If you've booked a hotel for a night with family during Christmas, you've probably double-checked the prices on your screen. I paused last week when I saw a surprisingly high number while searching.

It's not just a feeling; the data supports it. According to the 2026 Holiday Travel Index released by travel app Hopper at the end of September, the average domestic hotel rate for Christmas is $197 per night.

This is an 18% increase compared to the same day last year. The same report shows that hotel rates for Thanksgiving remained nearly unchanged at around $170 per night.

Airfare is even worse. The average round-trip domestic flight for Christmas is $452, which is a 23% increase, while Thanksgiving flights rose by 31% to $402.

Hopper predicts that this season will be the most expensive holiday season in the last decade. The high cost of jet fuel due to conflicts in the Middle East and airlines reducing routes have contributed to rising fares and baggage fees.

The hotel situation is similar. CoStar and Tourism Economics significantly raised their forecast for U.S. hotel RevPAR from 0.6% in January to 4.4% in August.

In the first half of this year alone, room demand increased by 11.4 million compared to last year, largely due to the World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. With demand supporting prices, they are unlikely to drop easily.

Here's some disappointing news: Hopper estimates that the best time to book Christmas accommodations at current rates is by October 31, before Halloween.

After that, prices are expected to rise as December approaches. Since that time has passed, you'll need to make the most of your remaining options.

So what can you do? I'll outline the methods I actually use.

First, make sure to book a rate with free cancellation. Even if non-refundable rates seem a bit cheaper, prices fluctuate significantly during the holidays, so securing a cancellable room is a safety net.

Second, even after booking, check the prices for the same dates once or twice a week. If a cheaper rate appears, you can rebook and cancel the original reservation. It may be a hassle, but this is the most reliable way to save.

Third, compare total costs. Starting May 2025, FTC regulations will require hotels and booking sites to display total prices, including mandatory fees like resort fees, from the beginning.

However, taxes are often added separately, so you need to go all the way to the payment screen to see the real price. If you only look at the nightly rate, you'll definitely regret it later.

If you're staying in downtown St. Louis, this is especially important. According to city government data, St. Louis City adds a 3.5% Convention and Sports Tax and a 3.75% Convention and Tourism Tax to accommodation fees.

Combined, the city taxes amount to 7.25%, and additional taxes like state sales tax are added on top. Even for the same chain, the final payment amounts for downtown and county hotels can vary significantly, so be sure to compare them side by side.

Fourth, try shifting your dates by just one day. This year, Christmas falls on a Friday, so Hopper identified the cheapest days as the preceding Monday and Tuesday, December 21 and 22.

While this is based on airfare, being flexible with your dates around the 25th can often lead to different hotel rates. Using a calendar view to compare a week at a glance is convenient.

Fifth, if you're traveling with family, one suite or room with a kitchenette is often better than two separate rooms. Having breakfast in your room can significantly reduce dining costs for a family of four.

Mid-range chains that include free breakfast are also a good choice. Even if the nightly rate seems a bit higher, when you factor in the cost of breakfast, it can actually be cheaper.

Sixth, hotel memberships are free, so be sure to sign up and compare direct booking prices. Many chains offer exclusive member rates, and if you have accumulated points, now is the time to use them.

Seventh, consider whether you really need to stay during the peak of the holiday. According to Hopper data, Thanksgiving hotels are definitely cheaper at around $170 compared to Christmas.

Shifting family gatherings to Thanksgiving or spending Christmas at home and planning a separate outing for New Year's can be alternatives.

Also, keep an eye on local event schedules. The Missouri Botanical Garden's Garden Glow runs from November 14 to January 2, with closures on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

The garden advises that purchasing tickets before 4:30 PM on the day of your visit guarantees the best price. If your plans coincide with popular event dates, hotel prices in the area will likely rise as well, so keep this in mind when planning.

Honestly, I don't want to blame anyone for these price increases. Prices rise when demand surges; that's just how the market works, and ultimately, those who gather information first pay less.

Consumers also need to actively exercise their choices. If prices are high, change your dates, location, or room type. This is the most realistic response in my opinion.

To summarize what you should do today: book a cancellable room first, check total costs and taxes, widen your dates, and compare membership rates.

If it were me, I would book a cancellable room tonight and check prices twice a week until early December. There's no need to be drawn in by the average of $197.