Are you planning a trip and wondering when is the best time to book a hotel? Do you want to save money and get the best deal on your accommodation? If so, you are not alone. Many travelers are looking for ways to optimize their hotel bookings and find the cheapest rates possible.
But there is no simple answer to this question. The best time to book a hotel depends on many factors, such as your destination, season, travel dates, hotel preferences, and booking platform.
Book Early, But Not Too Early
One of the most common advice you will hear is to book your hotel as early as possible. This is because hotel prices tend to increase as the travel date approaches, especially during peak seasons and popular events. By booking early, you can secure your room and avoid paying higher rates later.
However, booking too early can also backfire. Sometimes, hotels may lower their prices closer to the travel date to fill up their rooms or attract last-minute travelers. If you book too early, you may miss out on these deals and end up paying more than you need to.
So, how early should you book your hotel? The best time to book a hotel is one or two days before check-in or on the actual day you’re staying. In some cases, you can find rooms at as low as half the price of the original offer as this is when the cancellation policy window for most hotels is.
However, this strategy is not without risks. You may not find the hotel or room type you want, or you may end up paying more if the demand is high. Therefore, this approach is best suited for flexible and spontaneous travelers who are willing to take a chance and don’t mind where they stay.
Book on the Right Day of the Week
Another factor that can affect the hotel prices is the day of the week you book. According to a 2021 NerdWallet study, the best day of the week to book hotels is Thursday, with savings of 6% compared to the average price. The second best day is Friday, with savings of 2%.
The reason behind this is that hotels may adjust their prices based on the demand and supply of rooms. On weekdays, the demand is usually lower than on weekends, so hotels may offer lower rates to attract more customers. On weekends, the demand is higher, so hotels may charge more to maximize their profits.
However, this does not mean that you should always book your hotel on a Thursday or Friday. The best day of the week to book a hotel may vary depending on your destination, season, and travel dates. For example, if you are traveling to a business destination, you may find cheaper rates on weekends than on weekdays. Conversely, if you are traveling to a leisure destination, you may find cheaper rates on weekdays than on weekends.
Therefore, it is advisable to compare the hotel prices on different days of the week and see which one offers the best deal for your trip.
Book during the Off-Season
One of the most obvious ways to save money on your hotel booking is to travel during the off-season. The off-season is the period when the demand for travel is low, usually due to unfavorable weather, school schedules, or holidays. To maximize your savings, consider researching the best day to book a hotel anywhere in the world, as specific days may offer better deals and discounts. During this time, hotels may lower their prices to attract more customers and fill up their rooms.
The off-season varies depending on your destination, but generally, it is the opposite of the peak season. For example, if you are traveling to a tropical destination, the off-season may be during the rainy or hurricane season. If you are traveling to a ski destination, the off-season may be during the summer or fall.
However, traveling during the off-season also has some drawbacks. You may have to deal with bad weather, fewer attractions, or limited services. You may also have to compromise on your travel experience and comfort. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons of traveling during the off-season and decide if it is worth it for you.
Book with a Flexible Cancellation Policy
One of the best ways to optimize your hotel booking is to book with a flexible cancellation policy. This means that you can cancel your reservation without paying a penalty, usually up to a certain date before your arrival. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to change your plans or look for better deals later.
Booking with a flexible cancellation policy is especially useful if you are not sure about your travel dates, destination, or hotel preferences. You can book something early on, but keep your options open and monitor the hotel prices until the last minute. If you find a better deal, you can cancel your original booking and book the new one. If not, you can stick with your original booking and enjoy your stay.
However, booking with a flexible cancellation policy may not always be the cheapest option. Sometimes, hotels may offer lower rates for non-refundable bookings, which means that you cannot cancel or change your reservation without paying a fee. If you are confident about your travel plans and don’t mind the risk, you may opt for a non-refundable booking and save some money.
Book with a Reliable Booking Platform
Finally, one of the most important factors that can affect your hotel booking is the booking platform you use. There are many booking platforms available online, such as online travel agencies, hotel websites, metasearch engines, and opaque deal websites. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.
Online travel agencies (OTAs) are websites that offer a wide range of travel products and services, such as flights, hotels, car rentals, tours, and packages. They may offer discounts, rewards, or perks for booking with them, as well as customer service and support. However, they may also charge fees, commissions, or taxes, which can increase the final price of your booking.
Therefore, you should compare and contrast the different booking platforms and see which one offers the best value, convenience, and quality for your hotel booking.
Wrapping Up
Booking a hotel can be a tricky and time-consuming task, but it can also be rewarding and fun. By following these tips and tricks, you can find the best days to book hotels, determine the optimal time to secure accommodations for your next trip and save money and hassle. Remember, the best time to book a hotel depends on many factors, and you should always do your research and compare your options before making a decision.
