Barcelona in May: best time to book flights, and hotel recommendations

[TheSkyWasMadeOfAmethyst]

We're planning to go to Barcelona in May. I've been keeping an eye on flight prices for a month or so and they haven't changed much (our dates/times are coming in around £300pp).

Having not flown for a few years I'm not sure what tends to be the best time to book. Are the airlines likely to have January sales? Or conversely are the flights likely to sell out or the prices increase if we leave it too much longer? We wondered if they might be discounted from Boxing Day but it appears not.

Also, I'd love any hotel recommendations please - close to or good transport links to both city centre and beach, heated pool, family and budget friendly.

(We can't book a package as we're attending an event outside the city and have a couple of nights accommodation included with that.)

Thanks!

Jet2 launched their sale today.

Generally speaking, if you are tied into a destination/date - the best option is to buy ASAP.

Airlines tend to operate bucket systems - so have a percentage of seats at Price A (the cheapest) once that bucket is filled, they move on to Price B, then Price C etc. They can afford to do this as they assume people booking flights last minute have more of an ‘urgent’ need (business/personal whatever) and will be willing to pay more.

There are less cheap deals these days, but they are still around - but it’s a gamble as to where and when - but more likely to be unconventional destinations and dates.