Scoring an amazing hotel deal isn't always about where you go -- sometimes, it's about when you go. Many hotels will drastically slash rates for dates with low occupancy, so if you're flexible about when to take your summer vacation, you can pay rock-bottom prices at first-rate properties. We've scoured zzdtravel's inventory and found the lowest prices during July and August at some of our favorite urban hotels, so take a look and get ready to book -- these prices won't last.

Hotels in this story

Price Dates

The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston Waterfront

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Betsy South Beach

SIXTY SoHo

Pool at the London West Hollywood

$339/nt $249/nt July 1-6 $90/nt (27%)

Just off the Sunset Strip, the London offers the highest levels of luxury and service at reasonable prices. With 200 beautifully appointed, 750-square-foot rooms, a rooftop pool and fitness area with panoramic views, and a restaurant from star chef Gordon Ramsay, the hotel attracts a sophisticated set who expect service as great as the value.

$151/nt: Fairmont Battery Wharf, Boston

$317/nt $151/nt August 25-31 $166/nt (52%)

Opened in 2008, the 150-room Fairmont Battery Wharf has great harborside views, attentive service, spacious standard rooms, a celebrated restaurant, and a location on the site of one of Boston’s most historic wharves. Overall, it’s a great harborfront pick.

$144/nt: Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando

$259/nt $144/ntAugust 19-31 $115/nt (44%)

Modeled after an East African safari lodge, with giraffes and gazelles that freely roam the grounds, the 762-room Animal Kingdom Lodge will make the kids go wild. With a massive pool, free children’s activities, a knowledgeable staff, and an excellent gym, it’s one of Disney’s best properties, but the free shuttle buses to Epcot and the Magic Kingdom take 10-25 minutes.

$204/nt: Betsy Hotel, Miami

$286 $204 August 22-27 $82/nt (29%)

After a $40 million overhaul, the Betsy reopened in 2009 with a beautiful rooftop spa and solarium, a renowned restaurant (BLT steak), and bright, charming rooms. The pool’s a bit disappointing, and the rooms aren’t as large as the Mondrian’s, but for tasteful luxury and a rare dose of tranquility on Ocean Drive, this is where it’s at.

$266/nt: 60 Thompson, New York City

$410/nt $266/nt July 1-5 $144/nt (35%)

A 100-room boutique with an inventive design, attentive service, a chic restaurant, and an exclusive rooftop bar, 60 Thompson epitomizes swank, SoHo hip. Its location amidst prime shopping, dining, and all-night debauchery helps keep it at the top of the cool meter.

$495/nt $295/nt July 2-5; July 16-18 $200/nt (40%)

With astounding views from elegant, spacious rooms high up in a Financial District skyscraper and the best in pampering service, this Mandarin Oriental lives up to its luxury reputation. The downtown location makes it best for business travelers; others may miss notable extras like a spa or top restaurant. But the rooms and service are hard to beat.