What Is The Cheapest Day To Book A Hotel?
When it comes to booking a hotel, the timing of your reservation plays a significant role in how much you’ll pay. Understanding the best day to book can save you a considerable amount of money.

Many travellers rely on the information provided by hotel booking websites and travel experts to determine the optimal day to secure the best rates. On this Homepage, we will focus on answering the key question: What is the cheapest day to book a hotel?
The Cheapest Day To Book A Hotel: Sunday
After examining multiple reports and studies, it’s clear that Sunday is typically the cheapest day to book a hotel room.
Why Sunday Is The Cheapest Day To Book
- Lower Demand: As weekends draw to a close, fewer people are actively booking rooms for immediate travel, which means hotels are more likely to lower their rates on Sunday evenings.
- Filling Rooms for the Week: Hotel managers aim to fill rooms for the start of the week (Monday through Thursday) and may offer lower prices on Sunday night to attract last-minute bookers.
- Fewer Business Travellers: Weekends generally see fewer business travellers, leading to a drop in hotel demand. Sunday provides a chance for hotels to adjust their rates to appeal to the leisure travellers who may be booking for the following week.
Benefits Of Booking On Sunday
- Best Price for Weekday Stays: If you are booking for a Monday to Thursday stay, Sunday is the ideal day to lock in a low price.
- Discounted Rates for Late Bookers: For those booking last minute, Sunday night offers an opportunity to grab discounted rates as hotels attempt to fill their rooms for the upcoming week.
- Flexible with Availability: Hotels may offer discounts to ensure that rooms are occupied, especially as the demand for weekend stays is typically lower.
Why You Should Avoid Booking Hotels On Fridays And Saturdays
Booking a hotel on Friday or Saturday generally results in higher prices, and here’s why:
High Demand On Fridays And Saturdays
- Weekend Getaways: Many people plan weekend trips, so demand increases for both leisure and business travellers.
- Holiday Weekends: Long weekends and holiday weekends often see a spike in bookings, driving prices up. Hotels know that people are willing to pay a premium to secure a room for their weekend getaway.
Pricing Trends For Weekends
- Higher Rates for Friday and Saturday Nights: Hotels adjust their pricing models based on the weekend rush. You will likely pay more for a Friday or Saturday night stay as the demand for rooms is higher during these times.
- Limited Discounts: Hotels are less likely to offer discounts on the weekend since they anticipate high demand. As a result, prices tend to remain higher, especially for popular tourist destinations.
The Cheapest Time Of The Week For Hotel Bookings
While Sunday is the cheapest day to book a hotel, other days of the week also influence the price of your stay. Here’s a breakdown of hotel price trends throughout the week:
Monday To Thursday: Moderate Prices
- Weekdays are generally cheaper: For weekday stays, you may see more affordable options than on weekends.
- Best for Business Travel: If you’re travelling for business, booking a hotel for a weekday stay is often cheaper than booking for the weekend.
- Demand Variability: On some weekdays, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, demand is lower, and hotel prices are often more competitive.
Friday And Saturday: Higher Rates
- Busy Travel Days: As mentioned, Friday and Saturday nights tend to have the highest rates due to increased demand.
- Limited Discounts Available: Hotels often maintain high prices during weekends, and you’ll find fewer promotions or discounts compared to Sunday or weekday bookings.
How Much Can You Save By Booking On Sunday?
Booking a hotel on Sunday can save you a significant amount of money compared to booking closer to the weekend. Depending on the location and the time of year, the savings can be substantial.
Potential Savings With Sunday Booking
- 10% to 30% Off: According to travel studies, booking a hotel room on a Sunday can result in savings of up to 30%, particularly when booking for stays that begin on Monday.
- Lesser Premium for Weekend Stays: Hotels often reduce prices on Sunday nights in anticipation of low demand during the week. This can result in a better deal for those who book at the last minute.
- Reduced Prices for Extended Stays: If you’re booking for a longer stay that spans weekdays, booking on Sunday will typically offer the lowest possible price.
How Savings Vary By Location
- In Major Cities: In major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, Sunday night bookings often provide better rates due to the competition for bookings, especially for business travellers during the weekdays.
- Tourist Hotspots: If you’re travelling to tourist hotspots, such as the Gold Coast, prices may fluctuate depending on the season. However, booking on a Sunday can still lead to better rates than booking on a Friday or Saturday.
Is Booking A Hotel On Sunday Always The Best Option?
While Sunday is generally the best day to book, there are exceptions to the rule based on your travel plans and the type of accommodation you are looking for.
Exceptions To The Sunday Rule
- Peak Seasons and Events: If you’re travelling during peak seasons (e.g., Christmas, school holidays) or around special events (e.g., festivals or conferences), prices may not follow the typical trends. Hotels may still have high prices despite being booked on a Sunday.
- Luxury Hotels: High-end or luxury hotels may not offer as many discounts on Sundays, as they often have a set rate for the entire week.
- Long-Term Stays: If you’re booking a hotel for an extended stay, it’s best to book well in advance to secure a reasonable price rather than relying on last-minute Sunday deals.
How To Get The Best Rate Even With Exceptions
- Book in Advance: Even if you can’t book on a Sunday, reserving your hotel as early as possible will often secure you better rates than waiting until the last minute.
- Use Hotel Comparison Websites: Websites like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Booking.com provide price comparisons for different days, helping you find the cheapest options for your specific dates.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Many travel booking sites offer price alerts. This service can notify you when the price of your chosen hotel drops, helping you find a great deal no matter the day.
Conclusion
In general, Sunday is the cheapest day to book a hotel, especially for stays that begin on Monday. Hotels often lower their prices on Sunday to fill rooms for the upcoming week. However, hotel prices can fluctuate based on location, demand, and the time of year, so booking early or using price comparison tools can also help you save money.
Avoid booking on Friday and Saturday nights when prices tend to be higher due to the increased demand for weekend stays. By taking the time to understand the trends and booking strategically, you can save significantly on your hotel accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Day Of The Week Is The Cheapest To Book A Hotel?
Sunday is typically the cheapest day to book a hotel. Hotels often lower their rates on Sunday evenings to fill rooms for the upcoming week, especially for stays that start on Monday.
Can I Get A Last-Minute Deal On A Hotel By Booking On A Sunday?
Yes, booking a hotel on Sunday can offer great last-minute deals. As the weekend winds down, hotels may drop their prices to fill remaining rooms for the start of the workweek, making Sunday an excellent day to book a room for a weekday stay.
Why Are Friday And Saturday Hotel Prices More Expensive?
Friday and Saturday nights are typically more expensive due to high demand from both leisure and business travellers. These are popular days for short weekend trips, and hotels increase their rates accordingly to take advantage of the demand.