A long weekend away, a visit to the grandchildren or a cross-country drive all have one cost in common, the room you sleep in each night. Nightly rates add up quickly on a trip of a week or more, which is why hotel discounts over 50 are one of the most used travel benefits among older travelers. Six of the biggest US hotel groups take a set percentage off the rate for members, and a few add useful extras such as bonus loyalty points, late checkout or free stays for pets.
How the Member Rate Works
The saving is applied to the hotel’s own rate when you book, either online or by phone, so there is no voucher to print or code to remember for most chains. You simply select the member rate and show your card at check-in. Because every chain sets its own percentage, the size of the saving depends on where you stay and, with one group, on how far ahead you book. The table below sums up the current offers.
| Hotel chain | Member saving | Extra perk |
|---|---|---|
| Best Western Hotels & Resorts | 5% or more off | 10% more bonus points with Best Western Rewards |
| Choice Hotels | 10% off | Nearly 7,400 properties |
| Wyndham Hotels & Resorts | 10% flexible, or 20% when booked 7+ days ahead with Pay Now | Choice of flexible or prepaid rate |
| Radisson | 10% off | Booked through Choice Hotels |
| Red Roof Inn | 10% off the best available rate | Free bottle of water per room at check-in |
| Motel 6 | 10% to 12% off the best available rate | Late checkout until 2 p.m. on request, pets stay free |
The Six Chains in Detail
Each of these member hotel rates suits a different kind of trip, from a quick roadside stop to a few nights in the city.
Best Western Hotels & Resorts
Members save 5% or more at over 4,000 hotels worldwide, across brands that run from SureStay and Best Western Plus to Premier and the boutique Vib. The real bonus is on the loyalty side: joining Best Western Rewards through the member program earns 10% more bonus points on every stay, which adds up to free nights faster for anyone who travels a few times a year.
Choice Hotels
With nearly 7,400 properties, Choice Hotels covers almost every interstate exit and small town in the country. Members take 10% off their stay, which makes it a dependable fallback when plans change and you need a room tonight rather than next month.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham gives members two ways to save. The flexible member rate takes 10% off and keeps your plans open, while booking at least seven days ahead with the Pay Now rate raises the saving to 20%. That rate is non-refundable, so it works best when your dates are fixed, such as a family wedding or a booked tour.
Radisson
Radisson stays are booked through Choice Hotels, and members receive 10% off. It is a comfortable step up for city breaks and longer stays where a full-service hotel with a restaurant on site makes the trip easier.
Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn takes 10% off the best available rate and greets members with a free bottle of water per room at check-in. Its locations close to highways make it a practical overnight stop on a long drive.
Motel 6
Motel 6 gives members 10% to 12% off the best available rate, and you can ask for late checkout until 2 p.m. when it is available. Pets always stay free, which is welcome news for anyone who travels with a dog.
Getting the Most From Each Stay
- Pick the member rate on the booking screen, and have your membership number ready if you reserve by phone.
- Join the chain’s own loyalty program too, so points build up alongside the discount.
- Book early when your dates are firm, as prepaid options can double the saving at some chains.
- Bring your card to check-in, since the front desk may ask to see it.
- On a multi-stop road trip, mix chains to match each night’s budget and location.
Plan Your Next Stay
AARP is a nonprofit membership organization for people aged 50 and over, and its travel benefits bring hotel, car rental, cruise and tour savings together in one place. Members can book these six chains at the member rate, alongside discounts on dining, health and everyday services, all for a modest yearly fee.
From a one-night stop on the interstate to a week in a city hotel, the savings above apply every time you book. Over several trips a year, senior hotel discounts like these can easily cover the cost of the membership itself, and the loyalty perks keep adding value along the way.
Become a member before your next trip, and let every night on the road cost a little less.
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