Hey everyone,
I’m planning a trip and wondering about the best time to book a hotel for the best rates. Is it better to book far in advance, or can I score better deals last-minute? Any tips or tricks you’ve picked up along the way?
The best time to book a hotel is typically 15 days before your stay, as prices are often lower then. However, during busy travel periods like holidays, it’s better to book in advance. For vacation spots like the Caribbean, book 2-3 months ahead. Always check for free cancellation options.
As a hotel Director of Sales/Groups, I know hotel prices change based on demand, not booking time. For better rates, look for coupons or seasonal offers on social media or email lists. Contact the front desk or the sales director for exceptions, especially if your group fills a room block.
1 Like
For wedding bookings, secure a room early to get special discounts, as they book up fast. Hotels reserve these rooms for wedding guests but release any remaining rooms at full price 3 days before the event. For other hotels, booking the night before can yield good rates, but be cautious as prices may rise if you wait too long. Set a Google alert for price drops, but don’t wait until the last minute if you’re not using a wedding discount.
Fridays and Saturdays are often the cheapest days to book hotels. There are ways to find even lower prices.
Lots of hotels are requiring 48 hour cancellation now. We got burned by that one a couple months ago. Our event got canceled 46 hours before their deadline. No refund. Most reservations I have tried to book lately were only fully refundable outside the 48 hour window now, even for the big chains. When the event got rescheduled, I checked for overall availability in the area leading up to the event. It was pretty open so we called when we got into town. We got a discount over the online price by calling or stopping by the front desk and asking on the day of check in. YMMV
If you get a military discount, they have been checking IDs. We have had 2 domestic stays in the past 2 months and both places asked for ID.
Generally, the sooner you book, the cheaper it tends to be. Hotel rooms are like any other product; the fewer there are available, the higher the price goes. However, it’s a good idea to avoid non-refundable bookings. It’s better to have the option to change your dates or cancel without losing your money.