Is it better to book hotels early or late?

Figuring out the best time to book a hotel isn't an exact science — there's plenty of variation throughout the industry. But if we're looking at statistics, the lowest prices for hotel rooms are typically found just 15 days before your stay. Yes, last-minute bookings are (usually) better.



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If you're debating when to book your hotel On average, properties are about 13% cheaper when booked 15 days out versus four months out. The biggest difference in pricing comes from high-end hotels, which average nearly 22% cheaper.

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The best time to book hotels in the United States is during the same week of travel. Within the week before your stay, you'll see massive savings of around 21% cheaper than average. 1-2 weeks before your stay is the next cheapest time to book U.S. hotels, with average savings of 8%.

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Hotel prices are dynamic, fluctuating based on supply and demand — that means the price you see when you're searching for hotels one day might change the very next, even if the dates of your stay remain the same.

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Yes, last-minute bookings are (usually) better. A 2022 NerdWallet study analyzed more than 2,500 hotel room rates from 2019 through the first half of 2021 and found an average of 13 percent savings for those who booked 15 days in advance as compared to those who booked four months in advance.

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Do Hotel Prices Go Up Closer To The Date? Yes. Generally speaking, the longer you wait to book your hotel the higher the price. Availability contributes the most to the price increases.

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If you have a loyalty status with the chain then yes, it's probably cheaper to book directly. Also, sometimes hotel offer discounts to incentivize people to reserve with them in order to avoid paying fees to a 3rd party platform like Booking.com. But the reverse can also happen. So just check both and compare.

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Booking hotel rooms at the last minute could save you some serious money. Think of all the late-night pizza you can order with those savings! Hotels are pretty eager to get those unsold rooms filled by midnight, so they might just offer you a sweet discount.

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If it's feasible, wait until the day you need the hotel room to book it. The later in the day, the better. After 4 p.m., hotels know the odds of selling a room are pretty slim, so you're more likely to get an even lower rate. On average, the same-day rate of a hotel room is 10% cheaper than booking in advance.

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In the hotel industry, it's common for properties to be left with some unsold rooms at the end of a booking night. This can be a result of overbooking, cancellations, or just not enough demand. To maximize their profits, hotels can opt to give away unsold rooms through discounts, promotions, or even free nights.

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Yes, last-minute bookings are (usually) better. A 2022 NerdWallet study analyzed more than 2,500 hotel room rates from 2019 through the first half of 2021 and found an average of 13 percent savings for those who booked 15 days in advance as compared to those who booked four months in advance.

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Most hotels have 24-hour reception desks and will be able to accommodate your request. However, it is important to note that some hotels may require an early check-in fee or may not offer the same amenities as they would during regular business hours.

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It can also happen because hotels prefer people to book directly with them in order to avoid paying fees to Booking, so they might give a discount for reservations made on their website.

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Direct booking is a crucial component of the distribution mix for hoteliers because it helps them to increase revenue, improve guest experience, and reduce dependency on online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia and Booking.com.

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When you search for a hotel room on a travel website, does the website's software recognize you, and does it adjust the price display based on that recognition? A new report goes some way to answer that question. And the short answer is, “Yes, in some cases, but the price differences are generally small.”

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Airbnbs are usually cheaper than hotels for longer stays and large groups, but they don't offer the same services. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.

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Tips to Keep in Mind When Hiding Money in a Hotel Room
  • 1) Avoid Using the Hotel Room Safe.
  • 2) Always Lock Your Suitcase When Leaving the Room.
  • 3) Place a “Do Not Disturb” Sign Outside Your Room.
  • 1) Hide Valuables Under the Mattress.
  • 2) Place Cash Inside a Vent.
  • 3) Hide Money Inside a DVD Player, TV, or Air Conditioning Unit.


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With Expedia's Book Now Pay Later you don't pay for your rooms until you arrive at the property. Rooms booked in advance are guaranteed for your stay but are only paid for once you check in. If anything comes up to keep you from your vacation, you won't be charged for missing or modifying your reservations.

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If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot pay for your hotel stay, the best course of action is to communicate with the hotel management. Explain your situation and work with them to come up with a solution. Many hotels are willing to work with guests to find a payment plan or alternative solution.

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If you're staying at a hotel and using the Wi-Fi, you may be wondering if the hotel can track which websites you visit. The short answer is: Yes, hotels can easily see the sites you visit over their networks unless proper precautions are taken.

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