A spur-of-the-moment vacation can just be as rewarding as a well-planned one when you have the right reasons for taking one.

If you have completed a stressful project at work, a quick getaway is a great way to reward yourself for all your efforts. A last-minute holiday is also the perfect remedy for burnout, giving you a much-needed break from the usual daily grind.

But regardless of your reason for taking an unplanned vacation, there is one challenge you need to overcome to enjoy your getaway: booking a last-minute hotel room.

Since you don’t have a lot of time to look for and compare hotel room prices, you may end up booking the first accommodation you see, which could be pricey. It may also not meet your preferences and requirements.  

However, there are still several ways to book a great room at one of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi, even if you don’t have plenty of time to shop around.

With an incredible hotel room, you can enjoy your spur-of-the-moment getaway and make the most of your well-deserved vacation.

Best Last-Minute Hotel Booking Tips

Below are some tips to help you find the best accommodation even if you’re booking a hotel room at the last minute:

1.     Call the hotel directly.

Aside from using hotel websites, search engines and apps, you might fare better with getting excellent accommodation by calling the hotel and speaking with reservation or front desk staff. 

This simple strategy lets you speak to someone working in the hotel with the most current information. Because of this, they can give you updates regarding available rooms. They may even share information about discounts and special offers you won’t find online.

A personal conversation with hotel staff also gives you the opportunity to negotiate rates.

If you’re not in the United Arab Emirates, many hotels use WhatsApp and other online messaging, voice and video call apps, which means you don’t have to worry about an excessive phone bill. With these platforms, you can speak with the hotel staff for free.

If you want to boost your chances of getting a great room, be nice, friendly and courteous whenever you speak with the hotel staff. Build a connection with them so that they are more likely to put effort into providing you with suitable lodging. 

2.     Check the social media channels of hotels and travel companies.

Many hotels promote last-minute deals and flash sales on their social media channels.

Because of this, follow your favourite hotels, travel agencies and booking apps on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other platforms to stay informed about their exclusive promotions.

Some hotels, travel agencies and booking apps may even share limited-time discount codes, giving their followers the chance to save on their impromptu getaway.

3.     Leverage technology.

Constantly checking various booking websites and apps is the most convenient way to find a hotel room at the last minute.

When you choose the right websites and apps, you can even find your lodging faster.

Websites like HotelTonight and apps like Booking.com feature exclusive, time-sensitive offers that cater to travellers with a penchant for spontaneity.

These platforms often provide real-time updates on available rooms, ensuring you get the best accommodation at possibly lower rates as hotels seek to find guests for their vacant rooms.

If you’re downloading apps or creating an account on hotel booking websites, sign up for or set up notifications for specific destinations or general alerts for last-minute deals.

By doing so, you can receive instant updates when your preferred hotels have available rooms and promos.

4.     Use your loyalty program points and rewards.

If you have loyalty points from or memberships with hotel chains, now is the time to cash in.

Many hotel loyalty programs offer exclusive last-minute deals to their members, providing added incentives to stay with their brand.

Check if your credit cards offer perks like room upgrades or discounts at partner hotels. This allows you to broaden your accommodation choices and save money even if the only available options are more expensive.

5.     Look for holiday packages.

Many hotels offer inclusive packages that include free meals (usually breakfast), parking and other essentials and perks that allow you to enjoy your getaway. When you pay for these individually, they can add up quickly to your total holiday expenses.

You can save money on these perks, amenities and services when you choose vacation or tour packages that cover accommodation, meals and other holiday essentials.

For instance, some hotels on Yas Island offer Stay & Play packages, which include a stay at a world-class hotel, complimentary breakfast and access to one or more of their must-visit theme parks, which are:

  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
  • Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi
  • Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
  • Seaworld® Yas Island Abu Dhabi

With the money you save on the perks, amenities and services, you can go for more expensive hotel rooms. You won’t have to worry about things to do during your getaway as well.

Whether it’s seizing an unexpected window of free time or responding to the call of adventure, a last-minute holiday can add an element of excitement and spontaneity to life. With a great hotel room, you can turn this vacation into a cherished tale of an impromptu escapade.