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The best time to book a hotel to get the lowest price
By John Matarese at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
Booking a hotel months in advance may not be the money-saving strategy travelers think it is.A new report found last-minute bookings are now one of the best ways to save on summer hotel stays."Hotels do not want those rooms to go unfilled, so prices do tend to drop closer to the stay," said Melan...
Key takeaway "Hotels do not want those rooms to go unfilled, so prices do tend to drop closer to the stay," said Melanie Fish, travel expert and vice president of global PR at Hotels.
Why this matters in The Detroit
For Detroit travelers, the shift towards last-minute hotel bookings and increased use of filters to find budget-friendly options reflects a broader trend of prioritizing value in summer travel plans. As hotel prices in the area continue to rise, with a 5.1% increase compared to last year, locals are likely to be on the lookout for ways to save on accommodations. The fact that travelers are willing to stay outside city centers or consider alternative locations to get a better deal may also impact Detroit's own hospitality industry, potentially affecting demand for hotels in the city center. Additionally, the popularity of filters such as free parking and meal plans may prompt local hotels to reevaluate their own amenities and pricing strategies to remain competitive. By being flexible with their travel plans and taking advantage of discounts, Detroit travelers can make the most of their summer vacations without breaking the bank.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: library ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Booking a hotel months in advance may not be the money-saving strategy travelers think it is.A new report found last-minute bookings are now one of the best ways to save on summer hotel stays."Hotels do not want those rooms to go unfilled, so prices do tend to drop closer to the stay," said Melan...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John Matarese at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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