Last Room Availability (LRA): What it Means & How to Identify It in Routespring

Last Room Availability (LRA): What it Means & How to Identify It in Routespring

What is Last Room Availability (LRA)?

Last Room Availability (LRA) is a corporate hotel pricing concept where a negotiated rate remains available as long as the hotel has even one room left for sale.
In simple terms: if the hotel is not sold out, the LRA rate should still be bookable.

This is especially valuable for:

  • Last-minute business travel

  • Peak travel dates

  • Cities with limited hotel inventory

Why LRA Rates Matter for Business Travel

LRA rates are designed to protect companies from sudden price spikes when availability is low. Compared to public rates, LRA rates typically offer:

  • Price stability during high demand

  • Guaranteed access to negotiated pricing

  • Better compliance with company travel policies

For frequent travelers or teams booking close to travel dates, this can result in meaningful cost savings and fewer booking exceptions.

How LRA Rates Are Shown in Routespring

In the Routespring platform, hotels that support Last Room Availability are clearly identified to make decision-making easier.

You can spot LRA rates by the “Preferred Rate” label.

Key points to note:

  • A Preferred Rate indicates a company-negotiated rate

  • These rates usually include Last Room Availability

  • Preferred Rates are prioritized in search results when available

How to Identify a Preferred (LRA) Rate in Routespring

Follow these steps while booking a hotel:

  1. Search for hotels for your destination and dates

  2. Review the list of available properties

  3. Open the hotel to view room and rate details

  4. Look for room rates marked as “Preferred Rate”

  5. Book with confidence knowing the rate is company-negotiated and LRA-backed

If a hotel is showing Preferred Rate, it means Routespring has a special agreement in place, often including last room availability benefits.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

  • LRA applies only if the hotel has rooms available; it does not override a sold-out property

  • Room types under LRA may still vary based on availability

  • Cancellation policies and inclusions (breakfast, Wi-Fi, etc.) depend on the negotiated agreement

Summary

  • Last Room Availability ensures negotiated rates remain available until the hotel sells out

  • In Routespring, LRA-backed deals are shown as Preferred Rates

  • Preferred Rates help control costs, improve compliance, and simplify last-minute bookings