With Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara set to host Super Bowl LVIII on February 8, 2026, tens of thousands of fans are already planning their trips for one of the biggest sporting spectacles of the year. But beyond grabbing a game ticket, travelers face a critical question: where will you stay? With hotel prices soaring and availability tighter than ever for major sporting events, insightful tips from hotel booking experts can be the difference between a stressful trip and a great travel experience. Travel search veteran Johannes Thomas, CEO of Trivago, shares practical advice to help fans make smarter hotel decisions — not just for the Super Bowl, but for all major events in 2026 and beyond.
For many fans, this February’s big game is more than just football — it’s a travel experience, a cultural gathering, and an opportunity to explore California’s Bay Area. Yet navigating hotel prices, dynamic pricing and proximity to the stadium requires strategy. Thomas explains the most common booking pitfalls and how travelers can avoid them, while also suggesting hotel options in Santa Clara and nearby San Francisco that still offer value and convenience.
Stop Waiting for Last‑Minute Deals — Book Early for Super Bowl Travel
One of the biggest misconceptions Thomas sees among travelers is the belief that hotel rates will drop at the last minute. While it’s true that some events occasionally see price easing — such as the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics when surplus inventory eventually pushed prices down — this pattern is the exception rather than the rule. For Super Bowl weekend, where demand is relentless and supply limited, hotel prices generally remain stable or increase as the event approaches, especially in central locations.
Booking early not only locks in better availability but often provides greater flexibility and lower baseline pricing as the event draws closer and rooms become scarce. Thomas points out that travelers who delay tend to pay significantly more or end up far from preferred locations.
Expand Your Search Beyond Santa Clara
While staying near Levi’s Stadium might seem ideal, it’s also the most expensive option. Travelers can save money without losing convenience by exploring nearby neighborhoods and cities well connected by transit, such as Oakland, Berkeley or even parts of San Jose. These areas often feature more affordable hotels and reliable transportation options that make traveling to the game straightforward.
For many fans, being close to the stadium is a comfort, not a necessity — especially when excellent public transit, rideshare services and dedicated shuttles operate during major events. Casting a wider net when booking helps travelers find value deals without sacrificing the overall experience.
Read the Fine Print: Flexibility Is Key
Thomas emphasizes that, regardless of the hotel or booking site you choose, reading the terms before booking is crucial. Life happens — plans change, weather conditions shift, and sometimes game tickets or travel companions alter their plans at the last minute. Booking hotels with free cancellation or generous change policies gives travelers peace of mind.
This flexibility can be especially valuable for big events when deals and availability can change quickly. A hotel that allows free cancellation up to a day or two before arrival can save fans money and stress if better options appear later.
Hotel Booking Channels: Don’t Rely on Just One Site
Another common mistake Thomas notes is travelers assuming that booking directly through a hotel’s official website always guarantees the best rate. In reality, hotels distribute inventory across numerous channels, including OTA (online travel agency) sites and metasearch platforms like Trivago. Because pricing can vary across channels based on demand, timing and audience profiles, relying on a single site can mean missing out on better deals.
Metasearch platforms aggregate hundreds of offers from different booking partners — often providing a clearer snapshot of the best available prices at that moment. For high‑demand events like the Super Bowl, where pricing can swing rapidly, comparing options across the market is one of the most effective ways to secure savings.
Location Matters — But So Does Comfort
Location is a big factor for many Super Bowl travelers, but Thomas points out that cost often rises steeply in city centers and near major venues. Hotels located 20–40 minutes away from Levi’s Stadium — whether via public transit or ride‑shares — can offer significant price savings. And with well‑organized transport systems for event weekends, the comfort trade‑off is often minimal.
For fans willing to extend their search to neighborhoods and nearby cities, savings can be substantial — and the overall travel experience remains excellent.
How Major Events Shape Travel Behaviour
Thomas highlights that global event tourism is booming, with the industry valued at over USD 1.4 billion in 2024 and projected to grow annually through 2032, with sports events leading the segment. Fans today seek meaningful shared experiences combined with cultural immersion — turning major events into multi‑day city explorations rather than single‑day trips.
This trend, fueled by demand for authentic travel moments and collective camaraderie, has transformed how cities prepare for events and how travelers plan their stays. The Super Bowl offers not just a game, but an opportunity to explore vast cultural and culinary landscapes — making hotel choice and travel planning even more integral to the experience.
Hotel Choices in Santa Clara: Comfort Meets Convenience
For those focused on Santa Clara itself, several solid options remain:
Sonesta Simply Suites Silicon Valley — centrally located near Levi’s Stadium and tech campuses, offering suite‑style rooms with kitchenettes and laundry facilities — ideal for extended stays.
Granada Inn — a practical choice with basic amenities and convenient Silicon Valley access.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Clara – Silicon Valley by IHG — near San Jose Airport, providing pool access, complimentary breakfast and good business traveler facilities.
WAFER 450 Hotel — modern accommodations with fitness options, catering to travelers seeking comfort and style.
Sonesta ES Suites San Jose Airport — suite accommodations with kitchenettes and shuttle access, perfect for families or longer stays.
Nearby San Francisco Hotel Picks for Broader Travel Plans
Travelers willing to stay farther afield can consider San Francisco, which offers varied price points and atmospheres:
Phoenix Hotel — a culture‑rich hotel in the Tenderloin, pet‑friendly with a courtyard and pool, and no resort fees.
Coventry Motor Inn — affordable rooms within walking distance of Marina District highlights like the Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field.
Beck’s Motor Lodge — comfortable modern lodging near Japantown, ideal for event attendees or city explorers.
The Mosser — classic Victorian meets modern convenience near Union Square, with 24/7 concierge.
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway — larger chain property with pool, fitness center, family rooms and a shuttle to cable cars — suitable for groups or cultural travelers.
A Human Perspective: Planning Together Makes the Trip
For many fans heading north to the Bay Area, travel planning becomes part of the shared Super Bowl experience. It’s about more than just finding a room; it’s about creating lasting memories with friends or family — exploring local culture, discovering culinary scenes, and enjoying the camaraderie that defines big event travel.
Thoughtful planning — from broadening hotel searches to securing flexible bookings — helps reduce stress and enhances the joy of the journey itself. As Thomas notes, the lessons learned here extend beyond football: smart travel decisions create space for the moments that truly matter.
The post Santa Clara Travel Update 2026: Trivago CEO Shares New Super Bowl Hotel Booking Myths and Must‑Know Travel Tips appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
