What hotel discounts are available through AARP membership

AARP members can access discounts at thousands of hotels across the United States and internationally. The discounts vary by hotel chain and location, but members typically receive 5 to 10 percent off standard room rates when they book directly or through AARP's hotel booking partners. Some chains offer deeper discounts during certain seasons or for specific room types.

The most widely available discounts come through partnerships with major chains including Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion), Wyndham Hotels (La Quinta, Ramada, Days Inn), and Best Western. Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt also participate in AARP programs, though discount levels and availability vary by property and booking method. Independent and smaller regional hotels sometimes offer AARP rates as well, though you will need to call the hotel directly to confirm.

To access these discounts, you show your AARP membership card at check-in or provide your membership number when booking. Some hotels require you to mention the AARP rate when making the reservation, while others explore the discount automatically if you provide your membership number. Always confirm the rate before completing your booking, because not all room types or dates may have access to for the discount.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP members typically receive 5 to 10 percent discounts at thousands of hotels, with the largest discounts through Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and Best Western chains.
  • You must provide your AARP membership number or card at the time of booking or check-in; discounts do not explore automatically on all websites.
  • Booking directly through the hotel or through AARP's official hotel booking partners usually guarantees the discount, while third-party travel sites may not honor AARP rates.
  • Discount rates vary by location, season, and room type, so comparing the AARP rate against other available offers before booking is worth your time.
  • Some hotels offer additional perks for AARP members beyond the room discount, such as free breakfast, late checkout, or room upgrades.

How to book a hotel with your AARP membership

The most reliable way to book is through AARP's official hotel booking partners or directly with the hotel. AARP's website includes a hotel search tool where you enter your destination, dates, and membership number. The search results show properties that participate in the AARP program and display the member rate alongside the standard rate.

When you call a hotel directly, tell the reservations agent that you are an AARP member and ask about the member rate before providing your dates. Have your membership number ready. If you book online through the hotel's own website, look for a field labeled "AARP member" or "senior discount" and enter your membership number there. Some hotels require you to call to confirm the rate before finalizing an online booking.

Third-party travel websites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com do not always display or honor AARP rates, even if the hotel participates in the program. If you find a lower rate on a third-party site, you can still contact the hotel directly and ask whether they will match it or offer the AARP rate instead. Always compare the final price, including taxes and fees, across booking methods before deciding.

Which hotel chains offer the best AARP discounts

Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, Sleep Inn) consistently offers AARP discounts at most of its properties. Discounts typically range from 5 to 10 percent depending on the specific property and time of year. Choice Hotels also runs periodic promotions for AARP members, such as bonus points for loyalty program members or discounts on extended stays.

Wyndham Hotels (La Quinta, Ramada, Days Inn, Super 8, Microtel) participates widely in AARP programs. La Quinta and Days Inn are particularly common in smaller towns and along highways, making them accessible options for road trips. Ramada and Super 8 properties also honor AARP rates, though availability and discount depth vary by location.

Best Western properties, which are independently owned but part of the same brand, frequently offer AARP discounts. Because each property is independently operated, discount rates and terms can differ, so confirming the rate directly with the specific hotel is important. Best Western also offers a loyalty program that AARP members can join to earn points on stays.

Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt offer AARP discounts, but they are typically smaller (5 percent or less) than those at budget chains. These properties are more common in major cities and business districts. If you have loyalty status with any of these chains, compare your loyalty discount against the AARP rate to see which saves you more.

What to expect when you arrive at the hotel

Bring your AARP membership card with you, even if you provided your membership number during booking. The front desk staff may ask to see it to verify your membership before honoring the rate. If you booked online without entering your membership number, tell the agent at check-in that you are an AARP member and ask them to adjust your rate. Some hotels will do this without issue; others may ask you to show your card or may not be able to change the rate after booking.

If there is a discrepancy between the rate you were quoted and the rate showing at check-in, ask the front desk to review your reservation. Keep any confirmation emails or booking confirmations handy so you can show the agent what rate you were promised. Most hotels will correct the rate on the spot if there is a clear error in their system.

Some AARP-participating hotels offer additional perks beyond the room discount. These may include free breakfast, free parking, late checkout, or room upgrades based on availability. Ask the front desk agent whether any of these perks are included with your AARP rate, as they are not always automatic and may depend on the specific property or booking date.

Combining AARP discounts with other offers

You generally cannot stack an AARP discount with other promotional codes or discounts offered by the hotel. Most hotels require you to choose one discount method. However, you can compare the AARP rate against other current promotions (such as a "book three nights, get one free" offer) and choose whichever saves you more money overall.

If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program, check whether your loyalty discount is better than the AARP rate. Some loyalty programs offer 10 to 15 percent discounts or free nights after a certain number of stays, which may exceed the AARP rate. Loyalty points also accumulate toward future stays, which can add value over time.

Military discounts, government employee discounts, and AAA membership discounts are separate from AARP rates. You will need to choose which discount applies to your booking. If you may have access to for multiple discounts, contact the hotel directly and ask which one provides the best rate for your specific stay.

AARP travel packages and group rates

Beyond individual hotel discounts, AARP offers travel packages that bundle hotels with car rentals, airfare, or guided tours. These packages are arranged through AARP's travel partners and may include additional savings or perks not available when booking separately. AARP's website lists current package offerings, which change seasonally.

AARP also negotiates group rates for members traveling together. If you are organizing a group trip with other AARP members, contact AARP's travel services to ask about group discounts. Group rates typically require a minimum number of rooms (often 10 or more) and advance booking, but can result in deeper discounts than individual member rates.

Travel insurance is sometimes included or offered at a discount as part of AARP travel packages. If you are concerned about cancellation or trip interruption, ask whether insurance is included in the package price or available as an add-on.

International hotel discounts for AARP members

AARP discounts extend to hotels in Canada, Mexico, and some European countries, though the number of participating properties is smaller than in the United States. The discount rates and participating chains vary by country. Before booking an international trip, check AARP's website or call AARP travel services to see which hotels in your destination participate in the program.

International bookings often require you to book through AARP's travel partners rather than directly with the hotel, because the hotel may not recognize an AARP membership card from the United States. AARP's travel booking tool allows you to search by country and destination, making it easier to find participating properties abroad.

Currency exchange rates and international taxes can affect the final price you pay, so the percentage discount may look different when converted to your home currency. Always review the final price in your currency before confirming an international booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a certain age to use AARP hotel discounts?

No. You must be an AARP member, and AARP membership is available to anyone 50 and older. Your age itself does not determine whether you can use the discount — your membership status does. If you are under 50 and a member of AARP (through a spouse or other arrangement), you can use the discounts.

What if the hotel says they do not have AARP rates available?

Some hotels participate in the AARP program but may not have availability at the AARP rate on your specific dates, or the property may be under new management and not yet updated in the AARP system. Ask the hotel to check their AARP agreement or call AARP travel services to confirm whether the property should honor the rate. If the hotel genuinely does not participate, you can ask about other senior discounts they may offer.

Can I use an AARP discount if someone else is paying for the room?

Yes. The person checking in must be an AARP member and present their membership card, but the person paying the bill does not need to be a member. Make sure the AARP member's name is on the reservation so there is no confusion at check-in.

Are AARP hotel discounts available year-round?

AARP discounts are available year-round at most participating hotels, but the discount percentage and availability may vary by season. Popular travel seasons and holidays sometimes have blackout dates or reduced discounts. Always check the specific dates you plan to travel before booking to confirm the rate applies.

What happens if I book a non-refundable rate and then want to cancel?

AARP discounts do not change the hotel's cancellation policy. If you book a non-refundable rate, you will not receive a refund if you cancel, regardless of whether you used an AARP discount. Always review the cancellation terms before confirming your booking, and consider purchasing travel insurance if you are uncertain about your plans.