Finding the best time to book hotel feels like a game of luck. You can not specifically predict the prices, since they rise and fall based on travel demand, seasons, and even the day of the week.
In this guide, we’ll answer the common questions:
- When is the best time to book a hotel?
- What’s the cheapest day to book hotel rooms?
- Should you book early or wait until the last minute?
- Our tips to help you secure the best rate!
By the end, you’ll know how to save more when booking a hotel.
When Is the Best Time to Book a Hotel?
It depends on lots of factors. So, the first thing you can do is to consider which season you’re planning to go, if it’s a popular place to visit, or if it’s the time for a peak time.
Here’s a breakdown:
- For popular tourist destinations: Book 1–3 months in advance to secure you get a room.
- For big cities with high hotel supply: Last-minute deals (within 1–2 weeks) can be cheaper.
- For peak seasons (Christmas, New Year, or summer holidays): Booking 3–6 months ahead is safer to avoid sold-out hotels.
- For off-season travel: Last-minute bookings often bring the lowest rates!
Best Day to Book a Hotel
The day you book also matters when booking a hotel.
- The best day to book a hotel: Sunday is the best day to book a hotel in a week, because most travelers book over the weekends.
- The worst day to book: You may expect to pay more if you book hotels on days like Friday or Saturday.
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Best Time to Book Hotel for Lower Prices: Domestic vs. International
Travel Type | Recommended Booking Window | Notes |
Domestic trips | 1–3 months in advance | Last-minute deals often appear in large cities. |
International trips | 2–6 months in advance | Longer lead time is safer, especially in Europe & Asia. |
Peak season travel | 3–6+ months in advance | Essential for Christmas, summer, and festivals. |
Off-season trips | 2–4 weeks in advance | Flexible travelers can benefit from late discounts. |
Last Minute vs. Early Booking
Booking far in advance doesn’t always ensure the lowest price. Many hotels reduce rates just a few weeks before check-in, typically 2–4 weeks out.
Each coin has two sides. Check out the good side and the bad in the following text:
Booking Early
✅ Pros:
- More choices of hotels and room types.
- Better for families and groups.
❌ Cons:
- Possible overpaying if rates later drop.
Booking Last Minute
✅ Pros:
- Deep discounts in cities with high hotel supply.
- Perfect for flexible travelers.
❌ Cons:
- Limited availability.
- Risk of fully booked hotels during holidays.
Seasonal Trends: Best Times to Book
- Spring & Fall (shoulder seasons): For lower prices since it’s a moderate demand.
- Summer & Winter holidays: High demand, requiring early booking.
- Off-peak months (January–February, September–November): Cheapest overall, especially in Europe and North America.
Notes: In East Asia, September can be busy during Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week (China, early Oct). In Southeast Asia, November is the start of “high season” in many beach destinations (e.g., Thailand) because of better weather, so prices can rise.
Tips for Getting the Best Hotel Deals with Trip.com
- Turn on the price alerts to catch drops for hotels.
- Join Trip.com rewards to earn points, level up, and unlock member-only rates.
- Trip.com offers flight + hotel packages that save you extra money.
- Use Trip.com’s map view to help you spot cheaper neighborhoods.
- Download the Trip App to watch for app-exclusive discounts!
Best Time to Book Hotels in Popular Asian Cities
Now, check out these small tricks when planning a trip to popular places in Asia.
Best Time to Book Hotel in Shanghai
Shanghai is the top 1 popular city in China, as an important financial center. International expos and types of trade fairs can quickly drive prices high.
- Book 3-5 weeks in advance if your travel time is close to specific trade events.
- Make last-minute bookings within 2 weeks for the best price if you decide on a leisure trip!
Best Time to Book Hotel in Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, bound to modern skylines and Buddhist serenity. Hotel demands will reach their peak during the cool season (Nov-Feb) with pleasant weather. These tips may help you find the best time to stay in Bangkok!
- Book 2–3 months in advance if traveling in the cool season.
- You can expect nice discounts when traveling in the rainy season (May-Oct). Last-minute booking (1-2 weeks ahead) is good for you.
- Riverside and Sukhumvit hotels sell out faster than budget stays in backpacker areas!
Best Time to Book Hotel in Tokyo
Tokyo’s demand is highly seasonal, driven by cherry blossom season (late March–early April) and autumn foliage (Nov). Major holidays like Golden Week (late April–early May) cause hotels to sell out quickly!
- For sakura or autumn, book 4–6 months in advance.
- In off-peak times (Jan–Feb, June), last-minute great deals in business districts (Shinjuku, Shibuya) are easy to get.
Best Time to Book Hotel in Seoul
Seoul’s peaks occur during its spring blossoms (April), autumn foliage (Oct), and the Chuseok holiday! For you, here’re some small tips to pick the best hotel for the right time:
- For peak seasons, book 2–4 months ahead to stay near hotspots like Myeongdong or Gangnam.
- Weekends are cheaper in business-focused districts (Yeouido, City Hall), so last-minute deals are possible there.
- Off-season winter months (Jan–Feb, excluding Lunar New Year) often have discounts.
Best Time to Book Hotel in Bali
As a resort island, Bali’s rates fluctuate a lot with Western holiday seasons. Christmas, New Year, and summer (July–Aug) see hotels book out months in advance. During the rainy season (Jan–March), demand drops and deals abound.
- For peak season villas and beachfront resorts, book 4–6 months in advance.
- For shoulder season (May–June, Sept–Oct), 1–2 months ahead is enough.
- For the rainy season, last-minute bookings often unlock discounts of 30–50%!
FAQs about Best Time to Book Hotel
What is the best time to book hotel for cheaper rates?
Data shows booking too early isn’t always cheapest—often, rates drop closer to the travel date (around 2–4 weeks before).Is the best time to book hotel different for peak season?
Yes, for holidays or popular events, booking 3–6 months early is recommended.What is the best time to book hotel for last-minute deals?
Some hotels drop prices 1–2 days before check-in, but availability is limited.Does the best time to book hotel vary by location?
Yes, urban hotels may be cheaper last-minute, while resorts need early booking.What day gives the best time to book hotel online?
Research shows booking on Sundays often gives better rates.