How to Extend Your Hotel Stay in MakeMyTrip: The Ultimate Guide

Imagine this: You’re lounging by the pool on the last day of your trip, the tropical breeze gently blowing through your hair, but there’s a nagging feeling you just can’t shake off—you’re not ready to leave. The thought of packing your bags and catching that flight home feels like an interruption to the paradise you’ve found. You wish you could just stay longer. Here’s the thing—you can.

Extending your stay at a hotel has never been easier, especially with MakeMyTrip, India’s leading travel booking platform. But knowing exactly how to do it and what to look out for can make the difference between a smooth extension and a last-minute scramble.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of extending your hotel stay using MakeMyTrip, along with tips on how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the platform, this guide will help you navigate the nuances like a pro.

1. The Easy Route: Directly Through MakeMyTrip App

Most hotels on MakeMyTrip allow you to extend your stay directly through the app. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Open the MakeMyTrip app and log in to your account.
• Step 2: Go to the ‘My Trips’ section and find your upcoming or current hotel booking.
• Step 3: Select the hotel booking you wish to extend.
• Step 4: If the option to extend is available, you’ll see a button like “Extend Stay” or “Modify Booking.”
• Step 5: Choose your new check-out date and any additional preferences (like upgrading your room or adding meals).
• Step 6: Confirm the extension and proceed to payment if required. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly.

Sounds simple, right? For the most part, it is! But there are a few essential things to keep in mind.

2. Check Availability Before Making Any Assumptions

One of the most common mistakes travelers make is assuming that their room will automatically be available for an extended period. Hotel bookings can change quickly, especially during peak seasons, and that dream room may be snapped up by someone else if you don’t act quickly.

Pro Tip: Before you even think of extending your stay, always check the hotel’s availability. You can do this by going into the app or calling the hotel directly.

3. Alternative: Contact the Hotel Directly

If the app isn’t showing the option to extend, it’s not the end of the road. You can always contact the hotel directly. In fact, doing so can sometimes yield better results, especially if you’ve built a rapport with the staff during your stay.

Here’s how to make it work in your favor:

• Step 1: Call the hotel front desk. Be polite and explain your situation. Mention your existing booking through MakeMyTrip.
• Step 2: Ask about availability for the dates you’d like to extend your stay.
• Step 3: Request the best rate. Sometimes, you might find a better deal by booking directly, as hotels prefer to avoid third-party commissions.
• Step 4: If the rate works for you, ask the hotel to inform MakeMyTrip of the extension, or you can follow up with MakeMyTrip customer service afterward to ensure everything is updated.

This approach is especially useful if the hotel seems fully booked on the platform, but they might have a room set aside for VIP guests or last-minute situations.

4. What Happens When Rates Change?

Extending a stay doesn’t always guarantee that you’ll pay the same rate as your original booking. Rates fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and even the day of the week.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Higher Rates: Weekends, holidays, and special events may result in higher rates, sometimes significantly more than what you paid originally.
• Dynamic Pricing: MakeMyTrip uses dynamic pricing, which means that the longer you wait, the higher the price may go if availability decreases.
• Discount Opportunities: If you’ve booked during a promotion or sale, extending your stay at the same rate might be impossible. However, you could look for new promotions or coupon codes.

Pro Tip: Always check the updated pricing before confirming your extension. If the rate is much higher than you anticipated, consider exploring nearby hotels for a better deal, or even reaching out to MakeMyTrip’s customer service to see if they can match the original price.

5. Customer Service: Your Best Friend in Tough Situations

Sometimes, the app won’t cooperate, or the hotel might not be able to help directly. When that happens, MakeMyTrip’s customer service team is your go-to solution.

• Step 1: Go to the ‘Help’ section within the app.
• Step 2: Select the option for “Hotel Booking Issues” and then choose the option related to “Extending Stay.”
• Step 3: You’ll either be connected with a chatbot or live agent, depending on availability. Explain your situation clearly and provide all necessary details, like your booking ID and the dates you want to extend.

In most cases, customer service can help resolve the issue, especially if there’s a glitch in the app or if you need assistance in negotiating rates with the hotel.

6. Alternative Options: Rebook the Same Hotel

If extending your stay through MakeMyTrip or directly with the hotel doesn’t work out, there’s a final option: rebook the same hotel as a new reservation.

Why this works:

• Availability: Sometimes, rooms that don’t appear available for extensions might be available for a new booking.
• Flexibility: You can compare rates across different booking platforms to find the best deal for your extended stay.

Here’s what you should do:

• Step 1: Search for your hotel again on MakeMyTrip or other booking platforms.
• Step 2: If it’s available, book a new reservation for the extended dates.
• Step 3: Inform the hotel about your back-to-back bookings, so they don’t ask you to check out and check back in.

7. Considerations for Group Travel or Long Stays

When extending a stay for larger groups or long-term stays, negotiating directly with the hotel can yield better results than relying solely on MakeMyTrip. Hotels tend to appreciate larger bookings, and they may offer more flexibility when dealing directly.

Here’s how to maximize your chances of success:

• Step 1: Contact the hotel’s sales or reservations department directly. Explain that you have a group booking and want to extend the stay.
• Step 2: Request a group discount or an extended-stay discount, which may not be available through MakeMyTrip.
• Step 3: Always confirm the new booking with MakeMyTrip afterward to ensure the loyalty points or rewards still apply.

Pro Tip: Always keep the MakeMyTrip confirmation email and reference numbers handy during any negotiation. This ensures that you have all the information you need to back up your requests.

Conclusion: Be Flexible and Proactive

Extending your hotel stay on MakeMyTrip is usually straightforward, but being prepared and knowing your options will make the process smoother. Whether through the app, by contacting the hotel directly, or leveraging customer service, the key is flexibility and proactivity.

Remember, hotel bookings fluctuate, and the best deals often come to those who are quick to act. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have no trouble extending your stay and enjoying more time in paradise.

So the next time you’re faced with the dilemma of whether to leave or stay, you’ll know exactly what to do—book a few more nights and make the most of your trip!