We all know that traveling can be expensive at many times, especially when it comes to accommodations. This is why many travelers opt for last-minute deals on accommodations, including upscale ones. Finding last-minute deals is like an art that takes a lot of practice to master. You need to know where to look and what tips to follow to find the deals you are looking for. To help you, we will share how you can find last-minute deals on upscale accommodations.
Read More:
- Best Destinations to Visit Each Month of the Year
- Travel Hacking 101: How to Save Big on Flights, Hotels, and Car Rentals
- Digital Nomad Guide: Best Countries for Long-term Travel and Work
- What Are Last-Minute Deals?
- Pros and Cons of Last-Minute Deals
- Last-Minute Websites
- Tips To Help You Find Last-minute Deals
- The Best Times To Find Last-Minute Deals
- Alternative Options To Upscale Accommodations
- Mistakes To Avoid When Booking Last-Minute Deals
- Types of Travelers Who Could Benefit From Last-Minute Deals
What Are Last-Minute Deals?
Last-minute deals are special offers at hotels. Hotels prefer to fill all their rooms instead of leaving any of them empty, so they offer last-minute deals. This way, the hotels benefit, and so will the travelers. Offering last-minute deals helps hotels keep a steady flow of guests without losing any potential income by leaving the rooms empty. Plus, this deal can help you land upscale accommodations that might be difficult to stay in at everyday prices.
Pros and Cons of Last-Minute Deals
Like anything else, last-minute deals have pros and cons. Knowing both can help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Last-Minute Deals
Booking last-minute deals can have a lot of pros for you as they can benefit you. Some of these pros include:
- Getting significant savings on rooms.
- Having flexibility with travel plans as you find deals in places you didn’t think of.
- Getting the chance to stay in upscale accommodations.
Cons of Last-Minute Deals
Just like everything in life, last-minute deals can also have cons.
- There is limited availability of rooms since you might not find rooms if you wait until the last minute.
- Having less time to research different options and compare between them since you would be in a hurry.
- If the demand is high, the prices might not be as reasonable as you imagined.
Last-Minute Websites
You don’t have to browse the entire internet to find last-minute deals. Luckily, many websites will help you find them without wasting time. Here are some of the best websites to find last-minute deals.
Hotel Tonight
The first website on our list is Hotel Tonight. It is also available on iOS and Android and not just Windows. This free app will help you find great last-minute deals on all kinds of hotels. You simply need to choose the city you want to visit along with a date. Hotel Tonight will then show you all available accommodations and the discounted price. You can easily select the deal you like because the website provides photos and reviews.
We recommend that you check for deals early in the morning since this is when hotels start showing their last-minute deals. After choosing the accommodation, the website will show you more information divided into different categories. Some sections include Why We Like It, Need to Know, and more.
Hotels.com
Another excellent option for finding last-minute deals on upscale accommodations is Hotels.com. Choose the city you want to stay in to see all the available hotels. You can then check photos, reviews, and rankings to help you make an informed decision. What makes Hotels.com unique is its feature highlighting guests’ reviews regarding the hotel you are checking. With all this information, you are guaranteed to find a perfect last-minute deal.
Chat with AI About Santorini Sunset CruisePriceline
The following website where you can find last-minute deals is Priceline. Like Hotel Tonight, you can discover Priceline on Windows, Android, and iOS. Priceline won’t just show you upscale hotels, but it includes different kinds of accommodations such as inns, apartments, and more. Their diverse filters will help you find the best results.
If you are up for some mystery, choose the Search Express Deals option. You will then select one of the options it shows you and the website will provide you with the hotel’s amenities. The trick is that Priceline won’t tell you the hotel’s name until you book and pay for the room. So, if you are up for a bit of a surprise, why don’t you try this option? The good thing is that this option sometimes offers showrooms with a 60% discount.
Hotelscombined.com
There is also Hotelscombined.com, which finds you amazing last-minute deals that you can book. This website is unique because it shows you the final price of each accommodation. This means that the price you see includes taxes and fees. So you won’t see one price and receive another more expensive price. Another option you will probably enjoy is filtering the booking providers shown. So, if you don’t like a particular provider, you can hide any results from it.
Expedia
Expedia is a website where you can find last-minute deals. It is one of the most popular booking websites and offers many last-minute deals, which could be very beneficial. The website and mobile app are both easy to use, making your search quick and efficient. You can find fantastic deals with amazing perks through this platform. Plus, they have a loyalty program, which allows users to accumulate points to use them later.
Many booking options on the website will allow you to cancel or edit reservations without receiving any penalties. With more than 600,000 accommodations, you can easily find last-minute deals on upscale accommodations without any hassles. Expedia has many more features and options for you to explore.
While this might surprise you, Google can be a great way to find last-minute deals. To use Google to find accommodations, all you have to do is write the name of the city you are staying in with the word hotels next to it. Google will then show you different hotels based on your search. Once you choose a hotel you like, the search engine will show you all the available deals for this hotel across other websites, including those we mentioned.
Booking.com
Another great platform for finding last-minute deals is Booking.com. This website provides a wide range of accommodations, including upscale ones, for travelers worldwide. You can find amazing last-minute deals in more than 85,000 available destinations on the website. With a user-friendly interface and advanced filters, Booking.com can help you find and compare great last-minute deals.
The best part about Booking.com is that it has significant security measures. With end-to-end encryption, your information is safe. You can also find last-minute hotel deals where you can pay at the hotel instead of online. This can help you be more flexible and not feel pressured.
Tips To Help You Find Last-minute Deals
You won’t need good websites to find last-minute deals on upscale accommodations, but some tips could also help you. Here are some tips to remember to ensure you find the best possible deals.
Check For Daily Deals
Our first tip when finding last-minute deals is to check for daily deals. Don’t lose hope or think there won’t be better deals later. If you have free time, dedicate some to checking out available deals daily. You might find a fantastic deal on an upscale accommodation you didn’t expect. So keep checking until you find the perfect deal for you and your family.
Be Flexible
One of the tips you should remember when searching for last-minute deals is to be flexible. If you keep an open mind when looking for hotels, you will find fantastic deals and good places to stay. Instead of focusing on only one accommodation, try accepting other options. You should also be flexible when it comes to dates. Sometimes, a great deal might not be available on the day you are looking for. However, don’t miss the chance if a closer day is available.
Check For Taxes and Fees
Some websites we mentioned might not show you the price you will pay at first glance. Sometimes, the price they show is the one without taxes and fees. When you are ready to book, you might be surprised and pay more. So always remember that the price in front of you might not be the final price due to taxes and fees. This can be annoying, so you might want to use websites showing you the final price from the beginning.
Check The Dates
Another tip to remember when looking for last-minute deals is always to check the dates. Some websites might have the default date as something other than what you want. So make sure to check what is the default date that is set before you book. Another thing you should do is to check the number of days set for your stay. Not all websites will have two days set as the default. So make sure to check both and write what you are looking for. Finally, also check for the fine print. Your room might be non-refundable, so make sure to check before booking.
Check Last-Minute Deals On Different Websites
Instead of booking the first deal you come across, always check available deals several times before booking. Dedicate some time to check the same website before you decide. Sometimes, a good last-minute deal could become available later. You should also use different websites and look for deals available on each one. You might find the perfect last-minute deal on a website other than the one you started searching on.
Timing Is Important
Another tip to remember when searching for last-minute deals is that timing is essential. You should know about the trends in the travel industry because they can come in handy. During peak and off-peak seasons, some last-minute deals might spring up if you knew when to look and where. You might find great last-minute deals on upscale accommodations. Hotels are looking for people to stay; you might be one of them if you choose the right time.
Don’t Forget To Use Technology
When searching for last-minute deals, using technology can be pretty helpful. For example, the websites we mentioned are one way of using technology to your advantage. They could save you a lot of time on your search. Another way of using technology to your advantage is to set up travel alerts for deals you are waiting for on certain hotels.
Check The Hotel’s Website
While the websites we already mentioned can be pretty beneficial, sometimes checking the hotel website might be better. In your search for last-minute deals, don’t forget to check the hotel’s website before booking. Sometimes, the hotel might be offering a better deal than those available on third-party websites. So, booking directly with the hotel would be better for you. Another thing that you should do is sign up for the hotel’s newsletter if they have one. Sometimes, these newsletters might include exclusive deals for subscribers. Finally, check and follow the hotel’s social media because they might post about deals happening there.
Set Up Price Alerts
Many people overlook this, but it can benefit your journey to finding last-minute deals. When visiting websites, try setting up price alerts for specific hotels or areas. These alerts will let you know once a great deal is available. They will also save you a lot of time because instead of checking several times, the price alerts will inform you once a deal is happening.
Negotiate With Hotels For Better Prices
After you find a good last-minute deal on a third-party website, call the hotel and see if they can offer you a better rate. Sometimes, hotels might be ready to provide a better deal than other websites. Hotels will want to save the commission they pay for third-party websites when a booking happens through them.
Mention that you found a lower price online, which might make the hotel ready to offer you an even better price. Another thing you can do is to mention that you have a special occasion. If it’s your birthday or a honeymoon, hotels might be ready to offer you great deals or a free upgrade. This is because you would have a positive impression of the hotel and want to go there again.
Call The Hotel Directly
Another way to land last-minute deals is to call the hotel directly. Using the websites and apps we mentioned is still beneficial, but calling the hotel directly is also helpful. Speaking to the hotel’s front desk or reservations team might give you great deals. You must be polite when asking for last-minute deals and discounts. They might even have free upgrades, which you won’t know about unless you ask. Being courteous and honest can help you find amazing deals.
Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Another tip to help you find last-minute deals is to join hotel loyalty programs. When you sign up for these kind of programs, you could receive a lot of benefits. Some benefits might include free upgrades, discounts, and exclusive deals. Even if you aren’t sure if you will stay in the same hotel in the future, you won’t lose anything if you sign up anyway.
Think of Package Deals
Another advice we must mention is to keep package deals in mind. You might get excellent deals when you bundle your hotel with other things, such as flights, car rentals, and activities. This will help you save a lot of money. Many websites offer package deals for travelers looking for last-minute deals. The most important thing is to look for packages that fit your budget, or else you won’t be saving anything.
Don’t Forget About Memberships and Rewards
The fact that you are looking for last-minute deals doesn’t mean you should ignore memberships and rewards. Many hotels offer loyalty points from loyalty programs. These points can help you find last-minute deals as they could be redeemed to give you a lot of benefits. Plus, there are some memberships that you could be part of and could help you find amazing deals. Finally, remember your credit card points since many can offer discounts.
Keep Your Eyes Open For Flash Sales
One of the ways that could help you find last-minute deals is by keeping your eyes open for hotels’ flash sales and promotions. Sometimes, hotels have flash sales when they have free rooms to fill. You can know about them by signing up for newsletters to get email alerts. You should also check the hotel’s social media accounts since they sometimes promote deals there. Finally, don’t forget to set up price alerts.
The Best Times To Find Last-Minute Deals
Finding last-minute deals is like anything else: waiting for the perfect moment. Even last-minute deals have specific times when you should try to check so you can find fantastic deals. Here are some of these times.
The Off-Peak Season
One of the first times to keep an eye out for is the off-peak season. You might find great last-minute deals on upscale accommodations during the off-peak season. With the lower demand for hotels, hotel rates quickly drop, which means you can find amazing deals. So you will not only enjoy the hotel without being surrounded by crowds, but you will also save a lot of money due to these deals.
The Shoulder Seasons
The shoulder season is another excellent time to find amazing deals on upscale accommodations. This season takes place between peak and off-peak seasons. You might find amazing last-minute deals on several hotels during the shoulder season. So you are guaranteed to save a lot of money. Along with saving money, the shoulder season usually happens when the weather is excellent. So you would enjoy reasonable prices along with great weather.
Within 24 to 48 Hours
Another great time to find last-minute deals is within 24 to 48 hours. During this time, hotels are more eager to fill rooms that they have available because they won’t want them to be left empty. Plus, booking during this window might provide you with amazing deals.
The Weekends
Many hotels have great last-minute deals to help you have the perfect weekend. Some hotels offer great deals to help you have the perfect weekend getaway. This might happen in popular destinations more than others. So make sure to be spontaneous and check available deals during the weekend.
Alternative Options To Upscale Accommodations
Upscale accommodations are not the only ones where you can find last-minute deals. While staying at upscale accommodations is always great, you can find great deals on other alternatives. Here are some of them if you decide to stay there.
Think Of Vacation Rentals
One of the alternative options to upscale accommodations is vacation rentals. They can be a great alternative to fancy hotels, and you can still enjoy your time there. Most of the time, vacation rentals can provide more space and amenities than regular hotels offer. You can easily find vacation rentals on some websites mentioned above since they include diverse options. The best part about vacation rentals is that they can be perfect for those traveling in groups or with family. They are often located in local neighborhoods, offering a more authentic experience.
Try To Stay At Hostel
Another great alternative to upscale accommodations is hostels. Today, many modern hostels have a lot to offer. You can find private rooms and shared dormitories, which will help you save some money. Hostels can be a perfect option for travelers on a budget. Plus, hostels usually come with excellent facilities such as swimming pools. Some even offer complimentary breakfast. The best part is that hostels can help you meet other travelers and form meaningful relationships.
Stay At Boutique Hotels
There is also the idea of staying at boutique hotels. They can be a great alternative to upscale accommodations, and you can still find last-minute deals there. With their distinct charm, you will be attracted to this kind of establishment. For an intimate experience, try to give boutique hotels a chance over large chain hotels. They might end up being a better alternative for you.
Mistakes To Avoid When Booking Last-Minute Deals
When you try to book last-minute deals, there are some mistakes that you should avoid. We will share the most important ones with you so that you can remember them.
Ignoring the Benefits of Direct Booking
While booking through websites has its benefits, so does direct booking. Before you use third-party websites, you should check the hotel’s website first. Booking directly can sometimes offer you better deals than those offered on third-party websites. Since hotels prefer not to pay commissions to these websites, they might be more willing to provide great deals directly.
Not Reading Reviews And Policies
A common mistake many travelers make is not reading reviews and policies. Before you book anything, you should check the reviews and policies first. When you check reviews, you will learn about other travelers’ experiences, which will help you make an informed decision. You should also read the policies to know the cancellation rules and any fees that might appear.
Types of Travelers Who Could Benefit From Last-Minute Deals
Several types of travelers might benefit from last-minute deals. This is because this kind of deal can help many, including you. Here are some of these travelers:
- Business Travelers: The first kind is business travelers. They face many schedule changes, so they need quick access to accommodations. This is where last-minute deals come in handy.
- Spontaneous Travelers: There are also spontaneous travelers. These are the ones who are ready for an adventure and won’t mind the spontaneity of last-minute deals.
- Budget-conscious Travelers: Then we have budget-conscious travelers. They are the ones who want to utilize last-minute deals to save money.
- Travelers Facing Changes: Travelers face changes, especially with canceled or delayed flights. They will then need to find somewhere to stay.
By now, you know everything you need to know about last-minute deals. You know what they are, where to find them, their pros, their cons, tips to keep in mind, and many more. What are you waiting for? It’s a perfect time to book a last-minute deal.
