Is it Cheaper to Book a Hotel in Advance or Walk In?
Are you planning a vacation and trying to figure out the best way to book a hotel? You may be wondering if it’s cheaper to book a hotel in advance or walk in. While it’s almost always cheaper to book a room last-minute, how much cheaper is it, really? Turns out, though a bit cheaper, don’t expect the bargain bin here. Rooms average 13% less when booked last-minute than booked four months in advance.
The Benefits of Booking a Hotel in Advance
Booking a hotel in advance has several benefits. The most obvious benefit is that you can plan your trip in advance and have the peace of mind knowing that you have a place to stay. You can also compare prices and read reviews of different hotels to find the best deal. Additionally, booking in advance allows you to take advantage of early bird discounts and other special offers.
The Benefits of Walking In
Walking in to a hotel can also be beneficial. You can often get a better deal than if you book in advance. Hotels are often willing to offer discounts for last-minute bookings in order to fill up their rooms. Additionally, you can get a better sense of the hotel and its amenities by walking in and speaking to the staff.
How Much Cheaper is it to Book Last-Minute?
It turns out that booking a hotel last-minute is not as much of a bargain as you might think. According to a study conducted by Expedia, rooms average 13% less when booked last-minute than booked four months in advance. This means that while you may be able to get a better deal by walking in, don’t expect the bargain bin here.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
If you’re looking to get the best deal on a hotel, there are a few tips you can follow. First, be flexible with your dates. Hotels often offer discounts for mid-week stays or for stays during the off-season. Additionally, you can sign up for loyalty programs or use coupon codes to get additional discounts. Finally, be sure to compare prices across different websites and read reviews to get an idea of the quality of the hotel.
Conclusion
When it comes to booking a hotel, it’s not always cheaper to book last-minute. While you may be able to get a better deal by walking in, rooms average 13% less when booked last-minute than booked four months in advance. To get the best deal, be flexible with your dates, sign up for loyalty programs, and compare prices across different websites. With a bit of research, you can find the perfect hotel for your next vacation.
