Just about to snag that dream hotel room on Booking.com, only to see the price mysteriously jump before you click "confirm"? You're not alone! This frustrating phenomenon has left many travelers scratching their heads and wondering: why does the price of a hotel change on Booking.com during the reservation process?
Fear not, intrepid explorer! This blog post dives deep into the often murky world of dynamic hotel pricing, revealing the culprits behind those fluctuating rates:
The Dynamic Duo: Demand & Algorithms
The main culprits behind price changes are demand and algorithms. As more people search for or book a particular room, the demand increases, triggering the algorithm to automatically adjust the price upwards. This "dynamic pricing" strategy aims to maximize revenue for the hotel.
Other Sneaky Suspects:
- Cancellation Policies: Some hotels offer lower initial prices with stricter cancellation policies. Choosing a more flexible option might lead to a higher price at checkout.
- Currency Fluctuations: If you're paying in a different currency than the hotel's listed price, exchange rate fluctuations can cause slight variations.
- Last-Minute Deals: Occasionally, the price you see initially might be a limited-time offer that disappears as you proceed through the booking process.
How to Outsmart the System:
- Be Flexible: Consider alternative dates or room types with less demand.
- Book Early: Catch those lower prices before the surge.
- Clear Your Cookies: Sometimes, cookies track your browsing history and inflate prices.
- Don't let the Booking Houdini Win! Use the Travel Deals Page: Find amazing deals on hotels and flights!
- Compare Prices: Use the tool below to compare prices across different booking platforms.