Waiting till the last minute to book a room could result in getting the best rates possible. While it may work to your advantage, there are situations where it could cost you more. This is particularly true during the holiday season where everyone is looking for the last room available. That last-minute booking can be alluring if you get to spend less than you had anticipated. Hotels would rather have a booked room than an empty one. Before you embark on that mini-getaway, there are things that you need to consider.
There will always be the dilemma of whether you should book in advance or in the last minute. The two have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you’re not sure of what to go for, you can always check out our hotels if you intend to visit Buffalo. Whether you plan everything to last detail or you just go with the flow, you can always find a deal that is suited for your needs.
Your Situation
Do you have a family or just traveling alone? Having a family could be restrictive in terms of what you can and can’t do. If you’re planning on going for holidays, your best bet would be to be to book as early as possible. Hotels are usually fully booked during the holiday season and you might have to pay heavily to get any decent room. If you intend on going for a weekend getaway, last minute booking could be the ideal choice. You just have to make sure that your mini-vacations don’t coincide with the holiday season because you may have to pay more book a room.
Flexibility
How flexible are you when it comes to traveling? If you can travel at any time, you can get amazing deals on hotels because they’re not fully booked throughout the year. You don’t have to worry about timed departures. The prices might peak instead of falling during the holiday season and there won’t be a lot of wiggle room. You can be random but not just during the holidays and the festive seasons. It should be noted that flights are not likely to get cheaper even during off-peak seasons unless you’re flying to very unpopular destinations.
Now Vs. Later
Never postpone a booking for the holidays till the last minute. You might not end up going on that holiday because of logistical reasons. Sometimes those who book early get to enjoy special discounts which are meant to encourage bookings. When you book early, you get to look around for the best deals and compare them. This may not be possible if you’re in a hurry and just want to get to your destination. Booking late could come with some financial restrictions especially if you’re on a budget. You should start planning more than 12 weeks in advance if you intend on going on holidays.
Bonuses and Incentives
You should always be on the lookout for bonuses and incentives. Hotels can issue them out to encourage early bookings or when there are no bookings at all. Any frequent traveler will know the importance of accumulative bonuses when it comes to saving costs. You’re also guaranteed of losing with price drop protection offers. Waiting till the last minute might not be a good idea if you’re a picky person. The options are often limited and you may stuck with what is available. A good tip if you’re a last-minute person would be to check business hotels. Not a lot activity goes on in them during the summer and they often have amazing deals all year round. The hotel and flight booking should be bundled together. You can sign up for alerts from the different traveling apps so that you’re notified of new bonuses and deals from the hotels.
How Far in Advance Should you Book a Hotel?
This is a question that gets asked often with those people who intend to travel. It should be noted that hotels handle reservations differently. There are those that booking in advance may not be beneficial at all. Revenue bookings will always increase in price as you approach the holiday season. The booking window varies from one hotel chain to another and it is important you do your research first before you make any decision. There are hotels that can allow you to book 12 months in advance. There are several apps in the market which can guarantee you a great deal if you book in advance. Expedia recommends looking at alternative neighborhoods in the area you intend to visit to save money.
Benefits of Booking a Room Early
- Guaranteed Reservation: When you book early, you’re guaranteed getting a room. Not a lot people book early, and you get to choose the location of the room. You have the peace of mind that you that your accommodation of choice is always going to be available. Last minute bookings could be subject to cancellations or queues.
- It can be Cheaper: Hotel owners usually hike their prices when there is a demand for the rooms. The hotels are cheaper when there is less demand. Booking early means you get to enjoy the lowest rates available.
- Time for Cancellation: You might need to cancel your room for one reason or another. Booking early means you ample time to cancel without being exorbitantly charged. The cancellation will always be easy and inexpensive. There are some hotels that don’t charge cancellation fees.
Benefits of Booking Late
- Adrenaline Rush: It was always an exciting feeling not knowing where your next destination is going to be. That weekend getaway may be all you need to rejuvenate your life. You don’t have to worry about the stress that comes with planning. There are big advantages that could come in the last-minute accommodation problems. Finding last-minute flights might not be as easy because people usually book in advance.
- Using Apps: There are apps that will save you a lot when it comes to last minute booking. They will show you the best deals you can get regardless of the year. You can also opt to book the flight and accommodation together. In case you want to explore the town, you can also rent a car as well. Travel prices fluctuate every time and it can never be the same even for a week.
Which is Better, a Hotel or Hostel?
This is a question that you need to ask yourself before you look for accommodation. You can always reach out to Ellicott Development if you want a custom offer. Both hotel and hostel have their own advantage and disadvantages. A hostel may be ideal if you’re on a tight budget. You could be globe-trotting and want to mingle with fellow travelers and the locals. Shopping around for rates is always recommended before you make any decision. Getting the best deal may not necessarily mean booking early or the last minute. It is all about finding the best deal.
Negotiate
You can always negotiate deals when it comes to booking rooms. You’ll be surprised that hotels will be willing to give you discounts especially when it is an off-peak season.
Conclusion
The best time to book a hotel all waters down to what works for you. It can be months in advance or a few weeks. There will always be something that can work for you. In case you want a customized experience, Ellicott Development has everything you’ll ever want in a hotel.
