When’s the Best (and Worst) Time to Stay at Hampton Inn vs Best Western?
Timing is everything when it comes to booking a hotel room at the right price. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a weekend getaway, choosing when to travel can make or break your hotel budget. Today, we’re weighing the pros and cons of staying at Hampton Inn vs Best Western during the peak and off-peak seasons.
These two hotel chains are both solid mid-range choices that combine decent quality with reasonable rates. But savvy travelers know there are sweet spots for getting the best value at each. So let’s dive into the details!
Peak vs. Off-Peak Season: What’s the Difference?
The travel industry divides the calendar into “peak” and “off-peak” seasons based on demand trends. The peak season refers to the busiest times of year when hotels raise their rates to capitalize on increased tourism. Families traveling during school breaks and holidays like spring break, summer, and Christmas drive up the peak period prices.
On the flip side, the off-peak or “low” season brings a lull in tourism. With fewer travelers, hotels drop rates to fill rooms. The tradeoff is potentially closed amenities/attractions and worse weather in some climates.
So when comparing Hampton Inn vs. Best Western, timing your stay around these peak and off-peak patterns can save you hundreds on your hotel bill.
The Pros and Cons of Visiting During Peak Season
There are pros and cons to being a peak season traveler that are worth weighing:
Pros:
– Prime weather conditions for outdoor activities
– Major attractions, restaurants, etc. will be open
– More events, festivals and things to do
– Plenty of energy/excitement in tourist areas
Cons:
– You’ll pay a premium with peak rates in effect
– Crowds everywhere from attractions to restaurants
– Noise issues from boisterous guests
– Potential sellouts for popular destinations
While the peak season has its upsides, being a smart planner is key. Book well in advance, compare rates across multiple sites, and scan reviews for any recent issues like construction/renovations.
Why You Might Prefer the Off-Season
Hate the crowds and high prices that come with prime travel season? The off-season offers a quieter, more affordable alternative:
Pros:
– You’ll score the lowest room rates of the year
– Low-to-no crowds at attractions and restaurants
– More personalized service with fewer guests
– Better availability for last-minute bookings
Cons:
– Some amenities/attractions may be closed
– Potential for poor weather in some climates
– “Ghost town” feeling in vacation hot spots
– Limited events/activities happening
The cons are real, but budget travelers can capitalize on the premium values. An oceanfront room that runs $400/night in July might only cost $150 in November!
Hampton Inn – Best and Worst Times
So when should you shoot for Hampton Inn’s sweet spot versus hitting the pause button? Let’s look at some examples:
Beach/Resort Areas (ex: Florida, Caribbean): Primetime is March-August with sky-high rates peaking June-August. September-November can be a gamble weather-wise, but you’ll find rock-bottom pricing after mid-August. The winter months of December-February are an affordable shoulder season as long as you don’t hit holiday dates.
Cities/Business Destinations (ex: New York, Chicago): These areas are busiest and priciest during summer and holiday periods like Christmas/New Years when leisure travelers join the corporate crowd. Look for discounted rates JAN-MAY and SEPT-NOV when business slows down.
Best Western – Peak vs Off-Peak Breakdown
Best Western operates many of the same destination categories as Hampton Inn with similar peaks and valleys:
Beach Areas (ex: Hawaii, Coastal California): Highest rates are typically June-August, similar to Hampton. Consider a spring or fall trip instead when temps are still decent but hotels charge less.
U.S. National Parks (ex: Yellowstone, Grand Canyon): Parks are most crowded and priciest from June-September, with July and August being true peaks. Savings abound from March-May and September-November when most parks are still open. Just watch for early/late closures.
Tourist Cities (ex: Las Vegas, Orlando): Vegas is priciest around holidays like New Year’s Eve plus summer. Orlando hotel rates spike when kids are out of school. For better deals, aim for fall or early spring when parks are still operating but it’s off-peak.
Insider Tips for Scoring Hotel Deals
No matter when you travel, everyone loves a deal. Here are some insider tips to always get the best rates:
– Book early for peak dates, at least 3-4 months out
– Use membership programs like Best Western Rewards for discounts
– Check rates across multiple sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, etc.
– Be flexible with dates to take advantage of lower pricing
– Consider package deals that bundle room+flight for savings
– Sign up for promotional emails to get exclusive offers
Amenities to Factor Into Your Stay
Beyond just pricing, considering hotel amenities and what’s important for your type of stay is also key. Some priorities to think about:
– Free breakfast – Both Hampton Inn and Best Western are known for complementary hot breakfasts that can save you $ on dining out.
– Pool/recreation – If traveling with kids, an indoor/outdoor pool plus recreational facilities can be a must.
– Free WiFi and parking – Helpful for keeping costs down, especially on longer stays.
– Fitness center – An amenity many road warriors and healthy travelers look for.
– Location – Suburban hotels near attractions can offer more value than pricey downtown/city center properties.
Think through which amenities fit your travel style and budget to ensure you end up at the right hotel property for your needs.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there’s a delicate art to timing when to stay at Hampton Inn vs. Best Western to get maximum value from your travel dollars. By evaluating periods of peak demand and taking advantage of off-peak deals, savvy travelers can save bundles on their hotel rooms.
To sum up the top tips:
– Plan beach/resort vacations for shoulder seasons like spring or fall
– Check urban rate patterns to find business troughs for cities
– Always book well ahead for peak periods
– Explore package deals and loyalty rates
– Factor in which amenities are must-haves for your style of travel
So there you have it! With some strategic planning and flexibility, you can rest easy knowing you scored the best rates for your Hampton Inn or Best Western stay. Safe travels!