We’ve all been there. A spontaneous trip idea strikes, you need to extend a stay unexpectedly, or plans fall through at the eleventh hour. Whatever the reason, finding a place to stay on short notice can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget and maintain some level of comfort.

The good news? Booking last-minute accommodations doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right strategies and a bit of flexibility, you can snag some great deals and cozy places to stay, even at the last minute. This guide will walk you through the best tips and tricks to help you secure accommodations that are affordable, comfortable, and perfect for your needs—even when time isn’t on your side.

While planning in advance often gives you the best options, booking last-minute can actually come with big perks. Hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals hate having empty rooms. To fill those vacancies, many places will drop their rates significantly in the final hours. For spontaneous travelers, this means you can score deep discounts, unique stays, or upgrades that wouldn’t normally be available to early planners.

With that said, success in last-minute booking hinges on knowing some insider strategies and using the right tools to make an informed and quick decision.

Tips for Booking Last-Minute Accommodations

1. Be Flexible with Your Location

When time is tight, flexibility is your best friend. Maybe the specific neighborhood or tourist area you had in mind is fully booked or outrageously expensive. Expanding your search area is one of the easiest ways to find hidden gems.

Instead of staying right in the city center, try looking at accommodations in nearby neighborhoods or outskirts. Suburbs or areas just outside the main attractions often offer cheaper rates, especially for last-minute stays. Plus, these locations can give you a more authentic feel for the destination. Just make sure transportation is easily accessible.

2. Utilize Last-Minute Booking Apps and Websites

Thankfully, technology has made the process of finding a room or rental on short notice much easier. A variety of apps and websites specialize in helping travelers find last-minute deals. Many even have features to show discounted rooms, sudden cancellations, or unlisted inventory.

Here are some popular options to consider:

  • HotelTonight: Specializes in last-minute hotel bookings with some fantastic discounts.
  • Booking.com and Expedia: Both have “last-minute deals” sections that highlight discounted rooms.
  • Airbnb or Vrbo: While more known for long-term stays, you can often find last-second availability as hosts look to fill gaps between bookings.
  • Hostelworld: Great for backpackers or those seeking budget-friendly stays at the last minute.

3. Consider Alternative Accommodation Options

If traditional hotels or vacation rentals aren’t working out, consider thinking outside the box. Many alternative options can save you money and offer unique experiences at the same time.

For example:

  • Hostels are a fantastic option for solo travelers or younger groups. Many offer private rooms aside from shared dorms.
  • Guesthouses and B&Bs tend to have personal charm and are often more available in smaller towns or less touristy areas.
  • Camping or glamping can be an adventurous and affordable solution if you’re in an area with good weather and access to outdoor spaces.

4. Call Hotels Directly for Deals

Sometimes, when all else fails, simply picking up the phone and calling a hotel can work wonders. Direct contact with the property (rather than going through booking apps) allows you to inquire about last-minute rates or cancellations. Front desk staff often have more flexibility to offer deals than you’ll find online, especially if the hotel is trying to fill rooms for the same night.

5. Opt for Pay-As-You-Go Reservations

Look for accommodations that offer free cancellations or “reserve now, pay later” options. These flexible booking policies are especially useful in last-minute situations, where plans can be unpredictable. With this approach, you can lock in a room while continuing to browse for better options. If something better pops up, you can cancel your initial booking without penalty.

6. Check for Same-Day Discounts

Hotels and rentals want to avoid having empty rooms, so they’ll often discount rooms on the same day to attract walk-in or last-minute guests. Many booking platforms highlight these same-day deals, or you can inquire directly with the property. This method works especially well for midweek stays or during the off-season when there’s less competition for rooms.

7. Be Open to Sharing or Short-Term Stays

If you’re just looking for a place to crash for the night, don’t overlook shared options like co-living spaces or guesthouses where other travelers stay. These are affordable, often cozy, and promote interaction with other guests. Another option is to book shorter stays at multiple locations if your full trip spans several nights and you can’t find one continuous booking.

8. Timing is Key

Keep an eye on the time of day when booking. Many same-day deals drop around the early afternoon once hotels have assessed their vacancy rates. The closer you get to check-in time, the better the deal might be—but waiting too long could also mean slim pickings, so it’s a fine balance.

Red Flags to Watch For

When rushing to book, it’s easy to get caught up in securing a quick deal and miss some important details. Here are a few things to look out for:

  • Hidden fees: Booking platforms sometimes exclude extra charges like cleaning fees, taxes, or resort fees from the initial price, so always double-check the final total.
  • Cancellation policies: Make sure you understand the cancellation rules, especially for less flexible options.
  • Location reviews: If it’s your first time in the area, use reviews to confirm that the accommodation is in a safe, convenient neighborhood.
  • Too-good-to-be-true prices: While deals are common, ultra-low pricing may point to issues like outdated facilities or poor service.

Packing for Last-Minute Stays

When booking last-minute accommodations, packing light and efficiently can save you major headaches. Here are a few tips:

  • Have a “go bag” ready for spontaneous trips, with essentials like toiletries, chargers, and travel-sized snacks.
  • Pack versatile clothing that can transition from casual to semi-formal if needed.
  • Invest in a luggage lock for hostels, shared spaces, or places without in-room safes.