What AARP hotel discounts actually are

AARP negotiates discounts with hotel chains, not individual properties. When you book through an AARP-partnered hotel, you typically receive 5 to 10 percent off the standard room rate, though some chains offer more during certain seasons. The discount applies to your room only — meals, parking, and resort fees are usually separate.

You do not need to be an AARP member to use many of these discounts. Some hotels honor the rate for anyone over 50; others require you to show an AARP membership card at check-in. The discount is real money off the nightly rate, not a voucher or points system that expires.

The catch is that these rates are often lower than what you would find by calling the hotel directly, but not always lower than what you find on third-party booking sites like Kayak or Costco Travel. You have to compare before you book.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP hotel discounts range from 5 to 10 percent off and explore to room rate only, not meals or fees.
  • Some AARP discounts require membership; others are open to anyone 50 or older, so ask before you book.
  • The AARP Travel Center website lists participating hotels, but you should compare prices on other booking sites before committing.
  • Major chains like Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and Best Western participate, but availability and discount size vary by location and season.
  • Booking directly through AARP's site or calling the hotel's AARP line usually locks in the rate, but confirmation in writing protects you.

How to find and book an AARP hotel discount

Start at the AARP Travel Center (aarp.org/travel). You enter your destination, dates, and number of guests. The site shows hotels that offer AARP rates and displays the discounted price alongside the regular rate. You can filter by hotel chain, star rating, and amenities.

When you click on a hotel, the site tells you whether the discount requires AARP membership or is open to anyone 50 and older. Read this carefully — it determines whether you need to bring your card to check-in. The site also shows what is included: free breakfast, parking, or Wi-Fi sometimes come with the AARP rate at certain properties.

You can book directly through the AARP Travel Center, or the site will direct you to the hotel's website or a third-party booking engine. If you book through a third party, call the hotel's front desk after you reserve to confirm the AARP rate was applied. Hotels sometimes default to a higher rate and require a phone call to correct it.

Which hotel chains participate

Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, Sleep Inn) offers 10 percent off for AARP members. Wyndham Hotels (Days Inn, Super 8, La Quinta, Ramada) offers 10 percent off for members. Best Western offers discounts that vary by location, usually 5 to 10 percent. Marriott Bonvoy members who are also AARP members receive a discount, though the size depends on the specific property and season.

Hilton, IHG (Holiday Inn, InterContinental), and Hyatt all have AARP partnerships, but discounts are smaller — often 5 percent — and availability is limited to certain locations. Independent hotels and regional chains rarely participate.

Participation changes. A hotel that offered AARP rates last year may not this year, or vice versa. Always check the AARP Travel Center for the current list rather than relying on memory.

Comparing AARP rates to other options

Before you book, search the same hotel on Kayak, Google Hotels, and the hotel's own website. Write down the nightly rate from each source. The AARP rate is worth using only if it is lower than what you find elsewhere.

Costco Travel (if you are a Costco member) sometimes undercuts AARP rates, especially on package deals that bundle hotel and car rental. AAA membership also includes hotel discounts that occasionally beat AARP's. Military discounts, senior rates from other organizations, and last-minute deals on hotel apps can all be cheaper than AARP.

The real advantage of AARP rates is consistency: you know the discount is locked in before you arrive, and you do not have to hunt for a promo code or worry that the rate will disappear. If the AARP price is within a dollar or two of the lowest price you found, the simplicity may be worth it.

What to do if you do not have an AARP membership

Many AARP hotel discounts are open to anyone 50 or older, even without membership. The AARP Travel Center clearly labels which rates require membership and which do not. If you see a hotel you like and the rate says "50+", you can book it and show your driver's license at check-in as proof of age.

If you want the membership-only rates, AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $24 per year after that. You can join online at aarp.org in about five minutes. The membership includes other discounts — on car rentals, restaurants, and retail — so the hotel discount alone may not justify the cost, but the full membership sometimes does.

If you are not interested in joining, stick to the 50+ rates. They are real discounts and do not require a card.

Fees and what the discount does not cover

The AARP discount applies to the nightly room rate only. Resort fees (often $15 to $30 per night at larger properties) are charged separately and are not discounted. Parking fees, pet fees, and incidental charges are also separate. Read the fine print on the booking page to see what fees explore to your specific hotel and room type.

Taxes are calculated on the discounted rate, so you save a small amount there too. Some AARP rates include breakfast or parking, but this varies by hotel and season. The booking page will tell you what is included before you confirm.

Cancellation policies are the same as the hotel's standard policy. AARP rates are usually non-refundable or have a shorter cancellation window than full-price bookings, so check the terms before you reserve.

Tips for getting the best rate

Book early. AARP rates are subject to availability, and popular hotels in busy seasons fill up quickly. Booking two to three months ahead gives you the best selection.

Call the hotel directly after you book online. Confirm that the AARP rate was applied and ask if any additional discounts are available for that specific date — sometimes front-desk staff can layer a discount or upgrade if you ask politely and the hotel is not fully booked.

Travel during shoulder season (spring and fall) rather than peak season (summer and holidays). AARP discounts are often larger during slower periods, and the base rates are lower anyway.

Check whether your credit card offers travel protections or points that might offset the discount. If your card gives you 2 percent cash back on all purchases, a 5 percent AARP discount plus 2 percent cash back is better than a 10 percent AARP discount with no points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to use AARP hotel discounts?

No. Many AARP rates are open to anyone 50 or older. The AARP Travel Center website tells you which rates require membership and which do not. If the rate says "50+", you can book it and show your driver's license at check-in. If it says "AARP members only", you need to show a membership card.

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

Do not book through AARP. Use the cheaper option. AARP rates are negotiated discounts, not the lowest possible price. Third-party booking sites, hotel apps, and other discount programs sometimes beat AARP. Always compare before you commit.

Can I use an AARP discount if I book through a travel agent?

It depends on the travel agent. Some travel agents can access AARP rates; others cannot. Ask your travel agent directly whether they can book AARP discounts. If they cannot, book through the AARP Travel Center yourself or call the hotel's AARP line directly.

What happens if I arrive and the AARP rate was not applied to my reservation?

Tell the front desk when ready. Bring your confirmation email and your AARP card or driver's license. The hotel should adjust the rate at check-in. If they refuse, ask to speak to a manager. Having your confirmation in writing (email or printed) makes this easier to resolve.

Do AARP hotel discounts work internationally?

AARP has partnerships with some hotels outside the United States, but availability is limited. The AARP Travel Center website shows which international properties participate. Discounts are usually smaller abroad, and you should compare with local booking sites and international hotel chains' own senior rates.