Playa del Carmen was always great for families, but this makes it even better. Up to two kids stay free when you book between now and July 21 for travel through Oct. 28, 2026 (blackout dates apply).

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is an all-inclusive with nearly a dozen dining experiences, a 29-slide waterpark, a swimmable cenote (essentially a natural sinkhole), river snorkeling, Broadway-style entertainment, a rescue animal barnyard and water sports like kayaking.

Starting at $449 per person, this package includes roundtrip ferry service from Fort Lauderdale and a 2- or 3-night hotel stay. Guests also gain access to a private beach, pools, shopping and a spa.

Use code FALLBC to save 20% and get a $50 food and beverage credit. This downtown Nassau hotel just completed a $50 million renovation. Book by Dec. 1, 2025, for travel through Dec. 31.

At the Aruba Marriott Resort, you’ll get more than just a room with a view. Their Seas the Summer offer adds thoughtful extras without touching your wallet. Basically, you’ll feel like you have the highest level of Marriott elite status (even if you don’t).

Here’s what’s included:

• A room upgrade, if available.

• A beach bag with aloe products, because, yes, Aruba is sunny.

The property sits right on Palm Beach, with 10 restaurants, two pools, the island’s largest spa and casino, and — of course — beach access that requires zero effort.

Book three nights or more by Sept. 30, 2025, and enter cluster code CUE to activate the offer.

Other tricks for saving money on hotels in summer 2025

No matter where you’re headed, chances are there are some loyalty points promotions, hotel deals or special offers to help you save cash or enjoy more during your trip. And if not, don’t be afraid to call the hotel and politely ask if there are any deals.

Hilton offers the fifth night free on award reservations for Hilton Honors members with Silver status or higher. When you redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, you’ll get the fifth night free, no matter what level of status you have.

Many hotels offer better discounts when you book with them directly. For example, Ovolo Hotels is a Hong Kong-based chain (with no resort fees) operating boutique properties in Australia and Asia. Across all Ovolo properties, its perks include free breakfast, free self-service laundry, a gym, a complimentary in-room mini bar, candy in the lobby and a snack bag offered at check-in. The catch? You only get them when you book direct.