Booking hotels in US summer

[earlyriser]

As a yearly traveler to the States in the winter months, I am looking for a change and have been a bit shocked at some of the current Hilton prices for July 2017. On average prices seem to be 2-3 times higher than what I am used to with some hotels having no rooms available (for example Boston). Can anyone confirm if this is standard for summer time in the States or will prices come down at some point? Perhaps a combination of both? Current plan is a road trip of the upper eastern quadrant but we may have to adjust this!

 

[Hvr]

I'm currently in the US (last night and fly home tomorrow) and have been surprised at the very definite seasons for travelling. Now that autumn (fall) is well underway here there are "places closed for the season".

July is a huge travel month with Independence Day and many schools are closed.

Also people book ahead for sports events and concerts etc. Prices may drop but don't count on it in popular areas.

It might be worth searching the areas you want to visit to see if there are specific events during the times you want to travel and amend your itinerary accordingly.

 

[earlyriser]

Thanks. I am aware July is a huge month for travel in the US, I just suppose I am surprised at how drastically different the rates actually are this far out. We are looking at the second half of July so would avoid independence day. It would seem that for somewhere such as Acadia National Park, it would be wise to stay inland from the park. As mentioned, downtown Boston is very expensive. Roughly $200/night USD more than a previous stay.

 

[JohnPhelan]

My experience is that US pricing more than six months out is generally ridiculous. They often are using rack rates or some small discounts. From about six months prior, the prices actually begin to reflect reality.

So if looking for July, I would not be booking before January at the earliest.

Also, the big chains generally release various specials about three to months out.

 

[earlyriser]

My experience is that US pricing more than six months out is generally ridiculous. They often are using rack rates or some small discounts. From about six months prior, the prices actually begin to reflect reality.

So if looking for July, I would not be booking before January at the earliest.

Also, the big chains generally release various specials about three to months out.

Thank you for the advice. That sounds like a good plan.

Interestingly, I just found the Curio in Boston for $125 + 28K points per night. Decent saving compared to $469/night.

 

[Jurahn]

Interesting thread! I'm travelling to the US in March/April and am booking at several Hampton Inns - two I have prepaid (as they're just one night stays and the rate was very good) and have booked a AAA rate at Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown in Seattle, as the prices had come down around $20/night for the room category I was looking at, and yes, it seemed to drop just after the 6-months-out mark. The prepaid Hhonors rate at $163 USD/night (plus taxes of course) is only $2 more than the AAA rate and am currently tossing up whether to just to prepay in case our dollar does a dive against the USD in the coming months - with the US election an unknown factor at this point as to how it will affect the USD - or to just stay with the AAA rate, hope our dollar holds and see whether the prices drop any more or if Hilton will have a sale - a "how long's a piece of string" question, I know! Any thoughts/comments/suggestions? BTW, I have Hhonors Gold through Velocity opt-in but zero points, so using points isn't an option

 

[DC3]

I tend to book rates that can be cancelled without penalty. Then just monitor for a drop in price, then cancelling/modifying the original booking as necessary for the best rates that I can get.

If there are absolute bargains at pre-pay rates, then that' a consideration.