When is the Best and Worst Time to Book a Hotel?
If you're planning a trip, one of the biggest factors affecting your budget is accommodation. Hotel prices fluctuate constantly based on demand, location, and seasonality, making it tricky to determine the best time to book. But don’t worry—we've done the research for you! Here’s everything you need to know about when to book your stay to get the best possible deal. And make sure to read till the end for our exclusive travel hack to help you always score the cheapest price!
What Month Are Hotels the Cheapest?
The best months to book a hotel vary depending on the destination. Based on industry trends, here are the cheapest months for different locations:
September – Best for hotels in the United States
August – Offers the lowest rates for hotels in Europe
July – Typically the cheapest for international travel in general
Hotels often lower their prices during these months due to decreased demand following peak travel seasons. However, if you're planning to travel during major holidays or events—such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Spring Break—booking early is a must. Prices tend to skyrocket as the check-in date approaches, and waiting for last-minute deals during these peak seasons could leave you paying significantly more.
What Is the Best Day of the Week to Book a Hotel?
There’s a common belief that weekends are the best time to book hotels since people are actively making travel plans. However, our research suggests otherwise:
Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to book a hotel.
Why? Hotels often analyze their weekend booking trends and adjust their pricing at the beginning of the week. Many release new promotions and discounts on these days, making midweek the prime time to snag a great deal. Fewer people search for hotels during the middle of the week, which can also result in more competitive prices. So if you're serious about saving money, try booking your stay on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
When Should You Book an All-Inclusive Resort?
If you're planning to indulge in a luxurious all-inclusive resort, timing your booking correctly can make a huge difference in cost.
The best time to book an all-inclusive resort is 6-7 months before check-in.
Resorts often have the lowest prices around half a year before the stay date. As the check-in day gets closer, prices tend to increase gradually. However, there’s one exception: last-minute deals. Some resorts offer discounted rates about one to two weeks before check-in, but this isn’t guaranteed and is more common for destinations that have an abundance of available rooms. If you have a specific resort in mind, it’s best to book early rather than risk missing out or paying premium rates.
The Worst Time to Book a Hotel
While there’s no single time when hotel prices are at their absolute highest, there are a few general rules to keep in mind to avoid overpaying.
More than six months before your check-in date (except for resorts).
While it might seem logical to book early, hotel prices generally decrease as the check-in date approaches if rooms remain unsold. Booking too early can mean you’re locking in a higher rate than necessary.
One week or less before check-in.
While last-minute deals do exist, they aren’t reliable enough to count on. Hotels often raise prices within the last week before check-in, especially if demand is high. If you’re planning a trip, don’t wait until the last minute—chances are, you’ll pay more instead of snagging a great deal.
How to Track Hotel Prices & Always Get the Best Deal
Since hotel prices fluctuate daily, the best way to ensure you’re getting the lowest price is by tracking rates. But don’t worry—you don’t have to spend hours checking prices every day.
LuxeHotelDeals.com does the work for you! Simply fill out a quick travel form on our website, and we’ll notify you of the best deals based on your preferences. You can also browse our Hot Deals page to discover exclusive discounts and limited-time offers.
Want even more savings? Subscribe to our Hotels Subscription Newsletter, where we send out daily flight and hotel deals tailored to your preferred destinations. It’s a hassle-free way to stay updated and plan your trips affordably.
Final Thoughts
Scoring the best hotel deals is all about timing and strategy. Whether you’re booking a luxury resort or a budget-friendly stay, following these tips will help you save money and travel smarter. Remember:
Book hotels in the cheapest months for your destination.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to make a reservation.
All-inclusive resorts are cheapest 6-7 months in advance.
Avoid booking too early or too late unless you're chasing a last-minute deal.
With these strategies in mind, you’ll always get the best deals on hotels. Ready to start saving? Visit LuxeHotelDeals.com and let us find the best discounts for your next trip!
Happy travels and happy savings!