2026 Hotel Price Index: How Americans Are Shopping Smarter This Summer

DALLAS - Today, Hotels.com® released its 2026 Hotel Price Index™, revealing 8-14* days before travel is the sweet spot for booking and Sunday night stays offer the best value. Using internal booking data, app usage analysis, and a global survey of 11,000 travelers, the report reveals a dramatic rise in cost-conscious booking behaviors, the most affordable cities for a 5-star stay, and how today’s travelers are redefining luxury.

• Value Sets the Itinerary: Use of the “Budget” filter has surged +1800%,** signaling travelers are screening for affordability earlier than ever.

• Loyalty Is Driving Decisions: “Rewards” filters are up +820%, highlighting growing reliance on points and member benefits.

• Included Perks Are Shaping Travel Choices: Filters tied to bundled value — like “All inclusive” (+50%), “Meal plan” (+10%), and “Free breakfast” (+5%) — are also seeing steady growth.

• Last-Minute Deals: Savvy travelers can often find hotel deals, even down to the last minute — in fact, last-minute bookers saved an average of 23% versus those who booked 4+ months out. The best time for savings when booking a hotel stay is 8-14 days out.

• Sunday Night Savings: Travelers can save 15% on their hotel stay by starting their stay on a Sunday rather than a Friday, as Friday is the priciest check-in day in the U.S., while Saturday ranks highest for international stays.

• New Year Stays: Travelers can score off-season hotel deals by traveling during January, the cheapest month of the year. Priciest rates are found during the second week of October, driven by long weekend getaways, fall school breaks, leaf peeping, and bustling business travel.

• Go Global for 5-Star Savings: International 5-star hotels are, on average, 23% cheaper than their U.S. counterparts. Standout 5-star stays under $150/a night are in Porto Alegre, Brazil; Nha Trang, Vietnam; and Phuket, Thailand.

• Redefining “Luxury”: It’s no longer about star ratings; travelers say they book 4-star hotels most often and associate luxury with having a great view from their room.

With increasing volatility in travel prices this summer, fuel costs may be dominating the conversation, but hotel prices are where travelers are making real trade-offs. Travelers may be feeling the squeeze, but they’re also getting smarter. We’re seeing travelers save as much as 23% by booking closer in, starting stays on Sundays, or looking beyond the U.S., where 5-star hotels can offer strong value. This is a summer where how you book matters just as much as where you go.

Melanie Fish, Vice President of Global PR and Hotels.com travel expert

Hotel Pricing Trends: Where Rates Are Dropping YoY

According to the 2026 Hotel Price Index, hotel rates are falling across a mix of international and U.S. destinations, including beach, mountain, and city markets.

Gen Z Is Redefining Luxury***

Despite price and discounts being a deciding factor for the majority (77%), the lure of a luxury stay isn’t going anywhere, particularly for younger travelers. In fact, 50% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials say they are just as interested if not more in a luxury stay experience this year versus last year (compared to 23% of baby boomers). Moreso, Gen Z is the most likely to book a 5-star hotel (34%), followed by millennials (26%).

However, luxury is no longer just about star ratings — a room with a view is the experience most often associated with a luxury stay (27%), followed by room service (26%) and a spa (24%).

What is at the top of everyone’s luxury dream wish list? A penthouse suite (43%) and a hot tub with a view (43%).

Luxury for Less

For the second year in a row, 5-star stays abroad are cheaper on average than those in the U.S. ($250 internationally per night vs. $370 domestically per night) with several international cities offering 5-star stays for well under U.S. average daily rates. $370 domestically per night), with several international cities offering 5-star stays for well under U.S. average daily rates.

5-star Luxury for Less Than $450 per Night

Travel Tips and Tools

Travelers can look for member discounts, book flexible rates, set Price Alerts, and consider booking 8-14 days before travel to find better value.

• Three-quarters of travelers prioritize discounts, which members can find on thousands of hotels with Member Prices of up to 20% off on Hotels.com. Plus, earn rewards to use on future travel.

• Book now — even if plans aren’t final — using Free Cancellation on Hotels.com for flexibility.

• Not ready to book? Turn on Price Alerts in the Hotels.com app and get notified when nightly rates fluctuate.

• The sweet spot for booking a hotel stay is 8-14 days out for the best deals, plus travelers can save 20% or more on Last Minute Deals when booking through Hotels.com.

FAQ

• When is the best time to book a hotel for the best deal?
  Based on the 2026 Hotel Price Index, the sweet spot for booking a hotel stay is 8-14 days before travel.

• What is the cheapest day to start a hotel stay?
  Sunday is the cheapest check-in day for U.S. hotel stays, while Saturday is the priciest day for international stays.

• Are 5-star hotels cheaper outside the U.S.?
  Yes. According to the 2026 Hotel Price Index, international 5-star hotels are, on average, 23% cheaper than U.S. counterparts.

• What is the cheapest month to travel for hotel deals?
  January is the cheapest month of the year for hotel stays, according to the 2026 Hotel