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Tips for Booking a Hotel with Expedia
Booking the right hotel is one of the most important factors when it comes to getting the most out of your vacation. If you're looking to plan an unforgettable trip, you'll need to find the right place to stay. Learn how Expedia can help you book the right hotel for your needs whether you're taking the family on a vacation, traveling with someone special, or just taking some time away for yourself.
How to book a hotel on Expedia?
When you book through Expedia, the entire process is simple. You'll find a wide range of accommodation options and destinations to choose from, as well as a variety of search filters to help you find exactly what you're looking for. That means you can search exclusively for hotels with a pool, pet-friendly policies, or family-friendly amenities.Las Vegas hotels and New York hotels are especially popular, but you'll also find options for other destinations like Myrtle Beach.
What are the most important things when choosing a hotel?
Finding the right hotel means opting for stays that cater to your unique needs. Quite a few factors go into what a hotel is like to experience, and you'll need to consider them all.
- Amenities: think about what kind of amenities you need to have. You'll find options for pools or fitness centers in hotels all across the country and beyond.
- Location: the location can also play a major role in your experience, especially if you want to be close to certain attractions like downtown or the beach.
- Price & Reviews: you'll want to find a balance between affordability and positive reviews to get as much as you can within the budget you've set.
How far in advance should I book a hotel?
You can sometimes book a hotel as late as the day before check-in, but most of the time, you'll want to book well in advance. You can see what's available up to 40 days in advance, and even monitor the price trends if you're not ready to book right away. Prices tend to go down the closer it gets to the date, especially around the 21-day mark. 21 days from your check-in, prices are generally somewhat normal, with prices often falling, then briefly rising, then falling again. Last-minute bookings can be especially cheap since hotels are desperate to book their last few rooms.
While it varies by destination, you should generally book a hotel room between 1 and 3 months before you travel. Seasonality plays a major part in rates and availability, too. For example, California or Florida are often fully booked during the busy summer months, so it's wise to reserve at least 6 months ahead when traveling at that time of year. You should also reserve well in advance if you're heading to major events. For instance, Madison Square Garden Hotels should be reserved early when there are sporting fixtures or concerts taking place. The same applies for local holidays. Hotels in New Orleans, for example, get booked out early for ‘Mardi Gras' festivities, while hotels in Mexico can be hard to come by for 'Day of the Dead' celebrations.
How can I find the cheapest hotels?
To find the cheapest hotel rooms, you'll need to consider several factors that affect the price. The time of year you visit can play a major role in price, with the off-season tending to be cheaper overall. Hotels with lower star ratings are going to be more affordable as well. Additionally, you'll find cheaper options in less popular neighborhoods, which can be an easy way to save since a lot of cheap neighborhoods in popular destinations are located right next to the hot spots. Keep in mind, however, that these are general trends rather than strict rules. Hop over to the cheap hotels page for gathering budget accommodation ideas. There, you could score the best cheap hotels in the United States of America and countless more popular spots across the globe. You'll also see alternative cheap lodging options, including hostels, vacation home rentals and motels.
How can I find some of the best deals on hotels?
If you're looking for the best hotel deals, you'll want to implement several filters into your search. You can sort your results by price so that the cheapest options are automatically put at the top of the list. Then, adjust your filters to match your budget, and whether or not you want to only include fully refundable properties. If you become a member, you'll find even more hotel discounts.
You can also download and book through the Expedia app to unlock exclusive discounts on select United States hotels and destinations worldwide. You could land significant savings on Los Angeles hotels, as well as generous discounts on hotels in Chicago and other top holiday spots. When booking in advance, you'll often score early-bird deals. That said, don't rule out last-minute offers, especially during low-season dates. Hotels in Key West and other American seaside resorts often have amazing discounts outside of the school holidays.
Why should I book a hotel with Expedia?
When you book with Expedia, planning the ultimate vacation is easier than ever. Not only will you be able to find a hotel for your trip, but we can take care of your flight as well, with the potential for additional savings if you book your flight and your stay together. Plus, you'll find flexible cancellation policies on numerous hotels along with opportunities for booking on short notice. You can become a member of our One Key Loyalty Rewards program for free and enjoy even more discounts.
There are also 'book now, pay later' hotels. As well as amazing deals, you'll have 24/7 access to support through the service page, giving you peace of mind while travelling.
Are hotels fully refundable on Expedia?
Some hotels offer flexible cancellation policies when you book with Expedia. You'll be able to see on the results page which hotels in your search are fully refundable, as each that qualifies will be marked with "fully refundable" in green letters. Additionally, you can set the 'fully refundable' filter when searching to only show results that offer free cancellation hotels.
What types of accommodation can I find on Expedia?
You'll encounter a plethora of different lodging types on Expedia, such as charming boutique hotels in Cancun and more tropical destinations. Large family-friendly and adult-only hotels in Hawaii and other beach resorts are popular among those seeking a relaxing break in the sun. For even more comfort, consider all-inclusive hotels in Puerto Rico and other summer holiday spots. This type of accommodation includes all meals and drinks, so you don't even have to lift a finger while on holiday. Bed and breakfasts, apartments and holiday ski hotels are just some of the other lodging types you can choose from.
Is it possible to filter accommodations based on specific amenities?
Yes, you'll find an array of filters that let you laser in on the best places to stay based on the amenities you need. Whether you need business facilities in your Manhattan Hotel or are seeking relaxing spa hotels in Miami, Expedia's many search filters make it easy to find the best place to stay.
How can I explore different star-rated accommodations and accommodation brands?
If you like to stay in a specific hotel, type the brand name into the search bar to see all available options. Expedia works with most of the major chains, including Hilton, Hyatt Hotels and Marriott. Scroll down further, and below the search field, you'll see the filters for star ratings. Whether you're seeking 5-star hotels in Nashville or budget hotels in New York, Expedia makes booking a breeze.
Are there accommodations located near popular points of interest or in specific neighborhoods?
One of the great things about using Expedia's hotel booking site is that you can filter search results by area and popular locations. For example, when searching for hotels in Orlando, you can select the “Walt Disney World® Resort” filter to view properties near the theme park. There's even a handy map so you can pinpoint the best place to stay in destinations worldwide.
Are luxury accommodations available on Expedia, and how can I book them?
If you're seeking a high-end experience, take your pick from the many luxury hotels available on Expedia. You can locate upscale lodging by ticking filters, like 5-star hotels, or ordering results by 'price high to low' and 'Guest rating + our choice'.
Do you cater to different types of travelers, such as business or leisure travelers?
Of course. When searching and booking a hotel room, you can filter by hotel and traveller type, including:
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