What Is The Cheapest Day To Book Accommodation?

Finding great accommodation at the lowest possible price can feel like a puzzle—especially with fluctuating rates, seasonal changes, and fierce competition among hotels and serviced apartment providers. If you’ve ever asked, “What’s the cheapest day to book accommodation?” you’re not alone. Many travellers, both business and leisure, want to know the best time to secure affordable stays without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

While there’s no single magic formula that guarantees the lowest price every time, trends and industry data provide strong clues, with the right strategies and an understanding of how pricing works, you can make smarter decisions and easily score cheaper nights—whether you're booking a hotel or a serviced apartment.

Understanding How Accommodation Pricing Works

Accommodation rates aren’t fixed—they move constantly. Hotels and serviced apartments use dynamic pricing, which adjusts rates based on:

• Demand and occupancy
• Day of the week
• Season and events
• Lead time before arrival
• Competitor pricing

This means the same room can cost different amounts depending on when you book and when you check in. Because of this flexibility, picking the right day to lock in your stay can significantly affect how much you pay.

So, What Is the Cheapest Day to Book Accommodation?

Industry research shows that mid-week, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday, is often the cheapest time to book accommodation. Here’s why:

1. Lower Online Traffic

These days see fewer people shopping for travel compared to weekends. With less demand, prices often dip as booking platforms and hotels adjust rates to attract mid-week reservations.

2. Business Travel Patterns

Corporate travellers typically confirm trips early in the week. After this surge, prices may stabilise or drop mid-week before rising again leading into the weekend.

3. Competitive Adjustments

Hotels frequently update pricing algorithms mid-week, creating opportunities for sudden price drops that reward flexible planners.

While Tuesday and Wednesday are generally the best days to book, the best day to check in is often Sunday, when weekend crowds vacate, and prices fall.

Avoid Booking on High-Demand Days

On the opposite end, Fridays and Saturdays are often the most expensive days to book accommodation because:

• Weekend travellers shop heavily during this period.
• Properties push rates up as occupancy increases.
• Event weekends and holiday periods often drive rapid spikes in pricing.

If your goal is to save, avoid browsing and booking on weekends unless necessary.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

Choosing the right day is important, but timing your booking window is equally essential.

For Hotels:

A sweet spot often falls between 15 and 21 days before the stay, especially for leisure destinations. Prices tend to drop as hotels look to fill remaining rooms.

For Serviced Apartments:

These properties cater more to long stays, corporate guests, and relocations. They often reward early planners with better rates. Booking 3–6 weeks in advance can help secure lower prices, especially during peak seasons.

Providers like Corporate Keys, known for long-stay serviced apartments in Australia, frequently offer discounted rates for extended and advance bookings—making them an excellent choice for travellers seeking comfort and savings over longer periods.

Season Matters Too

Even the best booking day can’t override the influence of seasons. Accommodation prices shift dramatically based on:

• Major holidays
• School vacation periods
• Local festivals
• Conferences and sporting events
• Summer vs. winter demand

If you're travelling during peak times (like December holidays or major city events), even mid-week bookings may remain high. In these cases, booking months early is the most cost-effective strategy.

Price Alerts and Comparison Tools Help Too

To take advantage of weekly price dips:

• Set price alerts on travel apps—you’ll be notified when prices fall on your desired dates.
• Compare multiple platforms—rates can vary across booking sites.
• Check direct websites—hotels and serviced apartments sometimes offer exclusive mid-week deals not shown elsewhere.

For serviced apartments in particular, booking direct often secures the best long-stay or corporate discounts.

Flexible Dates = Bigger Savings

If your travel dates aren’t fixed, use “flexible date” search tools. Many booking engines will display price variations by date, making it easy to pinpoint the cheapest day to check in.

You’ll often see:

• Lower rates for Sunday to Thursday stays
• Higher rates for Friday and Saturday nights
• Price drops during mid-week occupancy lulls

Final Thoughts: The Best Day to Book Isn’t a Myth—It’s a Strategy

Finding the cheapest day to book accommodation comes down to understanding supply, demand, and booking trends. While prices will always fluctuate, the evidence is clear: booking on Tuesday or Wednesday generally gives you the best chance at landing lower rates, especially when combined with early planning and flexible dates.

Whether you’re booking a quick getaway, a business trip, or a long-term stay with providers like Corporate Keys, timing your reservation smartly can lead to significant savings.

With a little planning and awareness of booking patterns, your next stay can be both comfortable and budget-friendly—without the stress of overspending.