Tips for getting the best hotel rates?

[disneymoon0606]

Our SoCal Select APs will expire in mid-April and we'd like to spend two or three nights at a local hotel sometime before then. We're pretty flexible on dates, but will likely be looking for a Sunday to Tuesday stay.

We have three kids ages seven and under. Easy walking distance is ideal but not a must.

When is a good time for us to go, price-wise? Do we book as far out as possible or wait until much closer to our travel dates?

It just seems like since we're pretty flexible on this we ought to be able to find a good deal. I'd love some advice!

 

[Aladora]

I always book as early as possible, especially since every place we have stayed at have had decent cancellation policies.

I've had to cancel as our plans evolved but have never had an issue with any of the hotels.

With a group like yours, I would try at the Desert Inn & Suites. Location is great and if you book early you can get a great rate.

 

[jani3]

Book now using your AP discount, check rates often, cancel/rebook if rates go down. Most have cancellation policies of 1-3 days before the stay so it's easy to cancel if necessary.

 

[disneymoon0606]

Do off-site hotels offer ap discounts??

 

[GatorChris]

The HoJo offers AP discounts. We used it last year and we'll be using it next month. It's about 15-20% depending on when they have special offers.

I would book as far out as possible. The discounted price I booked at HoJo over 5 months ago has gone up $40/night and will probably go up more as the time approaches. This has to do with the marathon and Vet's Day, so local hotels get slammed for these events.

 

[tlovesdis]

Quite a few do actually. HOJO, Hotel Menage, Candy Cane Inn, Ramada Maingate, Del Sol, Annabella and a few others I can't think of off the top of my head.

 

[tzeitel]

I would book as early as possible. Like pps have mentioned - the cancellation policy of many of the places close to DLR is great (Desert Inn and Suites is 48hrs prior to arrival). I booked back in Jan for Oct and prices have only gone up - everywhere! I kept checking but only saw prices rising and the cheaper categories selling out.