Hotel costs are one of the largest expenses in a cheer competition season. With some events requiring you to book through an official housing portal and others leaving you to find your own lodging, the strategy changes depending on which situation you are in. This guide breaks down how to reduce your hotel costs without putting your team's eligibility at risk.
Book Early — Always
At competition hotels — whether booking through an official portal or independently — inventory is limited and rates rise as the event approaches. Teams competing at large events like Cheersport Nationals, Spirit Cheer Grand Nationals, or Spirit Fest Grand Nationals fill entire city blocks of hotel inventory months in advance.
For stay-to-play events: the moment the housing portal opens, log in and book. Block rates do not improve with time. Waiting even one or two weeks can leave you with rooms that are farther from the venue, less convenient, or at the top of the rate tier.
For events without stay-to-play requirements: set a rate alert on Google Hotels or Kayak for hotels near the venue as soon as you know your competition schedule. Book when you find a rate you can live with. Hotels near major convention centers and arenas in competition-heavy cities (Atlanta, Orlando, Atlantic City, Dallas) will see prices spike 4–8 weeks before large events.
Coordinate a Team Room Block
Even at non-stay-to-play events, many hotels offer discounted group rates for blocks of 10 or more rooms. If your gym has enough families traveling, the head coach or a team parent coordinator can contact hotels near the venue directly to request a room block quote.
Group blocks usually require: — A minimum number of rooms (often 8–10) — A commitment date by which rooms must be booked — A contract (sometimes) with a designated cutoff date
The discount varies but is typically 10–20% off the best available rate. For a 3-night stay, this adds up meaningfully across multiple rooms. Gym directors who have negotiated this before can share their experience — it is worth a conversation before booking individually.
Room-Sharing Strategies
Splitting a hotel room is the single most effective way to cut lodging costs. A standard two-queen hotel room at $200/night split between two families is $100/family — or $300 total for a 3-night stay versus $600 individually.
Practical tips: — Coordinate room-sharing early (before the portal opens, not after rooms are scarce) — Book one room under one reservation to guarantee you're at the same property — Decide in advance on ground rules (early morning routines, food in the room, quiet hours) — Book a room with two queen beds, not two doubles — more comfortable for 4 adults
Suites with a separate living area and sofa bed are another option if you need more space. Suite rates are higher per room but often less expensive than two separate rooms when divided between two families.
Loyalty Programs: Earn Points Even on Block Bookings
If your stay is through an official event housing portal, the hotels in the block are typically name-brand properties (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG). Many — though not all — award loyalty points for stays booked through third-party housing systems.
At check-in, give the front desk your loyalty number and ask whether the stay is eligible for points. If the hotel confirms points eligibility, you can earn meaningful points over a full season. Several competition families report earning enough Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points over a 10-event season to cover a free night or two for vacation.
If you are booking independently (non-stay-to-play event), always book directly through the hotel chain's own website or app to ensure full points credit. Third-party sites like Expedia or Hotels.com either do not award points or award at a reduced rate.
When Stay-to-Play Applies: What You Can and Cannot Do
Stay-to-play means you must book through the official portal. There is no loophole, and violating the policy risks your team's eligibility to compete. However, within the system, there are things you can control:
Choose your hotel strategically. Most housing portals offer multiple hotel options at different price points and distances from the venue. A hotel that is a 5-minute drive away is sometimes meaningfully cheaper than the one across the street from the convention center.
Book the minimum number of nights required. Some events require you to book a minimum number of nights (often matching the event's duration). Do not book extra nights through the portal if you can check in the night before through a separate reservation at a different (non-stay-to-play) hotel nearby.
Ask your gym whether the team is coordinating a block. A gym that negotiates a team block within the housing system often gets preferential room assignment at a single property — cleaner logistics and sometimes access to a dedicated hotel area for the team.
Alternative Savings When Stay-to-Play Does Not Apply
If the competition does not require official housing:
Consider vacation rental properties (Airbnb, Vrbo) for larger family groups. A 3-bedroom house or apartment near the venue can be significantly cheaper per person than multiple hotel rooms when you factor in a kitchen (no eating out for every meal) and laundry access (pack less).
Look at hotels slightly off the beaten path. A property that is a 10–15 minute drive from the venue but outside the immediate convention district is often 20–40% cheaper. Pair with a reliable parking situation or rideshare, and the math often works in your favor.
Use credit card travel portals if you have a travel rewards card. Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum, and Capital One Venture X all have hotel portals that can deliver meaningful savings or credits, and some still award points on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AAA discount at competition hotels?
If you are booking independently at a non-stay-to-play event, yes — AAA discounts apply to direct hotel bookings. If you are booking through an official event housing portal, the portal sets the rates and AAA discounts cannot be stacked on top. Always ask, but do not count on it at stay-to-play events.
Is it ever worth staying farther away to save money?
Sometimes, but account for the full cost. A hotel 30 minutes away might be $50/night cheaper, but if you add fuel, parking at the venue, and the stress of a longer drive on competition morning (especially if you have an early warm-up slot), it may not be worth it. Proximity to the venue has real value on competition day.
What is the typical hotel stay length for a competition?
For 1-day competitions: families often drive in the morning and drive home after, skipping the hotel entirely. For 2-day competitions: 2 nights is standard (arrive Friday, compete Saturday and Sunday, leave Sunday evening or Monday). For large end-of-season championships: stays can be 4–7 nights, particularly at events at Disney or large convention centers.
Can coaches and staff book at different hotels than the athletes?
Yes — coaches are not typically required to stay at the same property as families, even at stay-to-play events. The policy governs competing team members (athletes and their traveling families), not necessarily the coaching staff. Confirm with the specific event's housing policy.
More Travel Guides
Stay-to-Play Housing for Cheer Competitions, Explained
Your First Cheer Competition: A Parent's Survival Guide
Competing this season?
Get your squad ready with custom uniforms, warmups, and bows from KC Exclusives. See pricing → or explore what we make →