Why Did the Price Change Before I Booked?
Hotel prices change in real-time based on demand, availability, and other factors.
Quick Answer
Dynamic pricing: Prices update constantly
Common reasons: Someone else booked, demand increased, inventory changed
How to lock: Complete booking quickly
Not guaranteed: Until booking confirmed
Why Prices Change
Real-Time Inventory
Hotels have limited rooms:
- Last room at lower rate sells
- Next room at higher rate shows
- Price jumps immediately
- Common during searches
Demand-Based Pricing
Prices fluctuate with:
- Search volume (many people looking)
- Booking velocity (rooms selling fast)
- Days until check-in (closer = often higher)
- Events in area
- Seasonality
Multiple Searchers
You're not alone:
- Others searching same dates
- Someone books while you browse
- Availability decreases
- Prices adjust
Supplier Updates
Suppliers change rates:
- Update pricing algorithms
- Respond to competitors
- Adjust for occupancy
- Multiple times per day
Common Scenarios
Price Increased
Most common reasons:
- Lower-priced room sold out
- Demand surge
- You took too long to book
- Promotional rate expired
- Fewer rooms available
Price Decreased
Can happen:
- New promotional rate added
- Cancellation freed room
- Demand dropped
- Supplier adjustment
- Different room type
Price Same But Disappeared
Likely:
- Someone booked the last room
- Rate no longer available
- Inventory sold out
- Search parameters changed
How to Get Best Price
Book Quickly
✅ Find right hotel
✅ Verify details
✅ Book immediately
✅ Don't delay
Prices not held while browsing
Compare Efficiently
- Open promising hotels in new tabs
- Compare side-by-side
- Make decision quickly
- Book your favorite
Be Decisive
If you see good price:
- Check it meets needs
- Verify dates/rooms
- Book it
- Don't wait
Waiting often means:
- Price increases
- Room sells out
- Missing the deal
Price Guarantees
What's NOT Guaranteed
❌ Price shown in search
❌ Price in your cart (until paid)
❌ Price from 10 minutes ago
❌ Price someone else saw
What IS Guaranteed
✅ Price after booking complete
✅ Payment processed
✅ Confirmation received
✅ Locked in
Avoiding Price Shocks
Check Before Final Step
Always verify:
- Price hasn't changed
- Room still available
- Dates correct
- Total amount
Last chance to see final price before committing
Set Budget Filter
Use price filters:
- Set maximum budget
- Only see affordable options
- Won't see hotels that become too expensive
If Price Changed
During Booking
If price increases mid-booking:
- You'll be notified
- Can proceed or cancel
- No charge if you cancel
- Try different hotel
After Adding to Cart
Cart doesn't hold price:
- Price can still change
- Complete quickly
- Or risk increase
Special Situations
Flash Sales
Limited-time deals:
- Very short availability
- Can disappear quickly
- Book immediately if interested
Error Rates
If price seems too good:
- Might be error
- Rare but happens
- We honor confirmed bookings
- But may be corrected
FAQ
Q: Can I get the lower price I saw earlier? A: No, prices update in real-time and aren't retroactive.
Q: Why is price different on another site? A: Each site has different supplier agreements and update timing.
Q: Can I hold a price while I decide? A: No, only actual booking locks the price.
Q: What if price drops after I book? A: Prices aren't adjusted after booking. Your price is locked.