The Best Time to Book Hotels in 2026: How to Save Big on Vacation Accommodation

Service Hotels.com I found that those who book hotels closer to their travel date pay, on average, 23% less than those who plan their trip well in advance. Booking at the last minute often seems risky, but it turns out the best time to snag a good hotel price is in the summer. And you shouldn't do this until two weeks before your trip, writes Travel & Leisure.

According to Hotels.com, the best prices this summer are being found by those who book 8-14 days in advance. Last-minute travelers saved an average of 23% compared to travelers who booked four months or more in advance.

The day of arrival also matters. The study notes that checking in on Sunday rather than Friday can save you around 15%.

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"Travel prices are fluctuating significantly this summer. While fuel costs are the main topic of discussion, it's hotel prices that are causing people to reconsider their plans," said Melanie Fish, vice president of global communications at Hotels.com and a travel expert. "Vacationers are feeling the cost pressure, but they're also becoming more cost-conscious. Now it's not just where you go, but how you book your accommodations that matters."

Another way to save money is to use the "Budget" filter on the website. According to Hotels.com, the number of users using this filter has increased by 1800%. Furthermore, interest in filters that help reduce travel costs, such as "all-inclusive," "meals included," and "free breakfast," is steadily growing.

Those who prefer to plan ahead are advised to pay attention to January, which is usually the cheapest month for travel.

Those who don't want to sacrifice luxury should consider traveling abroad: five-star hotels outside the US are, on average, 23% cheaper than similar hotels in the US. For example, a night in a five-star hotel in Phuket, Thailand, will cost approximately $144, while a similar hotel in Seattle costs around $427 per night.

However, a high level of comfort can be achieved even without a classic five-star hotel. According to Hotels.com, penthouses with beautiful views are among the most sought-after options among travelers.

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To avoid missing out on great deals, the service recommends signing up for email notifications and tracking price changes, just like you would when purchasing airline tickets, as well as signing up for free hotel loyalty programs to take advantage of bonuses and the ability to redeem accumulated points.

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