Why New Year’s Eve hotels cost 300% more for late bookers

Data shows that a 'procrastination tax' comes into effect with hotel bookings - (davit85 - stock.adobe.com)

If you’re keen on staying in a hotel for New Year’s Eve, now is the best time to book — but not for this year. Rather, to see in 2027.

That’s because for this year’s celebrations, peak “panic pricing” has arrived, with properties hiking their rates to sell off remaining rooms to travelers desperate to secure last-minute accommodation.