Hotels.com's 2026 Hotel Price Index: Last-Minute Bookers Save Up to 26%

Hotels.com released its 2026 Hotel Price Index, indicating that travelers can achieve significant savings by booking accommodations just a week before their trip. The findings are based on internal booking data and a global survey of 11,000 travelers.

The index suggests that the week prior to travel is the optimal time for hotel bookings, offering an average saving of 26% compared to reservations made four months in advance. Additionally, stays beginning on a Sunday are, on average, 14% cheaper than those starting on a Saturday, which is identified as the priciest check-in day.

The report also highlights affordable 5-star hotel destinations. Internationally, February emerges as the most economical month for travel. Notably, Nha Trang in Vietnam, Zaragoza in Spain, and Wrocław in Poland offer 5-star accommodations for under £200 per night. Domestic stays in France's Loire Valley and Edmonton, Canada, have seen the most substantial price drops, decreasing by up to 32% and 31% year-over-year, respectively.

Travelers' definition of luxury is also evolving. Beyond star ratings, factors such as rooms with a view (30%) and premium in-room amenities (28%) are increasingly important. Younger demographics, Gen Z and millennials, show a heightened interest in luxury experiences, with Gen Z being the most likely group to book 5-star hotels.