how far out can you book a hotel
The time frame for booking a hotel room in advance varies depending on the hotel’s policies and the type of accommodation. Here are some general guidelines:
- Chain hotels: Most chain hotels, such as Marriott, Hilton, or InterContinental, allow bookings up to 12-18 months in advance. Some may even offer early bird discounts or promotions for advance bookings.
- Independent hotels: Smaller, independent hotels might have a shorter booking window, typically 6-12 months in advance.
- Luxury hotels: High-end hotels, resorts, or boutique hotels may accept bookings up to 2 years in advance, especially for special occasions like weddings or holidays.
- Budget hotels: Budget-friendly hotels, like hostels or motels, might 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 bookings earlier, sometimes up to 2-3 years in advance.
- Peak season: For popular destinations, hotels may accept bookings earlier 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.
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 months in advance
- InterContinental: up to 12 months in advance
- Disney Hotels: up to 450 days in advance (about 15 months)
- Las Vegas hotels: up to 12-18 months in advance
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and booking policies may vary depending on the specific hotel, location, and time of year. It’s always a good idea to check with the hotel directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date booking information.
