Hotel award availability during the week between Christmas and New Years in 2011 was in high demand, and in 2012 will likely be the same. To book an award at a desired hotel next year you can check below to see when some of the chains are opening up availability. Book now to guarantee you and your family an award stay.

Earlier this month I posted how I “stalked” availability for the Pitrizza hotel in Sardinia, Italy in order to book an award. To find availability I check each of the hotel chains where I’d like to stay and determine when availability opens up, then I book once the availability window opens. If the availability doesn’t show for a specific hotel, try giving the elite line a call as they can sometimes call the hotel to “find” availability.

Hyatt

• Hyatt appears to have availability up to December 31, 2012
• Minimum stay requirements varies by hotel
• Example: Hyatt Lake Tahoe does not show a minimum stay for the week

Starwood

• SPG appears to have availability open through New Years depending on the hotel
• Minimum stay requirements varies by hotel
• Example: The St Regis Deer Valley has a 7 night minimum stay requirement

Hilton

• Hilton appears to have availability open through New Years depending on the hotel
• Minimum stay requirements varies by hotel
• Example: The Hilton Moorea has availability around Christmas and New Years

Marriott / Ritz Carlton

• Marriott / Ritz appear to have availability open through December 16th, 2012
• Minimum stay requirements varies by hotel
• Example: The Ritz Carlton Kapalua can only be booked through December 16th, 2012

Priority Club

• Priority Club availability is open through December 15th, 2012
• Minimum stay requirements varies by hotel
• Example: The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso has availability as late as December 15, 2012 for only 40,000 points per night

Bottom Line

Hotel award nights between Christmas and New Years are often the most difficult to book. But with a little planning and an early start you can reserve your award nights to ensure you get the award space.

Where have you booked your stays for the 2012 Holiday season?