If you are fond of traveling and are about to book a hotel for your trip, then the first question is often “What is the best time to book a hotel?” Many people believe that if you book at the right time, then you can get the cheapest rates. But is this true? Does time really have so much impact on hotel booking? In this article, we will know in detail which is the best day to book a hotel, why it matters, and some important tips, with which you can get the best offer according to your budget.
Importance of Timing
Booking a hotel is not like booking a flight. If we talk about flights, it is often said that booking tickets on Monday or Tuesday is cheaper. But in the case of hotel booking, this rule is the opposite.
According to Samantha Brown, travel expert and two-time Emmy-winning host of PBS’s “Places to Love”,
“Generally avoid booking hotels early in the week, Monday through Wednesday. This is peak time because most people plan their trips and demand is high. As the week goes on, demand decreases and hotels reduce room rates. Hotel rates are usually low on Fridays and Saturdays and these are the best days to book hotels.”
Hotel bookings are more flexible than flights. Many hotel channels do not require you to pay in advance. In most cases, you can also cancel without penalty. But it is important to know what the cancellation policy is before booking.
Is It Right to Book Too Early?
Many people think that if you book a hotel too early, you will get the cheapest rate. But this is not always true.
“There’s a saying in travel advisor circles—’Reserve early, book late.'” That means you can reserve a hotel as soon as you know your travel dates. This is especially true if the hotel is within your budget and has all the amenities you want.
But keep looking for better deals even after you book. The best rates often start popping up two weeks before your trip. One of Samantha Brown’s favorite apps is “Hotel Tonight,” which she has used several times to find last-minute hotel rooms.
Brown says, “I’ve had to use the app several times because of flight cancellations or sudden changes to my itinerary. The rates are great and the hotels are great. I always think about using it for a spontaneous romantic weekend in New York for me and my husband—it may not actually happen, but the dream is free.”
Supply and Demand Effects
The biggest fact about hotel bookings is that prices are driven by supply and demand. There’s a myth that hotels will always be cheaper if you book earlier.
Colleen Carswell, a former hotel sales director and now a hotel solutions strategist, says,
“Most of the time, you can actually save more money if you book last minute. The main goal of hotels is to fill rooms. If there are still rooms available at your destination, hotels may lower rates to sell out their inventory.”
But keep in mind that supply and demand work both ways:
- If a hotel has high demand and low rooms, rates will increase.
- This typically happens during holidays, festivals, big events, marathons, political rallies, or sporting events.
Carswell advises, “Check the city’s event calendar before booking a hotel. This will give you an idea of both prices and crowds.”
The BE-CALM Formula
Carswell offers a simple formula for controlling hotel rates—BE-CALM: Book Early, Check Again Last Minute.
It stands for:
- Early Booking: Reserve the hotel early.
- Check Again: Check online at the last minute to see if a better rate is available.
If you find a better rate, cancel your old booking and book a new one. If not, no need to worry—you’ve already found the best deal for your budget.
Book Directly with the Hotel
Hotels often offer additional benefits for booking directly, such as room upgrades, late check-out, or other offers.
Claudine Hart, Marketing Director, reStays Ottawa, says,
“Many times you’ll get the best rate and extras when you book directly with the hotel. Ask online or by calling if there are any special offers if you book directly.”
Importance of Flexibility
Not just the day and time, but also the dates of your travel affect the price.
Amaury Piedra, Managing Director, Caribe Royale Orlando Resort, says,
“If your travel dates are flexible, most hotel booking engines show a calendar showing rates for different dates. Always keep price and value in mind and look for special hotel offers. Sometimes the best deals are found in value-packed packages.”
Tips for Hotel Booking
- Book on weekends: Fridays and Saturdays are likely to be cheaper.
- Understand the cancellation policy: Always know what the cancellation rules are before booking.
- Follow the BE-CALM formula: Book early and check for better rates at the last minute.
- Book directly with the hotel: To get additional benefits and offers.
- Be flexible with dates: Book on empty rooms and less busy days, you can get cheaper rates.
- Check the city’s event calendar: Rates may be higher during festivals, marathons, and big events.
Conclusion
Right timing, flexibility, and research are very important to get the cheapest rates in hotel booking. Always remember that supply and demand determine rates. By following the BE-CALM formula, you can get the best hotel rate as per your budget.
With the right time, right place, and right strategy, your hotel booking experience can become easy, affordable, and stress-free.
