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San Diego Comic-Con Switches 2026 Hotel Booking to Real-Time Live Sale

The change shifts costs and risk to attendees by requiring instant, non-refundable charges with rooms only confirmed after payment clears.

Overview

  • SDCC confirms it is replacing the lottery-style request system with real-time reservations governed by a randomized virtual queue.
  • Bookings now require an immediate, non-refundable deposit equal to two nights’ room rate plus tax, along with a non-refundable 3% service and technology fee.
  • Inventory is not held during checkout and a reservation is only secured once payment is processed, according to the event’s guidance.
  • Coverage notes the new format could heighten competition for downtown hotels and expose the system to potential high-traffic strain.
  • A sale date has not been announced; outlets report that canceled reservations will be returned to the marketplace ahead of the July convention.