Walk-in

A walk-in is a guest who shows up at the hotel without a reservation and asks for a room. It's more common at airport hotels, business hotels in city centers, and motels, rare at luxury properties, especially during high season. The rate you're quoted as a walk-in is usually HIGHER than the online price, because the hotel knows you need a room now and can't comparison-shop. But there's a hack: late at night (after 9-10 PM) when the hotel knows unsold rooms will stay empty, walk-in rates often drop significantly, sometimes 30-50% below the day's online rate. Bring a passport or ID, expect to put down a credit card deposit, and don't be afraid to negotiate, especially mid-week and at off-peak times.