What is the earliest you can book a hotel room?

When is the best time to secure a hotel reservation? How far ahead should you plan your booking?

The response to these queries is often less than ideal: It varies.

If you're paying with cash, you typically won’t want to commit to a nonrefundable rate too early. Instead, opting for a flexible rate is advisable, as it allows you to adapt without losing your investment if your plans change. However, if your trip is just a few days away, booking a nonrefundable rate may feel more acceptable.

When redeeming hotel points, be aware of potential restrictions in availability. Particularly during high demand seasons, at hotels favored by reward travelers, or where only a few rooms can be booked with points, you might struggle to find available award nights. Thus, booking as far in advance as you can is wise. If you spot availability, seize the opportunity.

Conversely, some renowned hotels in sought-after locations like Bora Bora may be nearly impossible to reserve well in advance using points. For certain properties, last-minute bookings might be your best strategy, as availability often opens up just a week or two before at some aspirational hotels that accept points.

It's important to note that hotel points generally offer more flexibility than cash payments. When you book a room using points, it almost always guarantees a fully refundable rate. If you change your mind, simply cancel the reservation and you should receive all your points back. However, keep in mind that some hotels have stricter cancellation policies, especially during busy periods.

Next, let’s explore 11 popular hotel chains to determine how far in advance you can book your stay.

Accor

Rewards program: Accor Live Limitless. With over 5,100 hotels across 43 distinctive brands, Accor is prominent globally, though it may not be well-known in the U.S., where most of its properties are located in Europe. Accor hotels tend to be upscale, excelling in providing five-star resorts.

How early you can book: You can reserve Accor hotels up to 405 days in advance.

Airbnb

Rewards program: While Airbnb lacks its own loyalty program (and we’ve been hoping for one since 2018), it collaborates with other loyalty schemes, allowing you to earn airline miles on your next Airbnb stay.

How early you can book: After selecting a listing, the booking calendar permits you to reserve a room up to three years ahead. However, many hosts may restrict bookings to a shorter timeframe, so check the specific property you’re interested in.

Best Western

Rewards program: Best Western Rewards. With these rewards, you can enjoy complimentary stays at 18 diverse brands, each offering its own unique atmosphere. While Best Western isn't synonymous with luxury, it does feature a selection of excellent mid-tier and upscale properties within brands like WorldHotels and BW Premier.

How early you can book: You can book Best Western hotels up to 350 days in advance.

Choice Hotels

Rewards program: Choice Privileges. While Choice may not boast the most glamorous 12 hotel brands, you’re likely to find a property conveniently located near you. What it lacks in style, it compensates for with widespread availability. Choice hotels are especially great for trips to Scandinavia, where hotel prices can be steep in cash but more reasonable when using points.

How early you can book: You can reserve Choice hotels up to 350 days in advance when paying with cash and up to 100 days ahead when using points.

Radisson

Rewards program: Radisson Rewards. Radisson features nine distinct brands. Its footprint is limited in much of the U.S., so we suggest joining this loyalty program primarily if you travel along the East Coast or in Europe.

How early you can book: When using cash, you can book Radisson hotels up to 730 days in advance, and up to 270 days in advance when redeeming rewards.

Hilton Hotels

Rewards program: Hilton Honors. With over 6,500 hotels across 119 countries and 18 unique brands, Hilton features some of the most desirable hotels globally, including the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui. However, the Hilton portfolio also includes numerous roadside properties that are perfect for frequent travelers.

How early you can book: You can reserve Hilton hotels up to 365 days in advance.

Hyatt Hotels

Rewards program: World of Hyatt. Hyatt features 15 distinct hotel brands, along with its collaboration with Small Luxury Hotels of the World and its recent integration of Apple Leisure Group, which includes a range of all-inclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and the U.S. Hyatt manages over 1,000 hotels in 69 countries.

How early you can book: You can reserve Hyatt hotels up to 395 days in advance.

InterContinental Hotels Group

Rewards program: IHG Rewards. IHG boasts 18 brands and more than 6,000 hotels. This chain is particularly beneficial for travelers in rural areas who aren't seeking extravagant five-star experiences. However, IHG is also making strides into the luxury sector with Six Senses, Mr & Mrs Smith, and its new Vignette Collection.

How early you can book: You can book IHG hotels up to 350 days in advance.

Marriott

Rewards programs: Marriott Bonvoy. As the largest hotel chain worldwide, Marriott features over 7,000 properties and 30 diverse brands to accommodate various travel preferences. They provide an extensive array of distinctive luxury hotels.

How early you can book: You can reserve Marriott hotels up to 355 days in advance.

Omni Hotels & Resorts

Rewards program: Select Guest. While Omni may not be the largest brand, it excels in luxury accommodations. You can find its 50 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

How early you can book: You can book Omni hotels up to 350 days ahead of your stay.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Rewards program: Wyndham Rewards. Wyndham boasts 21 distinct brands, ranging from the budget-friendly Super 8 to the more upscale Wyndham Grand. While some Wyndham properties may not be your first choice, you'll have plenty of options to consider.

How early you can book: You can make reservations at Wyndham hotels up to 365 days in advance.

Final thoughts

Often, you can secure a hotel room well in advance of booking airfare. If you prefer not to wait until the last moment to snag a fantastic travel deal, reserving your accommodations a year ahead instead of just a month can alleviate stress, simplify planning, and possibly save you some money.