Fantasizing about a holiday getaway but feeling the very real strain of your budget? Fret not: Today is the best day to book a hotel room for the holidays at a much cheaper rate.
Travel booking site Hotwire.com examined November and December 2014 travel data and discovered that, on December 1, hotel room rates in the United States are reduced by up to 18 percent (while rates worldwide are down about 15 percent). Hotwire also reports that room rates will dip during the first 10 days of December, and again the week before Christmas—so you’ve got a few chances to book a discounted room this month.
The reason for the rate drop is pretty self-explanatory: Since most travelers tend to stay home for the holidays, hotels often have plenty of rooms up for grabs. Moreover, business travel is much lighter at the beginning and end of December because fewer conferences take place this month, notes Hotwire travel editor Carrie Peters.
Airbnb may also be responsible for hotel-rate drops, according to Gabe Ratner, president of sales for JRK Hotel Group. The home-sharing site is popular for holiday vacations, which leaves hotels with more empty rooms this time of year. However it happens, when there’s too much supply on hand, hotels will cut their rates to entice travelers.
If you’re seeking sunshine to go along with your savings, Hotwire rounded up a few affordable warm-weather destinations for December including Los Angeles, New Orleans, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Atlanta, Dallas, and Phoenix. Just remember, Hotwire is what’s called a “blind booking site,” meaning you won’t know exactly what hotel you’re getting until after you’ve made, and paid, for the reservation. Which might be a nice surprise. Or it might not.
One place that isn’t warm or cheap? New York City, where hotel rooms in December are in high demand due to the festive decorations throughout town, the abundance of shopping, and New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
Want more tips on how to get a hotel room for less? Check out these hotel hacks for finding the best rates.