When planning your next trip, especially to a popular destination during peak travel season, the smartest strategy is simple: book early, choose a refundable rate, and let Gondola monitor the price for you. This approach locks in your ideal hotel and protects you from rising prices—without the fear of missing future savings.
Let’s break down why this strategy works, and how Gondola helps travelers consistently get the best deal.
Why Booking a Hotel Early Is the Best Move
Hotel prices are dynamic—they fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and even the day of the week you book. If you’re booking during a busy travel period like spring break, the holidays, or a major event, prices tend to rise quickly as rooms fill up.
If you have your eye on a specific property—maybe it’s a beachfront resort, a hotel with limited room categories, or a popular loyalty redemption—it’s especially important to book early. Popular hotels sell out fast, and the best rooms are often claimed well in advance.
But here’s the kicker: rates can still drop, even after you book.
That’s why choosing a refundable rate and reserving through Gondola is critical. It gives you the flexibility to cancel or rebook if your plans change—and will alert you if the price falls after booking.
When Is the Best Time To Book a Hotel?
Travel experts recommend the following:
- Book at least 30 days in advance for most trips—but if you’re booking for a high-demand time or destination, book as early as possible.
- Searching for a hotel room on a Thursday or Friday can save travelers 3-6% on average.
- Always choose refundable rates, especially for trips booked well in advance.
- Use automated rate monitoring tools (like Gondola) so you never miss out on future savings. A 2023 NerdWallet study found that hotel rates can drop by an average of $81 per night just 15 days before check-in compared to booking 11 months in advance. With Gondola, you can book early to secure the room you want, and if the price drops later, Gondola will automatically notify you and help you rebook so you get the lowest rate.
How Gondola Makes Early Hotel Bookings Smarter
Gondola turns this strategy into a seamless, automated process. With one platform, you can:
- Automatically Monitor Room Rates
This is where Gondola really shines. If you book a refundable rate and the hotel price drops later, Gondola automatically tracks your reservation and notifies you. You can rebook at the lower rate in seconds—no need to monitor prices yourself.
One Gondola user booked a luxury hotel in Austin, Texas for a 3-night stay during South by Southwest—a high-demand event where rooms sell out quickly. Booking early was essential to secure a preferred location and avoid being stuck with limited or inconvenient options. The initial rate was $412 per night, but thanks to Gondola’s automatic rate monitoring, a price drop was flagged just two weeks before check-in. The traveler rebooked the exact same room for $327 per night, saving over $250 total—all without having to track rates manually.
- Gondola Books Directly With Hotels and Earns You More
Gondola books directly with the hotel, meaning your reservation appears in your loyalty account and earns:
- Full hotel loyalty points
- Credit card rewards (when using a travel or hotel-branded card)
- 3%+ in Gondola Cash—a unique cash-back perk only available through Gondola
And because your reservation is made directly with the hotel, it’s easy to make changes—whether you want to adjust your dates, upgrade your room, or rebook at a lower rate. Unlike third-party booking sites, there’s no added friction, giving you more flexibility and peace of mind when booking early.
- Know When to Use Points or Cash
Gondola also shows you real-time points valuations, helping you decide whether to redeem your hotel points or pay cash. For example, if you’re considering a Marriott stay and the cash rate is high but the point redemption is low, Gondola helps you spot that value instantly.
Final Thoughts: Early, Refundable, and Rewarding
Booking early gives you a better selection, refundable rates offer flexibility, and Gondola ensures you never overpay. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just planning your next vacation, this strategy puts you in control—and gives you peace of mind.