Expedia's Hotels.com Report Advises Summer Travelers on Smart Booking Strategies
A new Hotels.com report indicates that booking hotels 8-14 days in advance and opting for Sunday night stays offer the best value. The study reveals a significant increase in cost-conscious booking behaviors among consumers.
Expedia released its latest Hotel Price Index on June 9, 2026, through its Hotels.com brand, analyzing booking data, app usage, and a global survey of 11,000 travelers. The report highlights how American consumers are becoming more strategic in their hotel bookings this summer.
The index suggests that the optimal window for booking a hotel is 8 to 14 days before travel, with Sunday night stays offering an average savings of 15% compared to checking in on a Friday, the priciest day in the U.S. Last-minute bookers have saved an average of 23% compared to those booking more than four months in advance.
Consumer behavior data shows a marked shift towards affordability. The use of the "Budget" filter has surged by 1800 percent, while filters related to loyalty programs have risen by 820 percent. Increased use of filters for bundled value, such as "All inclusive" (+50%) and "Free breakfast" (+5%), also points to a growing preference for cost-saving amenities.
The report also notes that international 5-star hotels are, on average, 23% cheaper than their U.S. counterparts. Destinations like Porto Alegre, Brazil, Nha Trang, Vietnam, and Phuket, Thailand, offer 5-star stays for under $150 per night. Furthermore, the definition of luxury is evolving, with travelers increasingly associating it with factors like a great room view, room service, and spa access, rather than solely star ratings.
Price trends indicate year-over-year rate decreases in various domestic and international markets. Notable international drops include Alassio, Italy (-31%) and Leipzig, Germany (-25%). Within the U.S., destinations such as Lahaina, Maui, HI (-27%) and Burlington, VT (-13%) have also seen rate reductions.