Hilton HHonors - When is the best time to book?

Much has been written about when to book an airline ticket because of capacity controlled booking in which the price will be lowered for undersold flights.

Shouldn't the same thing be true for hotel rooms? Specifically, has anyone had an insight into timing the purchase of a Hilton Family hotel to obtain the best (lowest) price?

I always make a reservation immediately and then keep the rates under review right up to the date of my departure.

In my experience, some rates increase and some rates decrease.

If you initially book a fully flexible rate, then you have nothing to lose. If the rates increase you will be ahead, and if the rates decrease, you can always rebook (first) and then cancel your initial reservation (second).

Many thanks.

I always make a reservation immediately and then keep the rates under review right up to the date of my departure.

In my experience, some rates increase and some rates decrease.

If you initially book a fully flexible rate, then you have nothing to lose. If the rates increase you will be ahead, and if the rates decrease, you can always rebook (first) and then cancel your initial reservation (second).

I second this method! I too do this! ^^

Just make sure to book at the new rate first, get the confirmation, THEN cancel the old reservation.

The hilton site lets you modify a reservation at the same hotel, so you can keep checking and if the rates drop a couple mouse clicks and you have the new rate on the same reservation. You usually don't have to book a new one and cancel the old one for the same property, the system does a good job in that area.

Make sure you have a printout with you when you check in some properties (Newark Airport Hilton) will always try to charge you the higher rate until you show them the lower one.

The hilton site lets you modify a reservation at the same hotel, so you can keep checking and if the rates drop a couple mouse clicks and you have the new rate on the same reservation. You usually don't have to book a new one and cancel the old one for the same property, the system does a good job in that area.

Make sure you have a printout with you when you check in some properties (Newark Airport Hilton) will always try to charge you the higher rate until you show them the lower one.

The problem I've encountered with that is, the rate shown at the hotel shows the initial rate booked, not the new lower rate.

Even when I had the printout, the hotel couldn't figure out why my rates were lower. So since that occurrence, I personally, find it easier to just rebook - wait for confirmation - cancel.

I've done a rate change just like Mike suggested three times within the last 6 months, and without a problem. The most recent was just last month. Now I do carry the changed paperwork with me to prove that lower rate, but I've never had to use it. And on all occasions when I was handed the slip to sign at checkin, the correct rate was on it. Of course as with anything, YMMV.