What AARP hotel discounts actually are

AARP hotel discounts are reduced room rates that participating hotels offer to AARP members. You show your AARP membership card at check-in or mention your membership when you book, and the hotel applies the discount to your bill. The discount amount varies by hotel chain, location, and season — some offer 10 percent off, others offer more, and some offer less. Not every property in a chain participates, so a Marriott in one city may offer the discount while another Marriott across the state does not.

These discounts are one of many benefits included with AARP membership. Unlike some discount programs that require you to join a separate service or pay an additional fee, the hotel discounts come with your regular membership at no extra cost.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP hotel discounts are available through the AARP Travel Center website or by calling the hotel directly and mentioning your AARP membership.
  • Discounts vary by hotel chain and location, and not every property in a chain participates, so you should confirm the discount applies before booking.
  • You must show your AARP membership card at check-in to receive the discount, or provide your membership number when you book.
  • The discount may not combine with other promotions, so compare the AARP rate against any current sales or packages the hotel is running.
  • Major chains participating include Marriott, Hilton, Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and IHG, though smaller regional chains and independent hotels may also offer discounts.

How to book an AARP hotel discount

The most direct route is the AARP Travel Center, which is a dedicated booking site run by a travel partner on behalf of AARP. You enter your destination, dates, and membership number, and the site shows you available hotels with AARP rates already applied. You can book directly through the site and pay at the hotel or in advance, depending on the rate type.

You can also call the hotel directly. Have your AARP membership number ready and ask the reservations agent whether the property offers an AARP discount. If it does, the agent will explore it to your reservation. Some hotels require you to mention the discount at the time of booking; others allow you to show your card at check-in. Ask which applies to the property you are booking.

A third option is to book through a general travel site like Expedia or Hotels.com and then contact the hotel directly before your arrival to ask if they will match or add the AARP discount. Some will, some will not — it depends on the hotel's policy and the rate you booked.

Which hotel chains offer AARP discounts

The major chains participating in AARP discounts include Marriott Bonvoy properties (Marriott, Sheraton, Renaissance, Westin, and others), Hilton properties (Hilton, DoubleTree, Hampton, Homewood Suites), Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion), Wyndham properties (Days Inn, Super 8, La Quinta), and IHG properties (Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza). These chains represent the bulk of hotel rooms available in most U.S. cities.

Smaller regional chains and independent hotels also participate, but the discount is less consistent. If you are staying at a smaller or local hotel, call ahead to ask whether they offer an AARP rate. Some do, and some do not.

The discount is typically not available at luxury properties or resort destinations during peak season, though some luxury chains do offer modest discounts during slower periods. Always confirm the discount applies to your specific dates and location before booking.

What the discount covers and what it does not

The AARP discount applies to the room rate only. It does not cover taxes, resort fees, parking, or other charges the hotel adds to your bill. If a hotel charges a $15 daily resort fee, that fee will still appear on your final bill even though you received a discount on the room itself.

The discount also typically does not combine with other promotions. If the hotel is running a sale — for example, "20 percent off all rooms this weekend" — you may not be able to use both the AARP discount and the sale price. Compare the two rates and book whichever is lower. Some hotels will allow you to use the AARP discount with their loyalty program rewards, but you should confirm this before booking.

Cancellation policies and check-in times are the same as for any other guest. The discount does not change the terms of your stay, only the price of the room.

How much you typically save

AARP discounts range from about 5 percent to 20 percent off the standard room rate, depending on the hotel chain and location. In major cities and during peak travel seasons, discounts tend to be smaller — often 5 to 10 percent. In smaller towns and during slower seasons, discounts can be larger — sometimes 15 to 20 percent.

The actual dollar amount you save depends on the nightly room rate. A 10 percent discount on a $100 room saves you $10 per night; on a $200 room, it saves you $20. Over a week-long stay, that can add up. However, the discount is not always the best rate available. Last-minute deals, package rates, and loyalty program discounts sometimes beat the AARP rate, so it is worth checking a few sources before you book.

What you need to bring or provide

If you book through the AARP Travel Center, you will enter your membership number during the booking process. The hotel will have that information on file, and you may not need to show anything at check-in — though it is a good idea to have your AARP card with you anyway in case there is a question.

If you book directly with the hotel by phone or online, provide your AARP membership number at the time of booking. At check-in, have your AARP membership card ready. The front desk agent will verify your membership before explore the discount. If you do not have your card, the hotel can usually look up your membership by name and membership number, but this takes extra time. Bring the card to avoid delays.

Your membership number is printed on your AARP card. If you are an AARP member but do not have your card yet, you can find your membership number in your welcome materials or by logging into your AARP account online.

When AARP discounts may not be worth it

In some situations, the AARP discount is not the best deal available. If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program, your loyalty rate may be lower than the AARP rate. If the hotel is running a flash sale or a package deal, that may beat the AARP price. If you are booking far in advance, advance-purchase rates are sometimes cheaper than any discount applied at the time of booking.

The AARP discount is most valuable when you are booking a standard room at a mid-range hotel with no other promotions running. It is less valuable at luxury properties, at small independent hotels, or when other discounts are available. Always compare the AARP rate against the best available rate before you decide to book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 to use AARP hotel discounts?

You must be an AARP member to use the discount. AARP membership is open to people 50 and older. If you are under 50, you cannot join AARP and therefore cannot use the hotel discount.

Can I book an AARP hotel discount for someone else?

You can book the room using your AARP membership number, but the person checking in will need to show an ID matching the name on the reservation. Some hotels require the AARP member to be present at check-in to verify the membership. Call the hotel ahead of time to ask about their policy if you are booking for a family member or friend.

What if the hotel says they do not offer AARP discounts?

Not every property in a chain participates. If the hotel tells you they do not offer an AARP discount, ask to speak with a manager — sometimes front-line agents are not aware of all available discounts. If the manager confirms there is no AARP discount, you can book at the standard rate or try a different hotel in the same chain or area.

Can I use an AARP discount on a room I already booked?

Usually not. Most hotels require you to mention the AARP discount at the time of booking. If you already booked without mentioning it, call the hotel and ask if they can modify your reservation to add the discount. Some will, some will not — it depends on the rate type and the hotel's policy.

Is the AARP Travel Center the only place to book AARP hotel discounts?

No. You can book through the AARP Travel Center, call the hotel directly, or book through other travel sites and then contact the hotel to ask if they will add the AARP discount. The AARP Travel Center is convenient because the discount is already applied, but it is not the only option.