Jul 23, 2026

Travelers Are Saving 23% on Hotels With Easy Timing Hack

Written by Gabrielle Olya
|
Edited by Cory Dudak
Travelers Are Saving 23% on Hotels With Easy Timing Hack

Being savvy about when you book your hotel can lead to significant savings, and a recent Hotels.com report has revealed the booking sweet spot. Using internal booking data, app usage analysis and a global survey of 11,000 travelers, the report identified when to book for savings of up to 23%.

Here's what you need to know before booking your next hotel stay.

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If you're someone who likes to plan vacations months in advance, chances are you're overpaying for your hotel stay. The Hotels.com report found travelers who booked hotels eight to 14 days out saved an average of 23% compared to those who booked their stay four-plus months out.

In addition to booking in the correct window, you can also save by being smart about the days and months you book hotel stays:

  • Checking in on Sunday saves 15% compared to starting your stay on a Friday

  • Friday is the priciest day to check into hotels within the U.S., while Saturday is the priciest day to check into international hotels

  • January is the cheapest time of year to stay at a hotel

  • The second week of October is the most expensive time of year for hotel stays

For travelers trying to stretch their vacation budget further, when you book may matter just as much as where you go. A small adjustment to your booking timeline could result in meaningful savings without sacrificing destination or hotel quality.

“With increasing volatility in travel prices this summer, fuel costs may be dominating the conversation, but hotel prices are where travelers are making real trade-offs,” Melanie Fish, vice president of global PR and Hotels.com travel expert, said in a press release.

“Travelers may be feeling the squeeze, but they’re also getting smarter," she continued. "We’re seeing travelers save as much as 23% by booking closer in, starting stays on Sundays or looking beyond the U.S., where five-star hotels can offer strong value.”

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Written by
Gabrielle Olya
Edited by
Cory Dudak