Why you should visit Austin this summer

The word “variety” gets thrown around quite a bit, but when it comes to deciding where to go on vacation in the US, Austin is a travel destination which is genuinely overflowing with variety. Home to many different cultures, along with amazing food, the best hotel deals and a festival atmosphere, Austin is the perfect place for a summer vacation in the US. Here is exactly why you should visit Austin this Summer:

1. Food, simple.

As with much of Texas and the Southern States, Austin is renowned for incredible barbecue food so you can expect succulent ribs, steaks and sausages when you get there. A number of delightful restaurants take their place in town including Rollin’ Smoke BBQ and Valentina’s Tex Mex but any doorway offering food is usually a good choice. Although most famous for the music scene, Austins food arguably takes a close second. If you venture out during happy hour or use some restaurant discounts, you can always find great meal deals in Austin.

2. Zilker Park

Surprisingly, there are many things to do in Austin has a secret attraction in the nearby Zilker Park. Infused with glorious nature and ample hiking trails, this park is a welcomed respite from the busy city and filled with open spaces to enjoy with the family, friends or even alone. However, it also has many other attractions such as the Botanical Gardens and the ever popular Science Museum. When you grow tired of the noise across the River, this is the perfect spot to relax.

3. The State Capitol

The State Capitol is central to the culture in Austin and was repaired during the 80’s to the fine condition you can no find it in today. Pink in color, it truly is a bizarre sight and a great photograph opportunity. Tours of the State Capitol are run on a daily basis giving an insight into the Governor’s chambers or alternatively you can take a self guided tour which also outlines the history of each room and the surrounding gardens.

4. The lively nightlife

It’s called the Live music capital of the world and after sampling a night out in Austin, it would be hard to disagree. From Jazz to Hip Hop, Rock to the Blues, Austin has every angle covered when it comes to music after dark and the live bands are some of the best in the US. The Mowhawak is a particularly popular venue and the Continental, while many traditional dance halls also take their place, where you can learn the Texas Two Step and mingle with the real locals.

5. Austin is synonymous with festivals

Austin comes alive in the summer and throughout May to July you will find a number of festivals ranging from film and food to of course, music. There are also cultural festivals which showcase the local Latin population and then the Arts Festival on Old Pecan street is a huge favorite. As mentioned however, music festivals are common place and regardless of what genre you prefer, Austin is sure to have some waiting for you.

You can find hotels discounts or restaurant discounts for your trip to Austin with a travel club membership on Hotels Etc.

How to spend a weekend in Chicago

Named after the full-of-hot-air politicians in the past, the Windy city is undoubtedly one of the best weekend destinations in the US, from the incredible array of world class restaurants, the fascinating Field Museum, the green and leafy Lincoln Park, to the endless designers stores and enormous shopping malls.

Here are few ideas for how to spend a weekend in Chicago:

Have breakfast at Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen

Both a celebrity haunt and a favorite for the “regular” locals, Manny’s is the best place to have breakfast in Chicago. It may very well look like a old rundown taxi rank coffee shop but this is certainly part of the appeal with Manny’s and strangely, one of the reasons it does so well. Expect huge corned beef sandwiches, pastrami on rye and hearty soups.

Take a photo with “the Bean” aka Cloud Gate

On a summers afternoon on weekends, this unusual sculpture by British artist Anish Kapoor can feel like the centre piece of a major concert. Abstract art at its best, Cloud Gate is situated on AT & T Plaza in Millennium park right at the foot of some towering skyscrapers. It’s not just an unusual site, the reflections and trick photography opportunities make it one of the great free things to do in Chicago.

Visit the Zoo in Lincoln Park

Few cities around the world can claim to have a free Zoo in a luscious leafy park like Lincoln. Located a short bus or train ride from the city centre, Lincoln Park is a spacious green haven in the city suburbs of Chicago. One of the most amazing attractions at the Zoo are the giant polar bears, which you can view from side windows around the enclosure which can almost feel as though you are in there with them.

Have lunch at the top of the Hancock

The John Hancock is arguably the most recognizable sigh in Chicago and not only can you reach the top for amazing views, but you can also have lunch in a world class restaurant while you are up there. A reservation is required during holidays or peak times and prices can be a little high so make sure to have restaurant discounts with you before you go.

Watch the Chicago Cubs or even just visit Wrigley Field

If you are lucky enough to visit during the baseball season and manage to get your hands on a ticket, make sure to take in a game at Wrigley Field. Alternatively, it is possible to take a guided tour of the historic stadium which is not only a great chance to get an insiders view to the home of Chicago baseball, but also a way of finding out about an integral part of this city.

Have dinner at Alinea

Okay it may be the most famous restaurant in Chicago, but when you have restaurant discounts and the experience is this good, it’s hard to ignore. Alinea is akin to walking into an art gallery where everything is edible, the chefs make an art out of cooking, literally and food has never tasted so good. Do yourself a favor and try this sublime eatery out at least once in your lifetime.

Catch a sunset at Navy Pier

What better way to end a weekend in Chicago than to watch the sun go down at Navy Pier. Although it is admittedly a little more spectacular to watch the sun rise in the east, this happens pretty early in the morning, and we are assuming you will want to check out Chicago’s notoriously fun nightlife, for which you need only enter the nearest downtown bar, and you will know all about it.

You can avail of restaurant discounts with Hotels Etc who are currently offering a FREE trial which provides access to travel discounts, car rental discounts, hotel discounts and more.

BENEFITS OF BEING A HOTELS ETC MEMBER

Hotels Etc is one of the leading online travel related discounts offer provider and we have been doing business since 1996. Our customers get the best discount offers from various travel and entertainment companies and the discount rate is not available for the general people. If you want to save money and get exclusive discount offers then Hotels Etc would be the best option for you.

Since the beginning of our journey, we have sold over four million membership cards and our customers are growing every day. Most of our discount offers are globally accepted so we get customers all over the world. They are well satisfied from the offers they get and the number of our repeated customers is increasing day by day. Not only do we offer discounts, we also help consumers, business entrepreneurs, distributors and advertisers in many ways.

Traveling isn’t cheap these days so if you get the chance so save some money then that would be really helpful. You just don’t want to spend all your money on hotel reservations; when you are travelling in a new place, you love to buy some souvenirs for you and your family. Some other expenses are there too so people sometimes are uninterested to travel due to high expenses. Hotels Etc has the perfect solution for you. The discount offers will definitely decrease your expenses because we offer discounts and coupons on hotels, cruises car rentals, restaurants, golf, theme parks, movie theaters, recreation, entertainment, vacations, condos, resorts, airline packages, amusement parks, historic sites, tours, tickets, shows, shopping and much more. So you will have plenty of money to spend on other sides.

One thing you will be delighted to know that our customers can access private discounts that beat public rates 9/10 times by up to 70%.

As a member of Hotels Etc, you will get bonus points for every time you made a booking or purchase a service. By these bonus points you can buy free vacations, bookings and more. So you can see that, we are offering the best discount rate available along with rewarding points that can save a lot of money.

There are lots of other benefits that you will experience after being a Hotels Etc member. We take care of our members perfectly and always by their side. The membership card will cost you only once; after the purchase you don’t have to pay anymore if you choose our lifetime membership. You will become our lifetime member and we guarantee that the cost of your membership will be returned after you take some of our discount offers. The more offers you take the more you can save so you will return more than you spend on the membership card.

For more information and register, visit our website www.hotelsetc.com

Hotels Etc. Membership Benefits: How Members Save on Travel, Dining, Entertainment and More

Originally Published: October 6, 2014
Last Updated: August 13, 2026

Traveler overlooking a scenic destination representing Hotels Etc. membership travel benefits

Hotels Etc. membership benefits can help travelers reduce costs across hotels, transportation, dining, entertainment and other travel expenses.

A Hotels Etc. membership gives members access to private travel and lifestyle discounts that can help reduce the cost of hotels, transportation, dining, entertainment, attractions and other expenses.

Travel can create some of life’s best memories, but hotels, transportation, food, attractions and entertainment can quickly turn a vacation into a major expense.

That is where a private travel membership can make a difference.

Hotels Etc. has been helping members discover travel and lifestyle savings since 1996.

The goal is simple: give members another place to compare prices and find savings before spending their money.

Quick Answer: Hotels Etc. is a private travel and discount membership program. Members may access private hotel rates and savings opportunities on car rentals, cruises, vacation packages, restaurants, entertainment, attractions, shopping, golf, recreation and other travel and lifestyle categories. Current Hotels Etc. materials promote hotel savings of up to 70% on participating bookings. Actual savings vary by provider, destination, dates and availability.

What Is a Hotels Etc. Membership?

Hotels Etc. is a private travel and discount membership program designed to give members access to savings that can extend beyond ordinary publicly advertised travel prices.

Depending on the participating provider and benefit, members may find private rates, member-only discounts or special offers across multiple travel and lifestyle categories.

Hotels Etc. is not simply a hotel booking website.

The broader purpose of the membership is to help members reduce expenses throughout a trip and potentially during everyday life as well.

What Are the Main Benefits of a Hotels Etc. Membership?

The exact benefits available can vary by provider, destination and membership platform, but Hotels Etc. offers savings opportunities across several major categories.

1. Private Hotel and Resort Discounts

Hotels and resorts are one of the largest expenses for many travelers.

Hotels Etc. currently promotes hotel savings of up to 70% on participating bookings.

Actual savings vary depending on the hotel, resort, destination, travel dates, availability, room type and specific offer.

Some rates may be available within a private membership environment rather than being displayed publicly in the same way as ordinary online travel rates.

That gives members another place to compare pricing before making a reservation.

2. Car Rental Savings

Transportation can add hundreds of dollars to the total cost of a vacation or business trip.

Hotels Etc. membership benefits may include discounted car rental opportunities through participating providers.

Members should compare the available member rate with other publicly available rental rates before booking.

3. Cruise and Vacation Package Savings

Members may also find savings opportunities involving cruises, vacation packages and other travel experiences.

Available cruise lines, destinations, packages and discounts vary based on participating providers and current offers.

4. Restaurant and Dining Discounts

Travel expenses do not stop when you check into your hotel.

Meals can become a major part of a travel budget, especially for families.

Hotels Etc. benefits can include restaurant and dining savings through participating providers and businesses.

Learn more about restaurant and dining savings:



Hotels Etc. Restaurant Discounts: Save Money on Dining at Home and While Traveling

5. Theme Parks, Attractions and Entertainment

Attraction tickets and entertainment can represent another major vacation expense.

Depending on current providers and participating locations, Hotels Etc. members may find savings involving:

  • Theme parks
  • Local attractions
  • Entertainment
  • Shows
  • Recreation
  • Golf
  • Activities
  • Other travel experiences

6. Shopping and Everyday Savings

Hotels Etc. membership benefits are not necessarily valuable only while someone is traveling.

Depending on available offers, members may also find savings on dining, entertainment, recreation, shopping and other everyday expenses.

That can create additional opportunities to use the membership throughout the year.

Luxury resort representing hotel and resort savings available through Hotels Etc. membership

Hotels Etc. gives members another way to compare hotel and resort pricing before booking.

Why Can Private Membership Rates Be Different From Public Rates?

Public travel websites display rates that can generally be viewed by anyone.

Private membership programs operate differently.

Certain travel suppliers may make special pricing available inside closed or member-only environments where those prices are not displayed publicly to everyone.

This can provide members with additional opportunities to compare travel pricing.

It does not mean a private rate will always be the lowest available rate for every hotel or every travel date.

Members should compare the Hotels Etc. offer with the public rate for the same property, dates, room type and booking conditions.

For a deeper explanation of private travel memberships, read:



Why Join a Travel Membership Club?

Can One Membership Help Reduce Several Parts of a Vacation?

Yes. That is one of the biggest potential advantages of a broad travel membership.

Travel savings are not only about finding a lower hotel price.

A typical vacation can include expenses for:

  • Hotels and resorts
  • Rental cars and transportation
  • Restaurant meals
  • Theme parks and attractions
  • Entertainment
  • Shopping
  • Golf and recreation

Finding savings across several of those categories can make a larger difference than focusing on one expense alone.

Who Can Benefit From a Hotels Etc. Membership?

Hotels Etc. may provide value for many types of travelers depending on how frequently they travel and how often they use the available benefits.

Families

Families often face higher travel costs because accommodations, meals, transportation and attractions must cover several people.

Savings across multiple categories can help families make their vacation budget go further.

Business Travelers

Business travelers may benefit from reduced accommodation, transportation and dining expenses, particularly when traveling frequently.

Frequent Travelers

People who travel several times throughout the year have more opportunities to compare and use member discounts.

Retirees

Retirees who have flexibility with travel dates and destinations may be able to compare different periods and locations to find attractive member offers.

Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

People who work remotely may also benefit from accommodation, transportation and lifestyle savings when traveling or staying away from home for extended periods.

Can Hotels Etc. Benefits Be Used Close to Home?

Depending on the available offers, yes.

Hotels Etc. is broader than a hotel discount program.

Dining, entertainment, shopping, golf, recreation and other local offers may provide members with savings opportunities even when they are not traveling.

That means membership benefits may provide value both while traveling and closer to home.

How Do You Get the Most Value From a Hotels Etc. Membership?

Compare Prices Before You Book

Always compare the member offer against publicly available pricing for the same product, dates and booking conditions.

Hotels Etc. is another tool in the comparison process.

Explore More Than Hotel Discounts

A broad membership provides more opportunities when members explore all available categories.

Look for savings involving transportation, dining, attractions, entertainment, recreation and other benefits in addition to hotels.

Check Benefits Before Every Trip

Travel prices, participating providers and available offers can change.

Search the current Hotels Etc. membership platform before making purchases rather than relying on an offer you may have seen months or years earlier.

Use Local Benefits Too

If dining, shopping, recreation or entertainment savings are available near home, using those benefits throughout the year can create additional membership value.

How Can Hotels Etc. Help Travelers Stay on Budget?

Traveling on a budget does not necessarily mean choosing the cheapest possible vacation.

It means making smarter decisions about where your money goes.

Reducing accommodation, transportation, dining and entertainment expenses may allow travelers to stay longer, travel more frequently or spend more of their budget on experiences.

For additional travel-saving strategies, read:



How to Travel on a Budget by Joining Membership Clubs Like Hotels Etc.

How Is Hotels Etc. Different From Simply Searching Public Booking Sites?

Public booking sites are useful for researching hotels and comparing publicly available rates.

Hotels Etc. provides another comparison opportunity through a private travel and discount membership environment.

The goal is not to tell members to stop comparing travel prices.

It is the opposite.

Hotels Etc. gives members another place to check before making a travel or lifestyle purchase.

Smart Travel Tip: Before booking a hotel, rental car, attraction or other travel expense, compare the Hotels Etc. member option with publicly available pricing for the same product, dates and conditions.

Does Hotels Etc. Guarantee a Specific Amount of Savings?

No.

Savings vary based on destination, dates, availability, participating providers and the individual offer.

A claim such as “up to 70% off” describes the maximum savings available on certain participating hotel offers.

It does not mean every hotel, every destination or every booking will provide a 70% discount.

Members should always review current pricing, terms and availability before making a purchase.

Why Has Hotels Etc. Been Helping Travelers Since 1996?

Hotels Etc. has been part of the travel and discount industry since 1996.

Over that time, the way consumers research and purchase travel has changed dramatically.

The basic idea behind Hotels Etc. remains simple.

Give members additional opportunities to compare prices, discover discounts and reduce travel and lifestyle expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels Etc. Membership Benefits

What are the main benefits of a Hotels Etc. membership?

Hotels Etc. members may access private discounts on hotels and resorts along with savings opportunities involving car rentals, cruises, vacation packages, restaurants, entertainment, attractions, shopping, golf, recreation and other travel and lifestyle categories.

How much can Hotels Etc. members save on hotels?

Hotels Etc. currently promotes hotel savings of up to 70% on participating bookings. Actual savings vary by hotel, destination, dates, availability and individual offer.

Are Hotels Etc. hotel rates available to the general public?

Some offers may be available inside a private membership environment rather than being displayed publicly in the same way as ordinary public booking rates.

Does Hotels Etc. only offer hotel discounts?

No. Depending on participating providers and current membership benefits, Hotels Etc. may include savings opportunities involving hotels, rental cars, cruises, vacation packages, dining, entertainment, attractions, shopping, golf and recreation.

Can Hotels Etc. benefits be used close to home?

Potentially yes. Available dining, entertainment, shopping, recreation and other local offers may provide opportunities to save even when a member is not traveling.

Is every Hotels Etc. hotel rate 70% off?

No. “Up to 70% off” refers to the maximum savings available on certain participating hotel offers. Actual savings vary by property, dates, destination and availability.

Who can benefit from a Hotels Etc. membership?

Families, frequent travelers, business travelers, retirees, remote workers and other consumers who spend money on travel and leisure may benefit depending on how they use the available discounts.

How can members get the most value from Hotels Etc.?

Members should compare current Hotels Etc. offers with public prices, explore multiple discount categories and review the terms of each offer before purchasing.

Travel More. Spend Smarter.

The value of a travel membership is not simply having access to another website.

It is having another opportunity to compare prices and reduce the expenses that come with travel and everyday life.

Hotels Etc. has been helping members discover travel and lifestyle savings since 1996.


EXPLORE HOTELS ETC. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS