For decades, the ideal holiday formula was simple: pick a destination, find the perfect hotel, unpack your bags, and settle in for the duration. But lately, a growing number of travellers are doing something a little different. Instead of staying put, they’re packing up halfway through their trip and moving—sometimes across the city, sometimes just down the street. Welcome to the world of hotel hopping, one of travel’s most intriguing new trends.

What exactly is Hotel Hopping?

“Hotel hopping” refers to a single trip that involves multiple stays in different hotels, often within the same destination. Unlike traditional multi-city itineraries, this trend isn’t about covering distance. It’s about variety – sampling different styles, neighbourhoods, and experiences all in one trip. A couple visiting Paris might begin their holiday with two nights in a chic Left Bank boutique before moving to a luxury hotel near the Champs-Élysées. A family might split their Barcelona trip between a seaside resort and a character-filled apartment in the Gothic Quarter. In other words, the destination doesn’t change – the perspective does

According to Hotels.com’s Unpack ’26 Travel Trends Report, hotel hopping is officially on the rise. The company found that 59% of British millennials have already embraced multi-hotel stays in a single destination, motivated by a desire to explore more neighbourhoods and keep their trips feeling fresh. What was once a niche travel quirk is now being promoted by major booking platforms as the next big thing in city breaks. And now older people are catching on too

Why are travellers hopping?

There’s no single reason behind this trend—it’s more like a perfect storm of travel evolution, lifestyle shifts, and a craving for novelty

1. Variety is the new luxury

Today’s travellers are increasingly experience-driven. Rather than splurging on a single five-star stay, many prefer to mix and match: two nights of indulgence at a high-end property followed by a few nights somewhere quirkier or closer to local life. As one Popsugar travel writer put it, “Why limit yourself to one vibe when a city has ten”

2. Neighbourhood discovery

In sprawling cities – think Tokyo, New York, or London – each district feels like its own micro-destination. Staying in different areas allows visitors to immerse themselves more fully in a city’s contrasts. A traveller might spend the first half of their trip in a busy, central location to tick off landmarks, then move to a quieter residential district to enjoy cafés, parks, and local markets

3. Post-Pandemic Flexibility

The pandemic reshaped how we travel. Remote work, hybrid lifestyles, and digital nomadism have blurred the boundaries between holiday and home. People are less tied to rigid itineraries and more open to experimentation. A few nights here, a few nights there -it’s all part of the adventure

4. Budget Balance

Hotel hopping can also be a clever way to manage costs. A split stay lets you enjoy a couple of nights in a luxury property without paying top prices for the whole trip. By mixing premium and budget accommodations, travellers can stretch their funds further while still getting a taste of something special

Is it really new?

Technically, travellers have been switching hotels for years – especially backpackers and long-term wanderers. What’s new is the mainstream embrace of the idea, driven by online travel platforms and social media trends. The act of ‘hotel hopping’ has gone from a logistical necessity to a lifestyle choice

The concept has even earned its own buzzword. Expedia’s 2026 forecast highlights ‘Hotel Hop’ as a defining behaviour for younger travellers, describing it as “the best way to keep a holiday exciting without increasing your carbon footprint.” Influencers on TikTok and Instagram now post ‘hotel hop diaries,’ showing off contrasting aesthetics – from art-deco glamour to minimalist wellness retreats – all within a single destination

The ups and downs of hopping around

Like any trend, hotel hopping has its pros and cons

The upsides

• More experiences, more stories. You get to see a destination from multiple perspectives – luxury, local, coastal, central, you name it

• Better use of your budget. Combine a few nights of indulgence with some affordable charm

• A built-in sense of momentum. Even a week-long city break feels more dynamic when you’re not static

The downsides

• Logistical hassle. Repacking, checking in, and hauling luggage through midday traffic isn’t everyone’s idea of fun

• Lost time. Hotel transfers can eat into precious sightseeing or relaxation hours

• Inconsistent service. Moving between brands or booking platforms means different standards, check-in times, and policies

The key to enjoying it is planning with purpose. Choose hotels in distinct areas that each offer something different, and schedule the move at a natural midpoint in your itinerary. Use luggage-storage services if check-in times don’t align, and don’t overdo it – two hotels per trip is usually enough to feel the benefit without the burnout, especially the first time you try it

Who is it for?

Hotel hopping appeals most to curious, design-minded travellers who see accommodation as part of the adventure, not just a place to sleep. It suits couples on short city breaks, digital nomads seeking variety, or families who want to balance convenience and atmosphere. It’s also a great way for travel writers and content creators to gather diverse experiences and visuals in a single destination

That said, it’s less ideal for anyone craving deep rest, stability, or a sense of ‘home’ while away. If your idea of heaven is unpacking once and knowing exactly where the pool towels live, you might prefer to admire the trend from afar

Final check-out

So, is hotel hopping a passing fad or a lasting shift? All signs suggest it’s here to stay- at least as a mindset. Modern travel is less about ticking boxes and more about collecting sensations: the hum of one neighbourhood, the calm of another, the feel of two hotels only a metro ride apart yet worlds away in atmosphere

Hotel hopping captures the restless spirit of today’s traveller: curious, flexible, and eager to make every night count. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to feel at home somewhere new is to keep moving