Top Websites for Last Minute Hotel Deals – Best Booking Platforms (Save Up to 70%)

Finding a quality hotel at the last minute no longer requires paying premium prices. With the right booking strategy and reliable platforms, travelers can secure discounts of 50% to 70% off standard room rates.

Hotels regularly reduce prices when rooms remain unsold close to the check-in date. Empty rooms generate no revenue, so properties often lower rates to increase occupancy, even if it means earning less per booking. Many of these discounts appear only on selected booking platforms or mobile apps and may not be visible in standard search results.

Find how last minute hotel deals work, why hotels offer significant price reductions, and which platforms consistently provide strong value. It also highlights the top websites for last minute hotel deals and outlines practical methods to use each platform effectively to save money while maintaining acceptable standards for comfort, safety, and location.

What’s Next

Benefits of Using Websites for Last-Minute Hotel Deals

Specialized hotel booking platforms give travelers direct access to advanced pricing technology, strong hotel partnerships, and exclusive room inventory that hotels usually do not offer through their own websites or front desks. These platforms constantly track unsold rooms and adjust prices in real time, helping travelers secure the lowest possible rates within hours or days of check-in.

Save Up to 70% on Hotel Bookings

Many booking websites negotiate bulk pricing agreements with hotels and receive access to last-minute unsold inventory at deeply discounted rates. Platforms such as Priceline and Hotwire regularly feature “hidden deals” with discounts exceeding 50%. Several mobile-first platforms also publish limited-time offers that reach 60% to 70% off standard room prices, especially during low-occupancy periods.

Access to Exclusive App-Only & Flash Discounts

Most major booking platforms offer lower prices through their mobile apps than on desktop websites. These apps unlock private deals, short-term flash sales, and loyalty-based discounts that users cannot view publicly. By booking through the app, travelers often secure better pricing and additional perks without paying extra fees.

Flexible Cancellation & Free Refund Policies

Many leading booking platforms now provide free cancellation options up to 24 hours before check-in. This policy allows travelers to reserve discounted rooms early while continuing to monitor prices for better offers. If a lower rate appears, travelers can cancel and rebook without financial risk, maximizing savings while maintaining flexibility.

Top 10 Websites for Last Minute Hotel Deals

Below are the platforms that consistently perform best based on pricing, reliability, hotel selection, refund policies, and real traveler experiences.

1. Booking.com: Best Website for Global Last-Minute Hotel Deals

Booking.com is one of the most trusted platforms worldwide for last-minute accommodations. It offers millions of listings ranging from budget hostels and serviced apartments to luxury resorts, making it suitable for every type of traveler. The platform automatically highlights discounted rooms in real time, ensuring that users see the best available rates, even just hours before check-in.

The combination of verified guest reviews, extensive global coverage, and reliable booking confirmation makes Booking.com particularly suitable for international travelers who need a safe and dependable option at short notice.

How to Find Last-Minute Deals on Booking.com

Travelers can locate last-minute deals by using the “Last Minute Deals” section, which filters results based on availability for the next few days. The platform provides multiple tools to refine searches:

Date filters: Narrow options to today or the upcoming 1–3 days.
Price range: Select accommodations within your budget.
Star ratings and amenities: Choose hotels that meet personal comfort and convenience preferences.
Location filters: Prioritize proximity to airports, attractions, or business centers.

This combination of tools ensures that travelers can efficiently locate and book suitable last-minute accommodations without wasting time searching through irrelevant listings.

Flexible Booking & Payment Options

One of the strongest advantages of Booking.com is the ability to reserve rooms without upfront payments. Many properties allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in, providing financial security for travelers whose plans may change unexpectedly. Additionally, the Pay at Property feature allows travelers to book a room without paying in advance, offering the flexibility to pay upon arrival, which is particularly useful for international travelers or those booking on short notice.

Tips for Business, Family, and International Travelers

Booking.com offers tailored benefits for different traveler types:

Business travelers: Reliable verification, convenient locations near airports and business districts, free Wi-Fi, and workspace facilities.
Families: Multi-bedroom options, apartments with kitchens, and child-friendly amenities to make stays comfortable and convenient.
International travelers: Multi-language support, multiple currency options, and verified reviews reduce booking risk and simplify last-minute international travel.

Pros & Cons for Deal Hunters

Pros:

Extensive global inventory across all hotel types
Transparent pricing with taxes included
Free cancellation options
Reliable verified guest reviews

Cons:

Discounts may not be as deep as those on hidden-deal platforms
High-demand destinations may sell out quickly during peak seasons

2. Expedia: Best for Last-Minute Hotel + Flight Bundle Deals

Expedia excels when travelers need more than just a hotel, as it integrates hotels, flights, car rentals, and activities into one platform. This makes it ideal for travelers looking to book entire trips at short notice. Expedia’s platform allows travelers to compare multiple options, review real-time pricing, and access discounted packages that combine hotels with flights, often reducing costs significantly.

How Expedia Finds Cheap Last-Minute Hotels

Expedia receives discounted inventory from partner hotels and airlines, which is especially valuable for last-minute bookings. Unsold hotel rooms and unfilled flight seats are dynamically priced based on availability, seasonal demand, and other factors. Expedia’s algorithm combines these discounts into comprehensive packages, giving travelers access to competitive last-minute rates without the need to manually negotiate or search multiple platforms.

Booking Tips: Packages vs Hotel-Only Deals

Booking hotel and flight packages together often provides deeper discounts than booking each separately. Hotels are willing to reduce rates when rooms are bundled with airfare, and these savings are passed directly to travelers. However, it is always advisable to compare the package deal with hotel-only bookings to ensure that combining services truly maximizes savings.

Expedia Rewards & Member Benefits

Expedia’s free membership program unlocks “Member Prices” and allows users to earn reward points on qualifying bookings. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future trips, making Expedia especially useful for frequent travelers who often book last-minute trips. Members also benefit from exclusive promotions and personalized recommendations.

Best Use Cases

Expedia is ideal for travelers who need:

Full trip management including flights, hotels, and car rentals
International or multi-city itineraries booked on short notice
Reward programs that provide ongoing savings

3. Hotels.com: Best Rewards Program for Frequent Bookers

Hotels.com is built around a loyalty-focused booking experience. Its platform highlights last-minute deals, especially same-day and next-day discounts. Frequent travelers benefit significantly from its structured reward system, which allows them to convert stays into free nights over time.

How to Book & Maximize Savings

Users should navigate to the Last Minute Deals section to identify discounted accommodations. The mobile app often provides even lower prices than the website and features push notifications for nearby deals. Combining these app-exclusive offers with the platform’s rewards program ensures maximum savings for frequent travelers.

Rewards Program Explained

Hotels.com offers a “Stay 10 Nights, Get 1 Free” program. Each completed night earns a stamp, and after ten nights, travelers receive one free night equal to the average value of their previous stays. This straightforward system allows users to accumulate rewards quickly and significantly reduce accommodation costs over time.

Tips for Budget Travelers

Frequent travelers gain the most value from Hotels.com, particularly when combining last-minute deals with free reward nights. Budget-conscious users can strategically plan bookings to take advantage of app-exclusive deals while maximizing rewards for future travel.

4. Agoda: Best Website for Cheap Hotels in Asia & Budget Stays

Agoda has a dominant presence in Asian markets, working directly with local hotels to provide lower rates than many global platforms. Its inventory includes small guesthouses, budget hotels, boutique accommodations, and high-end resorts. By partnering closely with local hotels, Agoda bypasses standard global pricing structures, allowing for highly competitive rates.

How to Book Last-Minute Deals

Agoda’s mobile app frequently provides exclusive prices unavailable on the website. Travelers can use filters to narrow results by location, price, and amenities, making it easy to find suitable last-minute accommodations. Booking early in the day for same-night stays often yields the best discounts.

Payment Flexibility & Local Coverage

Agoda supports multiple currencies, region-specific payment methods, and partial installment payments in select countries. It also lists small, independent hotels that do not appear on global platforms, providing travelers with unique local experiences at lower rates.

Ideal Destinations for Agoda

Agoda is especially strong in countries such as:

Thailand
Vietnam
Indonesia
Japan
South Korea
Malaysia

Travelers can take advantage of lower local rates, particularly in high-demand urban areas and popular tourist destinations.

5. Priceline: Best for Hidden Hotel Discounts with Express Deals

Priceline offers Express Deals, which keep the hotel name hidden until after booking. Travelers can see star ratings, neighborhood, and amenities but not the exact hotel. This allows hotels to sell unsold inventory at highly discounted rates without publicly lowering their brand pricing.

How to Save on Same-Day Bookings

The largest discounts are typically available for same-day bookings when hotels aim to fill empty rooms quickly. By checking the platform in the late afternoon or evening, travelers often find the deepest discounts.

Risk vs Reward

Booking through Express Deals involves a trade-off: travelers sacrifice certainty about the hotel brand in exchange for potentially massive savings. This option is ideal for travelers who prioritize cost savings over brand preference.

Top Cities for Last-Minute Priceline Deals

Priceline tends to have the best deals in major cities, including:

London
New York
Las Vegas
Chicago
Los Angeles

6. Hotwire: Best for Secret “Hot Rate” Last-Minute Hotel Deals

Hotwire operates on a model similar to Priceline, keeping hotels anonymous until after booking confirmation. Users can see the hotel’s neighborhood, star rating, and amenities, helping them make informed decisions even without knowing the exact hotel name.

Average Discounts

Last-minute deals on Hotwire typically range from 35% to 60%, depending on factors such as demand, location, and timing. These savings make it a strong choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for luxury or mid-range accommodations.

How to Book

Search for your destination and travel dates.
Filter by star rating, amenities, and neighborhood to narrow your options.
Choose a “Hot Rate” deal—the exact hotel will remain hidden until after booking.
Confirm your booking and view your hotel details once payment is complete.

Pros of Hotwire

Significant savings on last-minute bookings.
Wide selection of hotels across major cities.
Flexible for travelers who don’t mind not knowing the hotel name upfront.
Easy-to-use platform with helpful filters for neighborhood and amenities.

Cons of Hotwire

Hotel names remain hidden until after booking, which may be risky for brand-loyal travelers.
Limited room customization; specific rooms or views cannot be selected.
Non-refundable on Hot Rate deals, so cancellations can be restrictive.

7. Airbnb: Best for Last-Minute Apartments & Long-Stay Deals

Airbnb hosts often lower prices for last-minute bookings to avoid empty nights. These discounts are particularly valuable for travelers seeking alternative accommodations when hotels are sold out or prices are high. Last-minute Airbnb deals can sometimes be more flexible and spacious than comparable hotel options.

How to Book

Search your destination and travel dates on Airbnb.
Use filters for property type, amenities, and Instant Book eligibility.
Check host profiles and reviews to ensure safety and quality.
Book instantly with Instant Book for immediate confirmation.
Double-check property descriptions and amenities to avoid surprises.

Best Use Cases

Families or groups needing extra space.
Travelers seeking apartments with kitchens for long-term stays.
Budget-conscious travelers wanting more privacy and convenience than hotels.

Safety Tips for Same-Day Airbnb Bookings

Choose verified hosts with strong ratings.
Read recent guest reviews carefully.
Confirm essential amenities before booking.
Use Instant Book to secure your stay immediately and reduce cancellation risks.

Pros of Airbnb

Flexible accommodation options for all group sizes.
More space and privacy than typical hotel rooms.
Potential for last-minute discounts up to 20–40%.
Ideal for long stays with kitchen and laundry facilities.

Cons of Airbnb

Some properties may have strict check-in rules, requiring planning for arrival.
Varied quality depending on host and property.
Cancellations possible if Instant Book is not used.
Limited standardized services like daily housekeeping or concierge.

8. HotelTonight: Best App for Same-Day Hotel Deals

HotelTonight focuses entirely on same-day bookings, helping travelers secure unsold hotel rooms at discounted rates. Participating hotels release their remaining inventory to the app, often at deep discounts unavailable through other booking platforms.

Daily Drop Deals Explained

Every day at noon, HotelTonight publishes Daily Drop Deals, featuring a limited selection of heavily discounted rooms. Booking quickly is essential, as these deals sell out fast due to high demand and limited availability.

Supported Cities & Countries

HotelTonight has strong coverage in major cities worldwide, with a focus on North America and Europe, and is gradually expanding into Asia and Latin America.

How to Book

Download the HotelTonight app (available on iOS and Android).
Enter your destination and select your travel dates.
Browse Daily Drop Deals or standard last-minute hotel options.
Filter by star rating, neighborhood, or amenities to find your preferred stay.
Book instantly through the app for immediate confirmation.

Pros of HotelTonight

Deep discounts on same-day hotel bookings.
Extremely fast and convenient app-based booking process.
Exclusive app-only deals not available on other platforms.
Perfect for spontaneous travel or unexpected overnight stays.

Cons of HotelTonight

Smaller inventory compared to global booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia.
Limited to mostly urban areas, with fewer options in rural destinations.
Deals may sell out quickly, requiring fast decision-making.
No option to select specific rooms; only the hotel and room type are confirmed.

9. Kayak: Best Hotel Price Comparison Tool for Last-Minute Deals

Kayak functions as a meta-search engine, scanning hundreds of booking sites to provide a comprehensive price comparison. While it does not sell rooms directly, it directs users to the lowest-priced provider, helping travelers find the best deals quickly.

Price Alerts & Filters

Set budget limits, star ratings, and amenity preferences to narrow your search.
Price alerts notify you when rates drop, making it easier to secure last-minute deals without constantly checking multiple sites.
Helps travelers save both time and money by tracking multiple booking platforms simultaneously.

Feature

Kayak’s Explore tool is perfect for flexible travelers, showing the cheapest destinations nearby or internationally. This feature helps uncover last-minute travel opportunities and spontaneous getaway options.

When to Book Direct vs Through Kayak

Use Kayak primarily for research and comparison.
Compare total prices including taxes and fees before booking.
Book through the provider offering the best value, ensuring savings without compromising reliability.

How to Book

Go to Kayak.com or open the Kayak app.
Enter your destination and travel dates.
Apply filters for star rating, amenities, and price range.
Browse the search results and select your preferred hotel.
Click through to the provider offering the best price and complete your booking.

Pros of Kayak

Comprehensive price comparisons across hundreds of sites.
Customizable filters to suit budget and preference.
Price alerts and notifications for last-minute deals.
Explore tool for discovering cheap destinations on short notice.
Reliable and transparent booking guidance.

Cons of Kayak

Does not sell rooms directly, adding an extra step to booking.
Prices may change quickly between Kayak and the provider.
Some deals may exclude taxes or fees, requiring careful comparison.
Dependent on third-party site reliability for final booking.

10. Trivago: Best for Comparing Hotel Prices Across Hundreds of Sites

Trivago is a hotel price comparison platform that aggregates real-time rates from multiple booking websites. By displaying prices side by side, it allows travelers to quickly spot genuine last-minute deals and make informed decisions without checking multiple sites individually.

Booking Tips

Look for significant differences between standard and discounted rates.
Always verify the final price on the hotel or booking website before completing payment.
Use filters for star rating, neighborhood, and amenities to narrow down options efficiently.