Planning a last-minute getaway? Don’t worry! It’s still possible to find cheap hotels, even when you’re booking close to your travel date. This article shares practical tips to help you find the best last-minute hotel deals.

1. Use Last-Minute Hotel Apps
Several apps specialize in last-minute hotel bookings at discounted prices. Apps like HotelTonight and Priceline offer exclusive deals for travelers booking within 24-48 hours.

Tip: Download hotel apps and check for last-minute deals the day before or day of your trip.
Example: “I used HotelTonight to book a fantastic hotel room for 40% off just one day before my trip.”
2. Look for Flash Sales
Flash sales are short-term discounts offered by hotels and booking websites. They can happen unexpectedly but often provide significant savings. Keep an eye on social media pages and booking sites for flash sale announcements.

Tip: Follow your favorite booking sites or hotel chains on social media for flash sale notifications.
Example: “I saw a flash sale on Booking.com and booked a room at a 50% discount.”
3. Check Hotels on Weekdays
If you can, try booking a hotel on weekdays rather than weekends. Business travelers typically book during the week, meaning there are more options and often lower rates for leisure travelers.

Tip: Avoid weekends, as rates tend to surge due to high demand.
Example: “I booked a hotel on a Tuesday night and paid much less than the weekend rate.”
4. Book Directly Through Hotel Websites
Even for last-minute bookings, don’t forget to check the hotel’s official website. Sometimes, hotels offer exclusive last-minute discounts to those who book directly rather than through third-party sites.

Tip: Call the hotel directly to ask about available last-minute deals.
Example: “I found a great deal on the hotel’s website that wasn’t listed on other sites.”
5. Negotiate Your Rate
Don’t hesitate to negotiate, especially if you’re booking last-minute. If a hotel has rooms available close to your check-in time, they may offer you a discounted rate to avoid having the room sit empty.

Tip: Ask for a discount if the hotel isn’t fully booked.
Example: “I managed to negotiate a better rate at a mid-range hotel by asking if there were any unbooked rooms.”