Tag: hotels etc

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

by hotelsetc, posted in membership, travel, travelclub

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

Free Advertising Ideas for Small Businesses

by hotelsetc, posted in Home

FREE BUSINESS MARKETING GUIDE

Originally published October 4, 2014 | Updated August 2026

Small businesses do not always need a large advertising budget to become more visible. Useful content, social media, customer referrals, videos, local partnerships, business listings and community involvement can all help a company reach more people without relying entirely on paid advertising.

What Is Free Advertising?

Free advertising is any legitimate promotional activity that helps a business gain visibility without paying directly for traditional advertising space or media placement.

That does not mean marketing requires no effort. In most cases, a business exchanges time, useful information, relationships, expertise or customer value for greater exposure.

Examples of free or earned business promotion can include:

  • Publishing useful articles
  • Posting educational social media content
  • Creating short videos
  • Maintaining accurate business listings
  • Encouraging customer referrals
  • Building strategic partnerships
  • Participating in local communities
  • Using permission-based email communication
  • Appearing in interviews or podcasts
  • Sharing useful industry expertise

Does Free Advertising Actually Work?

Yes, it can, but the effectiveness depends on the strategy.

Posting random promotional messages or repeatedly asking people to buy something is not the same as building useful visibility.

Effective free promotion usually gives people a reason to pay attention to the business.

A Better Question for Business Owners

Instead of asking only, “Where can I advertise for free?”

Ask, “Where can I provide enough value that people want to learn more about my business?”

1. Publish Helpful Articles

Educational content can introduce potential customers to a business before they are ready to purchase.

A company can publish articles that answer questions customers regularly ask about its industry, products or services.

For example, a travel-related business might publish useful information about:

  • Travel planning
  • Hotel booking terminology
  • Vacation preparation
  • Theme park planning
  • Rental car tips
  • Cruise preparation
  • Holiday travel
  • Local attractions

The objective should be to create genuinely useful information rather than an advertisement disguised as an article.

How Can Articles Help a Business Get Discovered?

Helpful articles can be discovered through search engines, shared on social media, referenced by customers and linked from other websites.

They can also demonstrate a company’s experience and help potential customers better understand the services it provides.

Strong business content should:

  • Answer a clear question
  • Use descriptive headings
  • Be easy to understand
  • Provide useful or original information
  • Avoid unsupported claims
  • Link to useful supporting resources
  • Be updated when information changes

2. Use Social Media to Educate and Engage

Social media gives businesses an opportunity to communicate directly with customers and potential customers.

The strongest strategy is usually not to turn every post into an advertisement.

Instead, businesses can mix promotion with educational content, stories, answers and conversations.

A Simple Social Media Content Mix

Teach: Explain something useful about your industry.

Answer: Respond to a common customer question.

Show: Demonstrate a service, product or process.

Tell: Share a customer story or business lesson.

Invite: Ask your audience for opinions or experiences.

Promote: Share relevant offers when they provide real value.

Which Social Media Platforms Should a Business Use?

A business does not have to be active on every social platform.

The best platforms depend on the audience, industry and type of content the company can consistently produce.

Businesses may consider platforms such as:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
  • X
  • Pinterest

It is often better to build a meaningful presence on a few relevant platforms than to create inactive profiles everywhere.

3. Create Educational Videos

Video marketing does not always require professional production equipment.

Many useful business videos can be created with a smartphone, clear audio and a focused message.

Possible business video topics include:

  • Frequently asked questions
  • How-to demonstrations
  • Behind-the-scenes explanations
  • Customer education
  • Industry myths
  • Product or service comparisons
  • Travel tips
  • Short interviews

What Makes a Business Video Effective?

A useful business video should focus on one main idea.

Instead of trying to explain everything the company does, answer one question or solve one problem at a time.

Simple Business Video Formula

Opening: State the question or problem.

Answer: Provide useful information quickly.

Example: Explain or demonstrate the idea.

Next step: Tell the viewer where to learn more.

4. Keep Your Business Listings Accurate

Business directories and map listings can help customers find important information about a company.

Businesses should regularly review their online information for accuracy and consistency.

Check:

  • Business name
  • Website address
  • Phone number
  • Physical address
  • Hours of operation
  • Business category
  • Business description
  • Products or services

Accurate business information can also help search engines and AI systems better understand the company.

5. Encourage Authentic Customer Reviews

Customer reviews can help potential customers evaluate a business before making a decision.

Businesses can encourage satisfied customers to share honest feedback on appropriate review platforms.

A company should never create fake reviews, purchase deceptive reviews or require customers to leave only positive feedback.

The goal is authentic customer experience and transparent reputation building.

6. Create a Referral Strategy

Word-of-mouth can be one of the most valuable forms of business exposure.

A satisfied customer who recommends a company to another person can create awareness without the business purchasing an advertisement.

Businesses can make referrals easier by:

  • Providing memorable customer service
  • Making contact information easy to share
  • Following up after a purchase
  • Thanking customers for referrals
  • Creating useful information customers want to forward

7. Build Partnerships With Other Businesses

Strategic partnerships can help complementary businesses introduce one another to relevant audiences.

Examples can include:

  • A hotel working with a local attraction
  • A restaurant partnering with a nearby event venue
  • A travel company working with entertainment providers
  • A recreation company working with local hotels
  • A business organization promoting participating local companies

The strongest partnerships create value for the customer as well as the participating businesses.

8. Participate in Your Community

Businesses can gain visibility by becoming active participants in the communities they serve.

Possible opportunities include:

  • Chambers of commerce
  • Local business groups
  • Community events
  • Charitable organizations
  • Industry associations
  • Networking groups
  • Educational events

Community involvement works best when the focus is on genuine relationships and participation rather than immediate selling.

9. Use Email to Stay Connected

Email can help businesses stay connected with people who have chosen to receive information from them.

Useful email content may include:

  • Educational articles
  • Company announcements
  • Helpful tips
  • Relevant offers
  • New services
  • Event information
  • Business updates

Businesses should use permission-based email practices and comply with applicable marketing requirements.

10. Become a Useful Source for Publishers

Business owners often have experience that journalists, bloggers, podcasters and industry publishers may find valuable.

Providing thoughtful commentary or educational information can create earned exposure when another publisher references the business or its expertise.

The purpose should be to contribute useful information rather than simply asking for promotional coverage.

Are Online Classified Ads Still Useful?

Online classified advertising was one of the major recommendations in the original version of this article.

Today, classifieds can still be appropriate for certain local services, products, employment opportunities or specialized marketplaces.

However, classified advertising should not automatically be considered the best strategy for every company.

Businesses should choose platforms that match their audience, industry and offer.

How Can Businesses Get Exposure Through Hotels Etc.?

Hotels Etc. works with participating businesses that want to provide eligible Hotels Etc. members with special offers or discounts.

For an approved business, participation can provide another type of promotional exposure while also providing value to Hotels Etc. members.

This is different from simply purchasing traditional advertising space. The business provides an eligible member benefit while potentially gaining exposure within the Hotels Etc. network.

Want to List Your Business With Hotels Etc.?

Businesses interested in participating can review the current Hotels Etc. program and submit their business information online.


List Your Business With Hotels Etc. →

Program requirements and participation terms can change over time, so businesses should always use the current Hotels Etc. website rather than relying on outdated information from an older article.

What Should Businesses Avoid When Advertising for Free?

Free promotion can become harmful when it turns into spam or misleading marketing.

Avoid tactics such as:

  • Posting the same promotional message everywhere
  • Leaving irrelevant links in comments
  • Creating fake reviews
  • Making unsupported guarantees
  • Using misleading headlines
  • Copying another company’s content
  • Creating low-quality pages only to target keywords
  • Sending unsolicited bulk messages

Free Advertising vs. Paid Advertising

Free or Earned Promotion Paid Advertising
Usually requires more time Requires an advertising budget
Can build long-term visibility Can create faster controlled reach
Often based on content and relationships Based on purchased media placement
Results may be less predictable Targeting and budgets can often be adjusted

Businesses do not necessarily need to choose one strategy or the other. Free promotion and paid advertising can work together.

Why Useful Content Matters to Hotels Etc.

The Hotels Etc. blog itself demonstrates how useful content can help a company educate its audience.

Hotels Etc. can publish helpful information about topics such as:

  • Travel planning
  • Travel memberships
  • Hotels and lodging
  • Private member offers
  • Theme parks and attractions
  • Rental cars
  • Cruises
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
  • Recreation

Useful content can introduce people to a business without turning every article into a direct advertisement.

A Simple Free Advertising Plan

Week 1: Build Your Foundation

Update your website, contact information and important business listings.

Week 2: Answer Customer Questions

Create useful articles, posts or videos based on questions customers regularly ask.

Week 3: Build Relationships

Connect with customers, local organizations and complementary businesses.

Week 4: Review the Results

Determine which content, referrals, listings, partnerships or platforms produced meaningful engagement and continue improving those channels.

Free Advertising Checklist

  • Keep business information accurate online.
  • Publish useful original content.
  • Use social media consistently.
  • Create educational videos.
  • Encourage authentic reviews.
  • Develop customer referrals.
  • Build strategic partnerships.
  • Participate in relevant communities.
  • Use permission-based email marketing.
  • Consider Hotels Etc. business participation when relevant.
  • Avoid spam and misleading claims.
  • Measure which activities actually produce results.

The Bottom Line

Free advertising is rarely completely free because it requires time, creativity and consistency.

However, businesses can build meaningful visibility without relying entirely on paid advertising.

Useful content, social media, video, customer referrals, partnerships, business listings and community involvement can all contribute to long-term awareness.

The strongest strategy is to focus on the places where your customers are and consistently provide something worth paying attention to.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Advertising

How can a small business advertise for free?

A small business can use educational content, social media, videos, business listings, referrals, strategic partnerships, community involvement, authentic customer reviews and permission-based email communication.

Is social media considered free advertising?

Organic social media posting can provide unpaid exposure, although creating and managing content still requires time and business resources.

Can blogging help promote a business?

Yes. Helpful articles can attract people searching for answers and demonstrate a company’s knowledge, experience and services.

Does video marketing require expensive equipment?

No. Many useful business videos can be created with a smartphone, clear audio and a focused message.

Are customer reviews a form of free promotion?

Authentic customer reviews can increase visibility and help potential customers understand the experiences of previous customers.

Can a business list an offer with Hotels Etc.?

Businesses interested in participating with Hotels Etc. can review current requirements and opportunities through the official Hotels Etc. business listing page.

Where can I submit my business to Hotels Etc.?

Businesses can start by visiting

www.hotelsetc.com/add

and reviewing the current participation information.

Is free advertising better than paid advertising?

Neither method is automatically better. Free promotion can help build long-term visibility and relationships, while paid advertising can provide faster and more controlled reach. Many businesses use both.

Related Hotels Etc. Resources


Add Your Business to the Hotels Etc. Network


Explore What Hotels Etc. Offers


Hotels Etc. Member Benefits: Travel, Dining & More


Travel Club Discounts: How to Save Beyond Hotels


Travel Membership Clubs Explained

About Hotels Etc.

Hotels Etc. is a private travel and lifestyle membership company founded in 1996. Eligible members can access participating travel, entertainment, recreation and lifestyle benefits through the membership environment.


Explore What Hotels Etc. Offers


List Your Business With Hotels Etc.


Visit the Official Hotels Etc. Website