In theory, the earlier you book a hotel room, the cheaper it is and the higher the success rate because each hotel has a certain number of rooms in each category. Prices will gradually increase when the number of rooms is low and demand is high. However, many travelers still book at the last minute, due to impromptu plans or changes in their original plans.
It should be noted that last-minute bookings are not always successful, but there are some tips that can be applied to increase your chances, according to the experience of VnExpress reporters and sharing from 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 get a room.
Booking directly with the hotel is usually a good option, but prices can be higher on OTA (online travel agency) applications. Usually, travelers have the habit of accepting the listed price of the hotel. This is usually only true for luxury hotels. If you rent a room at a mid-range or budget hotel, travelers can bargain to get a reasonable price, especially during off-peak times.
Track multiple booking sites
Check out different websites to get the best prices and availability. Popular OTAs like Agoda, Booking, Traveloka, Expedia, Hotels.com can offer different prices for the same hotel. In Vietnam, these apps work well for large hotels or hotel chains.
There are also apps like HotelTonight and One:Night that help travelers book last-minute hotel rooms at great prices. Sites like Hotels.com and Hotwire also list deals for 1-2 days before guests check in. Note that the best same-night prices are usually available in the morning, right when hotels start selling.
Use search engine
Google isn't new, but it's still a great option for last-minute hotel searches. Just type in a city name followed by the word "hotel," such as "Hanoi hotel," then add filters like dates, specific areas, and distance to a destination, and the search engine will give you suggestions.
The search sites also provide maps, typical price trends based on 2 to 5 star hotels, helping travelers see all the options at a glance.
Pay attention to the time of booking
The ideal time to book a hotel room is about 15 days before the intended stay, according to US market research experts (NerdWallet). Accordingly, hotel rooms are nearly 13% cheaper when booked in advance. However, a report in 2023 showed that room rates often drop on the day of check-in so that hotels can sell their remaining rooms.
Luxury hotels often offer more significant discounts when booking closer to the date of stay. This trend is largely driven by dynamic pricing strategies that allow for last-minute deals, especially in less crowded or off-season locations. However, it is important to note that choosing to book last-minute comes with the risk of room availability.
Create customer loyalty information
If you book online regularly, you should use email, newsletters, and loyalty programs to stay in touch with the hotel, increasing your chances of getting a last-minute room. Hotels will prioritize customers who have a history of frequent bookings or notify you early when they see a need.
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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