Hotel prices drop closer to date?

[Dvcden]

Planning our family trip and putting my annual couple nights in universal before disney and I've been keeping track over the years and noticed a trend ...when I check hotel rooms I feel like they are most expensive about 9-12 months out and get cheaper up until check in....is it just me?? or has anyone else noticed that or have some trend stat?

 

[Dvcden]

Augest 8th

HR-$329
RP-$284
CB-$154
PB-$345

All standard room rates as of 1/15/14

 

[Hakunamatata]

Depends on capacity. Supply and demand.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Disney sets their rates for the next year between June and August the year before. Rates will not increase over those rack rates once they are set. They would be lower if a special rate was available.

Be aware that rates vary by weekday vs weekend, and holidays/special weekends etc. Look for full price grids by resort on both Allears.net and MouseSavers and probably others.

You also need to be aware of the room type. If you think the rates increased 2 weeks before travel, you may have been looking at a different room type - because that may have been the only thing they had available.

 

[Dvcden]

I never follow disney prices because we use our DVC points but I'm talking any other hotels wether it be universal or Vegas....they typically go down ...heck 90% of the time we go to Vegas we don't book room until week before lol

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Ive been looking at the HRH for our trip and the cost has gone up $20 a night in the last week or so. Cant book yet as I have annual dues for DVC to fork out for. But I dont think the prices move that much dependant on number of nights booked.

 

[DisneyJoe]

I looked maybe 6 weeks out and thought I can get the rooms cheaper if I wait, same rooms same dates. For whatever reason the price was higher when I got close to actually going. No big deal I just stayed at a friends house. Most hotels simply go by how many rooms they have left over and try to fill those, if the rooms are filled then you can't get a room simple as that. It's like flying stand by, cheaper but you never know exactly if a flight will be filled.

I've been a travel agent selling Disney mostly since 1997. Walt Disney World resorts don't change their rates based on occupancy. Most other chains will do as you say.

 

[Dvcden]

again ... I'm not asking about disney rooms as we all know disney marches to the beat of their own drum.... WERE TALKING ABOUT EVERY OTHER HOTEL IN THE US. thanks again

 

[danpam1024]

I always check right before 6 days out (last day to get a refund)- price has never been cheaper for us. DH planned a surprise trip once and didn't have the room booked until the morning we left- that one was VERY expensive as the hotel was at capacity that weekend.

 

[Dvcden]

I always check right before 6 days out (last day to get a refund)- price has never been cheaper for us. DH planned a surprise trip once and didn't have the room booked until the morning we left- that one was VERY expensive as the hotel was at capacity that weekend.

great idea! so I took your advise and booked the room today $285 and then I will check later and at least have then I can lock in and be protected incase I'm wrong! thanks!