Shorter, later, cheaper: How U.S. travelers are reshaping hotel demand

Economic caution is driving a shift toward shorter trips, last-minute bookings, and value hunting — forcing hoteliers to rethink revenue strategies

Consumers in north america are still eager to travel, but they are changing how they plan and spend. New data shows a strong move toward shorter stays and tighter booking windows, driven by economic uncertainty and a desire for flexibility and value. For hoteliers, this means traditional booking curves are breaking down, and real-time data and dynamic pricing are now essential.

Key takeaways

• Shorter stays dominate: One-night stays now make up over 40% of searches, with three-night or less trips hitting a three-year high.
• Last-minute planning: Nearly 57% of searches are made within 28 days of travel, a steady increase since 2023.
• Deal-driven behavior: Travelers are delaying bookings to capture discounts, prompting airlines and hotels to push last-minute offers.
• Economic backdrop: High interest rates, tariffs, and job market worries are lowering consumer confidence, shaping more cautious spending.
• Travel demand holds: Despite concerns, the intent to travel is at a four-year high, showing a shift in mindset rather than a drop in desire.
• Implications for hotels: Hoteliers must adjust to compressed booking windows, build packages for short stays, and rely on forward-looking data to stay competitive.

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