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Plans change, flights get delayed and spontaneous weekends happen. The good news: booking a hotel at the last minute does not have to mean paying the highest price in town. Hotels hate empty rooms, and in many cities rates drop in the final days before arrival. The bad news: in busy periods the opposite happens, and the cheapest rooms disappear first. Here is how to tell the difference and book a good room without overpaying.

1. Know when last-minute prices go down (and when they go up)

Last-minute deals are most common in places with a lot of hotel inventory and uneven demand: big cities on weekends after business travelers leave, beach destinations outside school holidays, and business districts on Friday and Saturday nights. Prices usually rise at the last minute during major events, long weekends, peak summer weeks and in small destinations with only a few hotels.

Before you wait for a bargain, check the calendar for concerts, conferences, sports finals or festivals. If the city is busy, book as soon as you know your dates.

2. Search the same day, but compare the whole area

When you search for a hotel on short notice, widen the map. A neighbourhood one or two metro stops from the center can be 20 to 40 percent cheaper and just as convenient. Sort by price, then check the travel time to the places you actually need to reach. Airport hotels can also be a smart choice for a one-night stopover.

3. Look at the total price, not the headline rate

A low nightly rate can hide extra costs. Before you book, check:

• Taxes and city fees, which can add 10 to 20 percent in some destinations.
• Resort or facility fees, common in beach and casino hotels.
• Parking, which can cost as much as a cheap room in big city centers.
• Breakfast: a rate that includes it may be cheaper than paying for it on site.

4. Use member prices and mobile rates

Travel sites such as Expedia show special prices to signed-in members on many hotels, and some rates are only available in the app. Creating a free account takes a minute and can lower the price of the exact same room. Loyalty points also add up quickly if you travel often.

5. Choose free cancellation, then keep checking

If your trip is a few days away, book a refundable rate as soon as you find a good option. You are protected if the city fills up. Then check prices again the day before arrival: if the same hotel or a better one is cheaper, you can cancel and rebook.

6. Bundle a flight and hotel

If you also need a flight, compare the price of a flight and hotel package with booking each separately. Packages often include discounts that are not visible when you book the hotel alone, which is especially useful for last-minute beach trips.

7. Read the most recent reviews

Cheap last-minute rooms are sometimes cheap for a reason. Filter reviews to the last few months and look for comments on cleanliness, noise, Wi-Fi and the real distance to transit. A rating above 8 out of 10 with recent positive reviews is a safe choice.

Quick checklist before you book

• Are there big events in the city on your dates?
• Have you compared nearby neighbourhoods on the map?
• Is the total price clear, including taxes and fees?
• Is the rate refundable?
• Are recent reviews positive?

Ready to find your room? Use the search box below or go directly to Expedia to compare hotels available tonight and this weekend.