What Is the Best Day to Book a Hotel? Here’s What Travel Experts Say

Between finding the best time to book a flight and scoring a deal on your car rental, nothing sweetens a vacation like landing a five-star hotel at a three-star price. And if you’re wondering when that magic moment happens, here’s your answer: Book your hotel on the right day. The best day to book a hotel can mean the difference between splurging on poolside cocktails or cutting corners on breakfast. That’s why finding the most competitive deals on accommodations and hotel rewards programs—whether for all-inclusive resorts on a beach, affordable mini vacations in the mountains or family-friendly vacations at the country’s best theme parks—is a critical part of travel planning. 

Just as it pays to know the best time to buy anything and the cheapest days to do anything, it’s also crucial to know when to book your hotel room (down to the day and time) if you want to get the biggest bang for your buck. That’s especially important today, with signs of inflation all around us.

“Significant factors, including jet fuel prices, fewer flights scheduled and two years of pent-up travel demand,” have all combined to drive up travel prices, according to Hayley Berg, an economist with the travel site Hopper. That’s reason enough to get strategic with your travel planning, waiting until the best time to book a hotel before you make your reservation. Read on for insider tips from Berg and five other travel pros that’ll help you save.

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What is the best day to book a hotel?

Many factors can determine the price of a hotel room, including a busy holiday season and increased demand from a major festival or sporting event. That said, there is some basic guidance on when to book for the ultimate hotel savings.

The best day of the week to book your hotel at the lowest rate is Monday for domestic travel and Tuesday for international travel, according to travel site Expedia. The research shows that the lowest average daily rate (ADR) for domestic accommodations tends to occur on Mondays, when travelers can save more than 15% compared with booking and staying on the most expensive day, Friday.

Leaving the country? For the cheapest international trips, book and stay on a Tuesday. You’ll save 10% compared with booking and staying on a Thursday, Expedia research says.

What is the best time to book a hotel?

Bargain hunters often say hotel prices go down at night. And they may be on to something.

Hotel prices change by the week, day or even the hour, due to on-demand and dynamic pricing systems.

“Hotels often greatly discount their overnight rates a few hours prior to check-in to get the occupancy rate up and an extra ‘head in a bed,’” says Yannis Moati, CEO of HotelsByDay. “The caveat is that you cannot be choosy with the specific hotel choice, as that first choice may be gone on a last-minute basis.”

If you can be flexible with your lodging, however, this hotel-booking secret can get you great deals.

How far in advance should you book a hotel?

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Booking at the last minute can save you money, says Berg. If you’re flexible with where you stay, you can save as much as 25% by booking the day before or the day of your stay.

But keep in mind that you will need to be flexible with hotel quality and amenities to get the best price at the last minute. Hotels typically lower prices on remaining inventory in the month prior to the check-in date, adds Berg.

Last-minute isn’t always best

A caveat to last-minute booking, says Berg: “If you’re looking to plan a getaway vacation over a several-night stay, you should plan to book at least three weeks in advance. Vacation destinations typically do not discount remaining inventory to the same degree that hotels in cities do.”

Book early for busy events

Hotel prices may drop closer to the check-in date, but only if rooms are still available. If you’re attending a popular event or heading to a sold-out show, don’t count on last-minute deals. Experts say the best time to book hotels in these cases is about 21 days in advance.

Use refundable rates to your advantage

Reserving a refundable hotel room provides you with flexibility. If the rates decrease substantially after you reserve, you can cancel and reserve again at the reduced rate. Just make sure you read the cancellation policy twice. And remember, no matter how much you pay for your room, there are things you really shouldn’t be asking hotel staff to do.

When should you check in for the best hotel rate?

It depends who you ask, but in general, weekdays are the best bet for your next vacation. Remember, the Expedia report found Monday check-ins led to the lowest prices for domestic travel, and Tuesday check-ins were cheapest for international travel. And data from travel site Kayak suggests that checking in on Tuesday and checking out on Thursday tends to offer more bargains when it comes to hotel rates.

Steer clear of peak days

No surprise here, but the weekend is prime time to be at a property, making Friday the most expensive check-in day and Sunday the most expensive day to check out. For hotels that specialize in business travel (or handle a lot of it), midweek tends to be the busiest—and the most expensive time to check in and out.

No matter when you arrive, do your best to be a respectful guest by avoiding these things you should never do in a hotel room.

What is the cheapest month to stay at a hotel?

The cheapest month to travel depends on the location. For example, Frommer’s travel guide points out that the most cost-effective months to visit New York City are January and February, when hotel prices plummet after the holidays. You might even be able to book a room for just under $100. Score! 

On the flip side, the winter and early spring months are among the most expensive to stay in Hawaiian cities, like Kaua’i and Oahu, as travelers try to escape the cold and snow.

Traveling during your destination’s off-season, whatever time of year that may be, can help you save on your next trip.

When is the worst time to book a hotel room?

Looking for a good deal? Hotels lower prices on remaining inventory in the month prior to the check-in date, so one of the worst times to book is just before this one-month cut-off date. But keep in mind that you will need to be flexible with the hotel property and amenities to get a good last-minute deal.

Avoid checking in on Black Friday, say the experts at Hopper. “Prices for Black Friday check-ins are higher than Thanksgiving itself,” says Berg. “In fact, you’ll pay an additional $50 [or more] to check in on Black Friday for a post-Thanksgiving weekend getaway.”

Why do hotel prices fluctuate so much?

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“Hotels typically increase their rates when demand is high,” says Melissa Dohmen, a spokesperson and lodging expert at Expedia Group, which operates Expedia and Hotels.com. That’s why prices can skyrocket during one season but drop during another. The law of supply and demand also leads prices to fluctuate daily—sometimes even more than once a day, says Audrey Fairbrother of Hotel Engine.

Dohmen says the peak of summer, when most people are looking for a beach getaway, is a prime example of a time when hotel rates will soar. To deal with this high season, “consider destinations outside of your usual vacation spots, and if you don’t have to stick to a specific travel date, book during non-peak travel times,” she advises. Mid-May and the latter part of August can be great times to save, she says, because seasonally high prices haven’t ramped up yet.

What are the best websites and apps for finding a better deal?

Here’s one travel tip that’ll help you save: Create a smartphone folder for your travel apps, then browse its contents when you’re on the hunt for great deals. It’s a smart first step, especially when it comes to booking affordable hotel stays.

Download the options below before your next trip.

Pruvo

If you’re concerned you may have pulled the trigger too early on your hotel room deal, this app is for you. Pruvo helps you find better deals on a room you’ve already booked (provided it has a free cancellation policy) and then helps you rebook it at a lower rate.

Hotel Tonight

For last-minute bookings, download the Hotel Tonight app, then turn on the location option to see what nearby hotels have last-minute availability—say, if you’re looking for a cheap place to stay during a road trip. These deals usually offer significant savings and the best possible price. You can also use the app to book a hotel in advance, but for the biggest discounts, you’ll want to wait until right before you need a place to lie down.

HotelsByDay

If you don’t need to stay in a hotel overnight but need a room for an afternoon, download HotelsByDay. The app allows you to rent hotel accommodations during the day to take advantage of the workspace, use the gym, relax after a trip to the spa, hang out before events or catch a nap before a late flight. Don’t forget to tip the hotel staff, even if you’re just there for the day.

Hotels.com

For a massive selection, head to Hotels.com, a website and app with more than a million properties to choose from. Join the loyalty program, and you’ll earn points toward future stays and unlock codes for 10% off.

In an InsureMyTrip analysis of hotel-booking sites, Hotels.com came out on top. It has what InsureMyTrip calls “the most cost-effective accommodation … cheaper than other websites in 331 instances.”

Expert tips that score you a better deal on your hotel room

• Check your points and miles. “Consumers are often sitting on a stockpile of credit card rewards—‘free’ money that can only be put to use if it is, in fact, used,” says Bankrate analyst Sarah Foster. She recommends using any credit card rewards points to fund some of your travel. Remember, points don’t accrue interest, so it’s better to use them than to keep them sitting in an account.
• Search for three-star hotels. Everyone loves a luxury stay at a four- or five-star hotel, but savvy travelers can find two- and three-star hotel gems that don’t skimp on style or experiences, says Hotels.com. Even better: These properties usually offer cost-saving perks, like free breakfast and parking. That may be why the site saw demand for three-star properties grow by 20% this year.
• Consider a last-minute booking strategy. If you are flexible and don’t mind waiting until the last minute—meaning 4 p.m. or later on the day you need a hotel—hold off on booking. You’ll be rewarded with great deals.
• Book ahead for holidays or big events. If you’re planning a large trip, don’t have much flexibility or have certain location or amenity requirements, book three to six months in advance to ensure you can get what you need.
• Look for sale seasons and special discounts. Pay attention to hotel promotions in regional areas, including New York City Hotel Week (January to February), when high-end hotels cut rates by as much as 25%. Also, browse membership programs like AARP for special rates and discount codes. 
• Go off-season. If you have your heart set on a high-cost city or resort, consider going during their off-season, when the demand is lower and so are the prices.
• Pay attention to refund policies. When possible, select a fully cancellable room and the most flexible refund option in case plans change. That way, you can cancel and rebook if prices go down.
• Book with the hotel directly. Hotel-booking websites, like TripAdvisor and Hotels.com, are an easy online way to figure out which hotels in your price range have open rooms. But here’s an inside tip: Once you’ve decided where to stay, book directly with the hotel. You’ll usually get the best deal (especially since many will match the best online price), and most hotels will assign the smallest rooms to those who book through discount sites.

The best hotel rewards programs

Hotels are one of the things you really should be paying for with a credit card. “Every major hotel chain has its own loyalty rewards program, which anyone can join for free,” says Alex Breen, a rewards analyst with WalletHub. “But these hotel rewards programs are not equally rewarding for everyone. They all have different rules, earning rates and point values, as well as a variety of unique benefits. Plus, a lot depends on where you travel, how often you stay in hotels and how much you’re comfortable spending.”

WalletHub compared the nine most popular hotel rewards programs using 21 key metrics and determined World of Hyatt is the best hotel loyalty program for travelers of all spending levels, earning an average WalletHub Score of 72 out of 100. The site also highlighted Wyndham Rewards, with an overall score of 65 out of 100 and one of the best policies for earning rewards. Sonesta Travel Pass (58 out of 100), Marriott Bonvoy (56 out of 100) and Hilton Honors (54 out of 100) all earned top spots. 

The bottom line

If you’re traveling within the United States, book and stay on a Monday for the best deals. Headed out of the country? Book and stay on a Tuesday for the ultimate savings. By booking at the right time, and possibly even waiting until the last minute, you may see significant savings on your hotel getaway.

Keep in mind that the cost of a hotel room depends on a lot of factors beyond the day and time you book. Knowing the best time to book a hotel is just as important as knowing when you’re traveling, where you’re going and whether any major events are happening during your stay.

Why trust us

Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

• Hayley Berg, economist with Hopper
• Yannis Moati, CEO of HotelsByDay
• Melissa Dohmen, spokesperson and lodging expert at Expedia Group
• Audrey Fairbrother, travel expert with Hotel Engine
• Sarah Foster, analyst at Bankrate
• Alex Breen, content moderator and rewards analyst with WalletHub
• InsureMyTrip: “Most Affordable Way to Book a Hotel”
• Expedia: “2023 Travel Trends Report”
• Cision Newswire: “New Hotels.com pricing index reveals when and where to score best hotel rates this summer”
• WalletHub: “Best Hotel Rewards Programs”
• Frommer’s: “Planning a trip to New York City”

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