Hotel prices are famously unpredictable. One day a room costs $180, the next it drops to $125—or spikes to $300. With flexible cancellation and deal-finding tools available to travelers, the question remains: is it better to book last minute or far in advance?
The answer depends on where you’re going, when you’re traveling, and how much flexibility you have. Here’s a closer look at the pros, cons, and strategies for both booking styles.
When booking far in advance pays off
If you’re traveling during peak seasons, holidays, or major events (like New Year’s Eve in New York or a conference in Las Vegas), early booking is essential. Popular hotels in busy destinations often fill up fast, and prices tend to rise as demand increases.
Benefits of booking in advance:
- Better availability for top-rated properties
- More choice in room type, bed size, and views
- Opportunity to use loyalty points before blackout dates
- Time to monitor price drops and rebook if your rate is refundable
Major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt often offer refundable rates that allow you to cancel and rebook at a lower price if rates drop later.
When last-minute hotel deals shine
If you’re open to where you stay—or traveling during off-peak times—last-minute booking can lead to serious savings. Hotels often reduce rates within 48–72 hours of check-in to fill unbooked rooms. This is especially true for business-heavy hotels on weekends and leisure-focused hotels during weekdays.
Apps like HotelTonight and Priceline Express Deals specialize in last-minute inventory, offering discounted rates on quality properties.
Advantages of last-minute booking:
- Deep discounts on unsold rooms
- Potential upgrades if hotel occupancy is low
- Great for spontaneous or flexible travel plans
Hybrid approach: book early, but monitor prices
One of the best strategies is to book a refundable rate in advance, then use tools like Hopper or Pruvo to track price changes. If the price drops before your trip, cancel and rebook at the lower rate.
Some travelers also use cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fluz to maximize value. For example, you can earn cashback with a Marriott gift card or get rewards with a Hilton gift card to reduce net cost even if the base price doesn’t drop.
Type of destination matters
- Urban centers: Last-minute deals are more common due to high competition and inventory
- Beach resorts or remote locations: Early booking is safer due to limited supply
- Conference or event-heavy cities: Early booking is crucial around big events
What about loyalty rewards?
Remember that loyalty programs usually only award points for bookings made directly through the hotel—not via third-party sites or flash deal platforms. If you want to maintain status with Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, or World of Hyatt, early direct bookings are the safest bet.
Conclusion
If you’re traveling during a busy period or have specific needs, book early and lock in a flexible rate. If your plans are loose and you enjoy chasing a bargain, last-minute deals can offer surprising value. Either way, stacking hotel bookings with cashback rewards—like when you earn cashback with a Hyatt gift card—can boost your savings whether you book now or later.
