Hotel dining can feel like a convenience you can’t pass up, especially after a long day of travel or meetings. But it’s no secret: on-site restaurants and room service menus tend to come with steep prices. The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice convenience to save money. With a few smart strategies — and a little help from cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta — you can enjoy satisfying meals at your hotel without the sticker shock.

Here’s how to trim your hotel dining budget without feeling like you’re skimping.

Leverage Free Breakfast Whenever Possible

Many hotel chains, especially those catering to families and business travelers, include breakfast in their room rate. Brands like Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Fairfield Inn & Suites are known for hearty, complimentary breakfasts that can easily cover your morning meal.

Before you book, confirm whether breakfast is included — it’s an instant win for your budget. And remember, even if it’s not advertised, loyalty members often receive breakfast perks as part of their membership benefits.

Snack Smart with Local Markets

Instead of raiding the mini-bar or ordering pricey snacks from room service, pick up affordable options at a nearby market. Stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are great for healthy, ready-to-eat choices, while convenience stores can supply quick bites for late-night cravings.

To stretch your dollars even further, check out cashback apps. Use Rakuten for grocery delivery from select services, or Ibotta for cashback on popular snack brands at local stores. And before you head out, purchase a grocery store gift card through Fluz to earn instant cashback before you even swipe your card at checkout.

Skip Room Service (But Use the Fridge Wisely)

Room service might seem convenient, but the delivery fees and marked-up prices make it one of the most expensive ways to eat at a hotel. Instead, take advantage of your in-room refrigerator (if available). Stock it with beverages, yogurts, and easy meals like sandwiches or salads from nearby markets.

For longer stays, consider hotels with kitchenettes — like Homewood Suites by Hilton or Staybridge Suites — where you can prepare simple, budget-friendly meals right in your room.

Dine Local (and Stack Cashback Savings)

Exploring local restaurants not only gives you a taste of the area but also helps you avoid inflated hotel restaurant prices. Use dining-focused apps to find nearby spots with deals and reviews tailored to your tastes.

Before dining out, check Fluz to see if you can buy a restaurant gift card for instant cashback. Rakuten also features occasional offers for delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, making it easy to enjoy local flavors from the comfort of your hotel room — and still save.

Use Cashback Apps for Hotel Dining Charges Too

If you do decide to dine at the hotel restaurant, don’t forget you can still squeeze out some savings. Certain hotel loyalty programs let you earn points on dining charges, even if you’re not staying overnight. And if you’ve purchased a prepaid hotel gift card via Fluz, you can apply it to your dining bill at check-out for instant value.