Where to Find AARP Hotel Discounts

AARP member discounts at hotels are real, but they are not available everywhere and the discount amount varies by chain, location, and season. The most reliable way to find them is to call the hotel directly and mention your AARP membership number, or to book through the AARP Travel Center website, which lists participating properties and their current rates.

Major chains that consistently offer AARP discounts include Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion), Wyndham (La Quinta, Days Inn, Super 8), Best Western, Marriott properties, and Hilton properties—though not every location in these chains participates. Independent hotels and smaller regional chains rarely advertise AARP rates, but some will honor them if you ask.

The discount is typically 5 to 10 percent off the standard room rate, though some promotions offer more during slower seasons. The catch is that the base rate you are starting from matters: a 10 percent discount on a $60 room is $6, not the same savings as 10 percent off a $150 room. Always compare the AARP rate to what you would pay through other booking sites before you book.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP discounts are available at major chains like Choice Hotels, Wyndham, Best Western, Marriott, and Hilton, but not at every location within those chains.
  • The AARP Travel Center website shows which properties participate and what their current AARP rates are, making it the fastest way to check availability.
  • Discounts typically range from 5 to 10 percent off the room rate, and the actual dollar savings depends on the base price of the room.
  • Calling the hotel directly and mentioning your AARP membership often works even if the property does not advertise the discount online.
  • AARP rates are not always the lowest available—compare them to standard booking sites and promotional rates before you reserve.

How to Book Using Your AARP Membership

The AARP Travel Center (part of the AARP website) is the primary booking tool for AARP hotel discounts. You enter your destination, dates, and membership number, and the site shows you participating hotels and their AARP rates side by side. You can book directly through the site or be redirected to the hotel's own booking page.

If you prefer to book by phone, call the hotel's main number and ask the reservations desk whether they honor AARP rates. Have your membership number ready. Some hotels will quote you the AARP rate over the phone but require you to mention it again at check-in to receive the discount.

A third option is to call the hotel chain's central reservations line and mention your AARP membership. They can often explore the discount across their system, though the discount may not appear in the confirmation email—ask them to note it in your reservation.

Which Hotel Chains Participate Most Consistently

Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, Sleep Inn) offers AARP discounts at most U.S. locations. The discount is typically 10 percent off the best available rate, though it varies by property and date.

Wyndham Hotels (La Quinta, Days Inn, Super 8, Ramada) participates widely, with discounts usually in the 5 to 10 percent range. La Quinta and Days Inn tend to have more consistent AARP availability than some other Wyndham brands.

Best Western offers AARP discounts at many franchised locations, though because Best Western properties are independently owned, not all participate. The discount is usually 10 percent off the standard rate.

Marriott (including Courtyard, Residence Inn, and other brands) honors AARP rates at many properties, though the discount amount and availability vary by location and season. Marriott Bonvoy members sometimes see better rates through their loyalty program than through AARP.

Hilton (including DoubleTree, Hampton, and Hilton Garden Inn) offers AARP discounts at participating locations, typically 5 to 10 percent off. Hilton Honors members may find loyalty discounts more valuable.

What to Check Before You Book

The AARP rate is not always the lowest rate available. Before you book, search the same hotel on a standard booking site like Google Hotels, Booking.com, or the hotel's own website to compare. Some hotels run promotions—such as "book three nights, get the fourth free"—that may beat the AARP discount.

Check the cancellation policy on the AARP rate. Some AARP bookings are non-refundable or have stricter cancellation windows than standard rates. This matters if your travel plans might change.

Verify that the AARP discount applies to the room type you want. Some properties limit AARP rates to standard rooms only, not suites or premium categories. If you need a specific room type, ask the reservations desk whether the AARP rate covers it.

Ask whether the AARP rate stacks with other discounts or loyalty programs. Most hotels will not combine an AARP discount with a promotional code or a loyalty member rate—you have to choose one. If you are a frequent guest at a chain, your loyalty discount might be larger than the AARP rate.

When AARP Discounts Are Most Valuable

AARP discounts tend to be most useful during slower travel seasons—weekdays in winter, shoulder seasons in spring and fall—when base rates are already lower and the percentage discount translates to real savings. A 10 percent discount on a $50 room is meaningful; a 10 percent discount on a $200 room during peak season may not be.

If you are staying multiple nights, ask whether the hotel offers a multi-night AARP rate that is lower than the nightly rate. Some properties discount the second and subsequent nights more steeply for AARP members.

AARP discounts are also useful if you are booking a hotel that does not run frequent promotions or does not have a strong loyalty program. Budget chains like Days Inn and La Quinta, which have fewer moving parts, often make the AARP rate their best available rate.

Hotels That Do Not Typically Offer AARP Discounts

Luxury chains and high-end independent hotels rarely advertise AARP discounts. Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and similar properties do not participate in AARP programs. If you are staying at a luxury property, your best savings usually come through loyalty programs or direct negotiation with the hotel.

Boutique hotels and independent properties vary widely. Some will honor AARP rates if you ask; others do not participate at all. Call ahead to ask rather than assuming.

Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO do not offer AARP discounts through the platform itself, though individual hosts may negotiate rates if you contact them directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to book through the AARP website to get the discount?

No. You can book directly with the hotel, call the chain's reservations line, or use the AARP Travel Center. The discount is the same regardless of how you book, as long as you mention your membership number and the hotel participates.

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

Some properties do not participate, or the AARP rate may be sold out while other rates remain available. Ask whether they will honor the AARP rate as a courtesy, or move to a different hotel in the same chain. If you are a Marriott or Hilton Honors member, your loyalty rate might be better anyway.

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

Yes. You do not have to be the one making the payment or the one whose name is on the credit card. You only need to be present at check-in with your AARP membership card or membership number to confirm the discount.

Do AARP discounts explore to resort fees or taxes?

No. The AARP discount applies to the room rate only. Resort fees, parking, taxes, and other charges are separate and are not discounted. Ask the hotel to break down the total cost so you know what you are paying for.

Is the AARP discount better than booking directly on the hotel website?

Not always. Compare the AARP rate to the hotel's own website and to other booking sites. Sometimes the hotel's direct website has a better rate, a loyalty promotion, or a package deal that beats the AARP discount.