how far in advance can i book a hotel
The time frame for booking a hotel in advance varies depending on the hotel’s policies and the type of accommodation. Here are some general guidelines:
- Chain hotels: Typically, chain hotels allow bookings up to 12-18 months in advance. Some popular chains like Marriott, Hilton, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) may open their booking windows 12-14 months prior to arrival.
- Independent hotels: Smaller, independent hotels might have a shorter booking window, typically 6-12 months in advance.
- Luxury hotels: High-end hotels and resorts may allow bookings up to 2 years in advance, especially for special occasions like weddings or holidays.
- Budget hotels: Budget-friendly hotels like Motel 6 or Super 8 may have a shorter booking window, typically 3-6 months in advance.
- Special events: If you’re planning to attend a major event, like a music festival or a sporting event, hotels may open their booking windows earlier, sometimes up to 2-3 years in advance.
- Peak season: For popular destinations, hotels may allow bookings up to 12-18 months in advance for peak season (e.g., summer, holidays, or school breaks).
- Online travel agencies (OTAs): Websites like Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com may allow bookings up to 12-18 months in advance, depending on the hotel’s policies.
Keep in mind that some hotels may offer early bird discounts or promotions for booking well in advance, so it’s always a good idea to check their website or contact them directly for more information.
To give you a better idea, here are some specific booking windows for popular hotel chains:
- Marriott: up to 12 months in advance
- Hilton: up to 12-14 months in advance
- IHG: up to 12-14 months in advance
- Best Western: up to 12 months in advance
- Hyatt: up to 12-13 months in advance
Remember to always check the hotel’s cancellation policies and any potential penalties before booking your stay.
