There is literally nothing better than locking in the perfect hotel for your trip. Whether you’re planning a dreamy weekend escape or a full-on international adventure, the right hotel with luxury vibes, awesome amenities, and a killer location can seriously level up your whole experience.
But what’s the secret sauce to snagging that hotel? Book it early.
I know it can feel a little tricky figuring out how far in advance to reserve your stay, so I put this blog post together to break it all down how far out you can book a hotel and why jumping on it early is such a game changer. Let’s get into it!
How Far Out Can You Book a Hotel?
In general, you can usually make hotel reservations up to 12 months in advance. However, every hotel stay has its own rules on how early you can snag a room. So, if you’ve got your heart set on a specific spot (hello, bucket list hotel), take a quick peek at their booking policies to see exactly when reservations open up. A little research now means way less stress later.
How Far Out Can You Book a Disney Hotel?
Disney World lets you book your hotel up to 12 months in advance. However, not every Disney hotel opens exactly a year in advance. Disney will open their hotel bookings based on their own system, so you just need to be ready and checking as frequently as possible until your ideal spot opens up.
How Far Out Can You Book a Hilton Hotel?
You can book a Hilton hotels up to 12 months in advance, which gives you an entire year to plan out the rest of your trip yes, please! Even better? A lot of Hilton hotel chain locations offer sweet discounts if you book at least 7 days in advance. So, not only do you score a great room, but you might even save a little extra cash, which means more room in the budget for cocktails and room service.
How Far Out Can You Book a Marriott Hotel?
You can book a Marriott hotel 355 days out yep, that’s almost a full year in advance (about 50 weeks, to be exact). And here’s the pro tip: If you’re part of their Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, you can book with cash or points, which is super clutch if you’re trying to save a little to treat yourself to something extra fancy without blowing the budget.
How Far Out Can You Book IHG Hotels?
You can book an IHG hotel that includes Kimpton, Regent, and Intercontinental up to 350 days in advance. With over 6,000 properties in more than 100 countries, you’ve got plenty of dreamy options to choose from. And the best part? Once you’ve got that luxe IHG hotel room locked in, you can chill, knowing your stay is set while you plan the rest of your epic trip.
How Far in Advance to Book a Hotel in Europe?
Europe’s hotel scene is super diverse, but a good rule of thumb is to book your hotel in Europe at least 4-6 months in advance especially if you’re traveling during peak times like summer, especially in Italy. Trust me, things book up fast when the sun’s out and the vibes are high. That said, if you’re feeling spontaneous, you might score an amazing last-minute deal, but it’s a bit of a gamble, so don’t bank on it unless you’re cool with being flexible.
Book your stay at this Paris hotel with iconic Eiffel Tower views!
Do You Have to Book a Hotel in Advance?
Better Room Selection
Booking your hotel early means way more options to treat yourself. When you plan ahead, you’re not stuck with whatever’s left you get first dibs on those dreamy deluxe rooms or even a suite if you’re feeling fancy. Waiting too long? You might end up stuck with the last-budget-double-room-on-earth situation, and no one wants that.
More Affordable Rates
Let’s be real the earlier you book, the better the deal. Hotels love a planner, and snagging your hotel room ahead of time usually means scoring a way lower price than if you waited until the last minute.
Greater Hotel Selection
Booking early = all the options. When you start your hotel search ahead of time, you’ll have a whole lineup of amazing spots to choose from whether you’re feeling bougie or ballin’ on a budget. That means: You get to be picky. You’re not stuck settling. And, you’re choosing the hotel that fits your vibe, your trip, and your budget perfectly. Flexibility like that is the dream, right?
Potential Discounts and Special Offers
Early birds don’t just get the worm (and the good pillows) they get the discounts. Many hotels throw in special offers for booking early, and if you’re part of their rewards program? Even better. I’m talking room upgrades, extra perks, maybe even a complimentary breakfast (yes, please!) Booking ahead gives you a better shot at turning your stay into something extra memorable without paying extra. It’s a win-win!
Book your stay with confidence and take advantage of early-bird discounts!
One of the smartest moves you can make when planning a trip? Book your hotel and tours ahead of time. You’ll lock in the best spots, have way more flexibility, and probably score a pretty sweet deal. Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on how early you can book with major hotel brands, it’s officially time to start the fun part finding your dream stay and building that perfect itinerary.
If you’re interested in more resources for planning your trips, check out my other blog posts, including my guide on hotels for solo travelers and how early you can check a bag. As always, you can follow me on Instagram at @sierrainthecity!
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