In theory, booking a hotel room as early as possible results in cheaper prices and a higher success rate, as each hotel has a limited number of rooms in each category. Prices will gradually increase as the number of remaining rooms decreases and demand increases. However, many travelers still book at the last minute due to spontaneous plans or changes to their original plans.
It's worth noting that last-minute bookings aren't always successful, but there are some tips you can apply to increase your chances, according to the experience of VnExpress reporters and shared by Forbes and Tripadvisor.
Contact the hotel directly.
Many hotels will have last-minute cancellations, so contacting them directly is a great and quick way to book a room.
Booking directly with the hotel is usually a good option, however, prices may be higher than on OTA (online travel agency) apps. Generally, travelers tend to accept the listed price of the hotel. This is usually only true for luxury hotels. If booking a room at a mid-range or budget hotel, travelers can negotiate for a reasonable price, especially during off-peak seasons.
Monitor multiple booking websites.
Check multiple websites to get the best room availability and prices. Popular OTAs like Agoda, Booking, Traveloka, Expedia, and Hotels.com may offer different prices for the same hotel. In Vietnam, these apps are effective for large hotels or hotel chains.
Additionally, there are apps like HotelTonight and One:Night that help travelers book last-minute hotel rooms at the best prices. Websites like Hotels.com and Hotwire also list deals 1-2 days before check-in. Note that the best prices for the same night are usually available in the morning, right when hotels start selling.
Use a search engine.
Google isn't new, but it's still the ideal choice for last-minute hotel searches. Simply enter the city name along with the word "hotel," for example, "Hanoi hotels," then add filters like dates, specific areas, distance to a location, and the search engine will provide suggestions.
Search sites also provide maps and typical price trends based on 2- to 5-star hotels, helping travelers quickly view all options.
Pay attention to the booking time.
The ideal time to book a hotel room is about 15 days before your intended stay. This conclusion was published by US market research experts (NerdWallet). According to their findings, hotel rooms are nearly 13% cheaper when booked in advance. However, a 2023 report indicated that room rates often drop on the day of check-in as hotels try to sell off remaining rooms.
Luxury hotels often offer significantly more discounts when booking closer to the arrival date. This trend largely stems from dynamic pricing strategies, allowing for last-minute deals, especially in less crowded locations or during off-peak seasons. However, it's still worth noting that last-minute bookings may carry the risk of room availability.
Create a customer loyalty program.
If you frequently book online, you should use email, newsletters, and loyalty programs to stay in touch with the hotel and increase your chances of securing a last-minute reservation. Hotels will prioritize customers with a history of frequent bookings or notify you early when they see you need a room.
According to vnexpress.net
Source: https://baohanam.com.vn/du-lich/bi-quyet-dat-phong-thanh-cong-vao-gio-chot-155941.html
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