Tips for finding cheap last-minute accommodation

If you’re the kind of traveller who leaves vacation planning until the very last moment, this article is for you. We know that rush of adrenaline from doing everything at the last minute keeps you going, but when it comes to accommodation, waiting until the end usually means sky-high prices and options that scare you more than they excite you. But don’t worry—it’s not all lost.

It’s still possible to find affordable places to stay even when the clock is ticking. The key is knowing where and how to look.

Here, we’re sharing foolproof tricks and expert traveller tips so you can embrace spontaneity without draining your bank account. Improvising is fine (sometimes), but it’s much better to sleep somewhere nice without paying a fortune.

Use hotel comparison sites

Comparison platforms are your best friends when time is short and your budget is tight. These sites scan the web to bring you the best deals. Some even let you set alerts to notify you if prices drop. Popular comparison sites include:

• TripAdvisor
• Booking
• Kayak
• Google Hotels
• HotelsCombined
   

Extra tip: Sort results by “best value” or “last-minute deals.” And most importantly, when you see something you like, book it fast. Bargains don’t last long.

The VPN trick

Many booking sites show different prices depending on the country you’re browsing from. That’s because they use cookies and geolocation to offer “personalised” rates. But you can turn this to your advantage.

A VPN lets you change your virtual location—for example, browsing as if you were in Thailand or Argentina. This way, you may see cheaper prices offered to those markets.

To try it:

1. Enable your VPN and select a desired location.
2. Visit the hotel website or comparison platform.
3. Compare the new prices with the old ones—and if you spot a deal, book right away.

Browse in incognito mode

Another almost magical trick, similar to using a VPN, is private browsing. In case you didn’t know, your browsing history can work against you. If you repeatedly check the same site, some platforms detect it and raise the prices to push you to book.

The solution? Open an incognito tab and search that way so they can’t track you.

For even better results, combine VPN + incognito mode. This way, you block both location and browsing history tracking and stand a better chance of finding lower rates.

Stay outside the city center

Be flexible with location. Hotels in the very heart of a city are always more expensive. If you look a bit further out in well-connected neighbourhoods, prices drop significantly.

Hunt for discount codes online

Before booking, take a quick tour of the internet in search of discount coupons. If you’ve never done it, type something like “Booking discount code” into Google. It may sound old-fashioned, but it still works.

And if you don’t find anything, try subscribing to the website’s newsletter—many platforms offer a welcome discount for first-time users. It costs nothing to try, and you could save up to 25%.

Take advantage of last-minute apps

If you need to find cheap accommodation when there’s little time left before your trip, apps specialized in last-minute bookings can become your best allies. Many platforms launch last-minute discounts for unsold rooms that hotels prefer to fill, even at lower prices.

In addition to traditional comparison sites, it’s worth enabling alerts and checking offers on your phone several times a day, as prices can constantly change depending on demand and occupancy.

A useful tip is to look for accommodation during weekdays or book on the same day of arrival, especially in city destinations where some hotels lower their rates to avoid empty rooms.

• Recommended article: How to get the cheapest airline tickets

Be flexible with dates and accommodation types

When booking at the last minute, flexibility can make a huge difference in price. Changing your trip by one or two days, avoiding weekends, or traveling during the off-season can help you find much cheaper options.

It’s also advisable to expand your search beyond traditional hotels. In many cases, tourist apartments, hostels, guesthouses, or even private rooms offer considerably lower prices while still providing a comfortable experience.

If your goal is to save money, the most important thing is not always finding the “perfect” accommodation, but rather the one with the best value for money so you can sleep well and enjoy your trip without overspending.

Always check hidden costs

One of the most common mistakes when looking for cheap accommodation is focusing only on the initial price. Many properties add taxes, cleaning fees, or extra charges that significantly increase the final booking cost.

Before booking, check:

• Taxes and tourist fees.
• Cleaning costs.
• Cancellation policy.
• Breakfast price.
• Parking or nearby transportation costs.

Sometimes, accommodation that seems cheaper at first ends up costing more than another option with better conditions included.

Book transport and parking in advance

Saving money on accommodation is great, but many travel budgets end up increasing because of other expenses such as airport transport or parking.

That’s why a good way to reduce costs is to also plan in advance how you’ll get to the airport or station. Services like aparca&go allow you to book parking near airports and stations ahead of time, save time on transfers, and avoid the high prices of official parking facilities.