When to Book a Hotel to Save Money
Hotel booking times vary widely, making it difficult to determine the optimal time. Statistics show that hotel rooms are cheapest 15 days before your stay.
A 2022 NerdWallet research of more than 2,500 hotel room rates from 2019 to the first half of 2021 found that 15-day bookings saved 13% compared to four-month bookings.
Last-minute Hotel Booking Risks
Last-minute appointments are hazardous but cheaper. If you reserve last minute, your desired hotel or all nearby hotels may be sold out.
Check your hotel room price after booking. If the price reduces, you can cancel without penalty (read the fine print before booking!) and rebook at the lower rate.
Picking the Right Day or Time to Book a Hotel
Despite price fluctuations, savings from day to day or hour to hour are small.
Consider the big picture when booking a hotel, choosing excellent windows two weeks to two to three months before your vacation, depending on the destination.