A Good Time to Pre-Pay Hotel?

[robd]

This question is probably a bit broader than just HH forum, but given the dollar has just hit $1.04 on the exchange with USD, is it recommended to request that accommodation be charged now for reservations already booked?

I did it late 2010 for bookings in Feb 2011 at IHG. The rate was good and it worked well.

I have hotel reservations of about $4k for late August/September.

For those with a crystal ball, what do you think?

 

[Deewhy]

Exchange rate aside, I reckon you've got to gamble whether you think the flexi type prices are going to go up and is it better to take your prepay rate now.

In my experience most chains head upward for the flexible type rates and so the earlier you can book the better. Then you can have a fallback position if the prepay rate doesn't drop closer to your travel dates.

Given you are a 6 weeks out I'd be looking to book the flexible type rate knowing that's the maximum, and watch the pre purchase rate. If the flexi rate drops by any chance, grab it. Some may remove the prepurchAse rate 30-45 days out so just be aware.

 

[Hvr]

Given that Hilton has a 40% off sale for bookings made by 01 Aug for stays later in the year it seems to be a very good time to book now. The 40% off rate is strictly prepaid and non-cancellable/changeable but well worth a look if you're definitely travelling. Am just fine tuning a mattress run in BKK, Conrad then Millennium and so on for seven consecutive nights to assist me to requalify for Diamond.

 

[beardoc]

In my experience with Hilton, prices can go down substantially as time goes by, and I've seen rates on the day of check-in that are better than the advance purchase rate that I booked 3 months earlier. I would say if there is still a Great Getaway rate, then grab it, but for others, unless there is a REALLY good deal, book the AAA or MVP or another flexible rate and watch to see what happens.