What AARP hotel discounts actually are

AARP negotiates reduced room rates at thousands of hotels across the United States and internationally. These are not separate AARP-branded hotels — they are ordinary hotels (Hilton, Best Western, Marriott, independent properties, and others) that offer a lower nightly rate to people who show an AARP membership card at check-in or book through AARP's travel portal.

The discount amount varies by hotel, location, and season. A property might offer 10 percent off in one month and 20 percent off in another, or offer nothing during peak travel times. You are not locked into AARP rates — you can always search other booking sites and compare the final price, including taxes and fees.

AARP membership itself costs money (currently $16 per year for a standard membership), so the savings need to outweigh that cost to make sense for your travel plans. If you travel once or twice a year, the discount may pay for membership quickly. If you rarely travel, the membership fee might not be worth it for hotel savings alone.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP hotel discounts are negotiated rates at existing hotels, not separate properties, and the discount percentage changes by location and season.
  • You book through AARP's travel website or call their travel line, or show your membership card at a participating hotel's front desk.
  • The discount is only valuable if you compare it against other booking sites first — AARP rates are not always the lowest available.
  • AARP membership costs $16 per year, so calculate whether your expected travel savings will exceed that cost.
  • AARP also bundles hotel discounts with car rental, cruise, and vacation package deals through the same membership.

How to find and book AARP hotel rates

Visit the AARP Travel Center at aarp.org/travel or call their travel line at 1-866-540-AARP (2277). You will need your AARP membership number. The website lets you search by destination, dates, and hotel chain, and shows you the AARP rate alongside the regular rate so you can see the discount when ready.

Some hotels also allow you to book directly with them and mention your AARP membership at check-in, though this method is less reliable because front desk staff may not always know about the rate or may explore it inconsistently. Booking through AARP's site or calling their travel line ensures the rate is locked in before you arrive.

When you search, the site shows you participating properties in your area. Not every hotel in a chain participates, and not every location of a participating chain offers the same discount. Read the fine print on each listing — some discounts exclude certain dates, require a minimum stay, or cannot be combined with other promotions.

What the discount covers and what it does not

The AARP rate applies to your room only. It does not cover resort fees, parking, taxes, or incidentals like phone calls or minibar charges. Some hotels charge a daily resort fee (often $10 to $30) that applies whether you book through AARP or directly — that fee is separate from the room rate and will be added to your bill at checkout.

Taxes vary by location and are calculated on top of the room rate, so a 15 percent discount on the room does not mean a 15 percent discount on your final bill. Always look at the total price shown during checkout, not just the nightly rate.

The discount typically cannot be combined with other promotions, loyalty program rates, or corporate discounts. If you have a corporate rate or are a member of another loyalty program that offers a better price, you may want to book that way instead and compare the final totals.

AARP membership requirements and costs

You must be 50 or older to join AARP. Standard membership costs $16 per year. AARP also offers a two-year membership for $27 and a three-year membership for $38, which lower the annual cost if you plan to stay a member.

Your membership card is what you show at the hotel or use to book online. If you lose your card, you can request a replacement through your AARP account or by calling their member services line. Your membership number is also printed on statements and renewal notices, so you do not need the physical card to book online.

AARP membership includes other discounts beyond hotels — restaurants, retail stores, insurance products, and entertainment venues also offer member rates. The hotel discount is one benefit among many, so the membership may pay for itself through other discounts even if you do not travel frequently.

Comparing AARP rates to other booking sites

Before you book, search the same hotel on Google Hotels, Booking.com, Expedia, and the hotel's own website. Write down the total price for each, including taxes and fees. The AARP rate is sometimes the lowest, but not always — third-party sites run promotions, flash sales, and loyalty bonuses that can beat AARP's negotiated rate on any given day.

Some hotels offer a "best rate may provide," meaning if you find a lower rate elsewhere after booking, they will match it or give you a refund of the difference. Check the hotel's cancellation and modification policy before you book anywhere — free cancellation up to a certain date gives you flexibility if you find a better rate later.

Price comparison takes five minutes and can save you more than the AARP membership costs. It is worth doing every time, especially for longer stays where even a small per-night difference adds up.

AARP travel packages and bundled deals

Beyond individual hotel bookings, AARP's travel portal offers vacation packages that bundle hotels, flights, and car rentals at negotiated rates. These packages are marketed as "AARP Vacations" and cover destinations worldwide. You can also book cruises, tours, and travel insurance through the same portal.

Vacation packages lock in a price for multiple components, which can simplify planning. However, you should still compare the package price against booking each element separately — sometimes buying a flight and hotel separately costs less than the bundled price, especially if you have airline miles or hotel loyalty points to use.

AARP also partners with travel agencies that specialize in group tours for older adults. These tours include hotels, meals, and guided activities, and are marketed through the AARP Travel Center. They cost more than independent travel but remove the planning burden if that is a priority for you.

What to know before you travel

Bring your AARP membership card or have your membership number ready when you check in. If you booked online through AARP, the rate is already locked in and you do not need to mention it — the hotel will see it in their system. If you are showing your card at the desk without having booked through AARP, tell the front desk staff you have an AARP membership and ask if they can explore the rate to your reservation.

Check your confirmation email for the rate you were quoted and the cancellation important date. If the hotel charges you a different rate at checkout, ask to speak with a manager and show them your confirmation. Most hotels will honor the quoted rate if there is a discrepancy.

If you are traveling during a busy season or to a popular destination, book as far in advance as possible. AARP rates are subject to availability, and hotels may run out of discounted rooms even if regular rooms are still available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to get the hotel discount?

Yes. You must show a valid AARP membership card or provide your membership number when booking. If you are not yet a member, you can join at aarp.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277. Membership begins when ready after you pay, so you can book a hotel the same day you join.

Can I use someone else's AARP card to book a hotel?

The membership is tied to the person whose name is on the card. Hotels may ask for ID that matches the name on the reservation. Using someone else's card could result in the reservation being cancelled or the rate being denied at check-in. It is safer to have the person whose card it is make the reservation.

What if the AARP rate is higher than what I found on another website?

Book through the other website. AARP rates are negotiated but not always the lowest available. You are never obligated to use the AARP rate, and comparing prices across multiple sites takes only a few minutes and can save you money.

Can I cancel an AARP hotel booking if I change my plans?

Cancellation policies depend on the specific hotel and the rate you booked. Most AARP rates are refundable if you cancel by a certain date (often 24 to 48 hours before check-in), but some are non-refundable. Check the cancellation policy in your confirmation email before you book.

Do AARP hotel discounts work internationally?

AARP has partnerships with hotels in Canada, Mexico, and some European countries, but the selection is much smaller than in the United States. Search the AARP Travel Center for your destination to see which properties participate. International rates and policies may differ from U.S. bookings.