Many of us book the flight first and look for a hotel at the last minute – or the opposite, booking months ahead for fear of price rises. The right answer depends on the destination, the season and the type of room. Here are practical rules.
Book early when…
- It is a holiday season: the good rooms go first, and what remains is pricier or farther away.
- There is a big event: exhibitions, conferences and matches push up prices across the city.
- You need a family room or apartment: these are limited and sell out before standard rooms.
- The destination is small: villages and islands with few hotels.
You can wait when…
- It is a big city outside peak season.
- Your plans are not confirmed yet.
- You are tracking prices and know the usual rate.
The smart move: free cancellation
If you find a good price with free cancellation, book it now. Keep watching; if the price drops clearly, rebook and cancel the first booking before the deadline. Always check the exact cancellation deadline and its time zone.
What the first price may not show
- Taxes and city fees – some sites show prices before tax, and some cities charge a fee at the hotel.
- Resort fees – common in some destinations, charged per night.
- Breakfast – compare with and without, especially for families.
- Number of guests – make sure all children are included; some hotels count older children as adults.
