-
Step 1
Sign up for a rewards-oriented credit card. Many banks offer cards that will reward each dollar you spend with points that can be used for travel accomodations. Several credit cards will even give you a free hotel night just for signing up, no purchases required. Do a search on current credit card offers at Bankrate.com.
-
Step 2
Be loyal to a particular hotel brand. If Hilton is your hotel of choice, enroll in the HHonors program. If you're more budget minded and don't mind Sleep Inn or Comfort Inn type motels, you can earn free hotel nights faster by signing up at ChoiceHotels.com. Many hotel loyalty programs are linked to rewards credit cards, so you can accrue those free nights faster.
-
Step 3
Cash in airline frequent flier miles for a free hotel stay. Frequent flier miles can be used for more than just free air travel--you can redeem them for hotel rooms, car rentals and many other rewards.
-
Step 4
Bet on a free hotel night by gambling at a casino. Most casinos will "comp" you a hotel night if you're doing some serious betting. A few pulls of the slot machine won't earn you a free night, but spend a few hours on the floor, and you'll score yourself a room.
-
Step 5
Agree to take a timeshare tour, usually 1 to 2 hours long. Many timeshare resorts will put you up for free, and they might even throw in tickets to an attraction or some spending money, if you sit through a high-pressure sales pitch urging you to buy a timeshare.
-
Step 6
Complain about truly abyssmal service. If you stayed in a hotel and had to deal with cockroaches, hygiene problems, extremely rude personnel or safety problems, make a big stink about it, and you might get a voucher.
