Strategies for booking a hotel on New Years Eve for the points collector are seemingly pretty simple: either book in advance or last minute – and the last minute guarantees you nothing.
Here’s the reality, booking a hotel with points is normally refundable up until the day or so before a stay. The only downside is that the points are instantly taken out of your account and therefore can’t be used. That’s only the downside though if you intend on canceling it. Meaning if I book a hotel now for New Years Eve of 2013-2014, I could book a hotel in Sydney, New York, Hong Kong and London and then cancel 3 of those options later when I find a flight/choose which place I’d rather go. Again, the downside is that your points are locked up on 3 hotels you’ll never use. Other than that, no reason not to!
However, if you’re not picky, you may be able to get a last minute hotel. I’ve seen this especially true in the USA – New York and LA. Also, I especially noticed the weekend before is wide open for last minute reward bookings – like the day or two before. In New York, all the hotels of the big chains opened up for rewards nights for the 29th and 30th when they were sold out or triple the price weeks or months earlier.
As for the big day, December 31st, you might have to check often as they may come and go. Again, the big US cities have openings but not for every hotel in town. For example, I doubt you’ll find hotels on Times Square but you’ll find something.
When I look at last minute hotels for other cities, like London, I mostly see fringe hotels like Heathrow Airport hotels. But hey, it’s a free hotel. I also have the best luck with Priority Club and Marriott, depending on the place.
Always check and keep checking the last minute options. If your checking for next year, no harm in booking a refundable rate.