Last minute hotel deals were once thought of as getting what you could at a higher price than you really wanted to pay. In other words, the idea of a ‘deal’ was relative and non-existent. Sure, there were times when you could get cheap travel accommodation, but it was rare and had a host of hidden issues attached to it.
Nowadays, the idea of planning ahead for any type of trip seems almost crazy. Also, this applies to travel within the state, from state to state, and even international travel. Borders are no longer an issue, and considering how finicky accommodation can be for some travellers, this is both especially welcome and disconcerting as well.
How easy is it to make last minute hotel plans? One word – Internet. The fact is that the Internet has revolutionized the travel industry and you are in the driver’s seat throughout the entire travel booking process. Never in the history of the world has it been so easy to be so involved in all facets of travel, and what’s truly fascinating is that it just keeps getting better.
Websites around the world for everything from the most basic biker accommodation to the best five-star hotel offer easy-to-use websites that allow customers the opportunity to see what rooms may be available. Some offer live chats with prospective travelers, and deeper still are hotels that offer a 360° view of available rooms so when you book, you know exactly what you’ll see when you arrive. The advancement of technology is simply amazing.
21st century technology has spawned the birth of the mobile app, connecting potential hotel visitors with the entire world through a small app. In these apps, you can explore rooms, reviews, prices, and even proximity to local attractions. Even more crucial is that these apps often have four to five star ratings for accuracy and ease of use, essentially silencing critics who believe such ‘flash-in-the-pan’ technology is limited.
A last minute hotel room is made even easier because there is so much competition among hotels vying for your business, you can almost list your own terms, price included. There was a time when I was stuck with an option for a hotel stay, and since everyone was competing for the same rooms (ie Spring Break, Memorial Day/Labor Weekends), I really had to plan well in advance to make sure you had a place to stay. While this may be the case in more rural areas, more often than not, you really do have a lot of choice when it comes to the hotel you want with the type of room you want, and it can wait until the very day. Reserve.
However, as a final note, travel experts advise travelers to use common sense when booking their accommodations and urge them to understand that waiting too long for last-minute hotel deals can result in no accommodation being available, as well Keep in mind your plans and book accordingly.