{"id":19259,"date":"2026-07-08T14:10:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T14:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=19259"},"modified":"2026-07-08T14:10:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T14:10:02","slug":"how-far-out-can-you-book-a-hotel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/hotels\/how-far-out-can-you-book-a-hotel\/","title":{"rendered":"How Far in Advance Can You Book Hotel Reservations at Each Major Hotel Brand?"},"content":{"rendered":"

How far out can you book a hotel? In addition, does making reservations at the far side of the booking window provide any tangible benefit? Each hotel chain handles reservations differently, with the booking windows of major hotel chains maxing out at two years.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re big fans of the book early, book often philosophy. Award travel often depends on finding scarce award availability<\/a>. In fact, you\u2019ll have much better luck piecing together an itinerary of award flights and hotels if you book at the outer reaches of the booking window.<\/p>\n

Why Book Hotels in Advance?<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you\u2019re battling to piece an itinerary together and juggling multiple rewards currencies, booking in advance provides the best possible chance of securing availability at the lowest award rate. On the other hand, revenue bookings tend to decrease in price as you get closer to your stay. Then, they spike at the last minute.<\/p>\n

Waiting to book your hotel can be risky. As the departure date approaches and “standard” rooms fill up, award prices can remain the same or increase. They also could disappear entirely. While it's possible to get lucky and secure a standard room in a busy location close to your check-in date, there's also a chance you won't get the accommodation you want. Additionally, if no standard rooms are available, you may pay extra for a premium one, especially with programs such as Hilton Honors.<\/p>\n

Booking hotels as the booking window opens provides certainty for your vacation plans. Even if you only keep the reservation until award space in a better hotel or suite availability opens up, many hotels will allow you to cancel an award at no cost. Some even permit free cancellation up to the night before your arrival. Remember, the hotel, not the chain, dictates award cancellation policies<\/a>. It's always worth checking the hotel's cancellation policy before confirming your reservation.<\/p>\n

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Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel. Credit: Marriott<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

Advance Booking Policies at Major Hotel Brands<\/span><\/h2>\n

So, what are the policies? Here's how far in advance you can book a hotel stay at each major brand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Hotel Rewards Program<\/th>Booking Window<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Accor Live Limitless<\/td>404 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best Western<\/td>350 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Choice Privileges <\/td>50 weeks for both award and paid stays; 365 days for Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hilton Honors<\/td>365 days (but may depend on the hotel)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IHG One Rewards <\/td>350 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Marriott Bonvoy<\/td>50 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Radisson Rewards<\/td>730 days (2 years)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
World of Hyatt<\/td>394 days; however, elite members (Explorists and above) are able to book award nights 13 months out (most properties) <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wyndham Rewards<\/td>364 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

The booking window varies widely between chains. IHG<\/a> and Marriott<\/a> allow you to book a little under 12 months out. In comparison, Radisson Rewards<\/a> allows you to book two years in advance. The average booking window is around 12 months.<\/p>\n

When to Book Hotels Well in Advance<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are plenty of opportunities to book a hotel just a week or a month before check-in, land a good deal, or find wide-open availability. However, select circumstances warrant booking as far in advance as your planning allows. These are the occasions when you should consider booking well in advance:<\/p>\n