Cheap hotels offer budget-minded travelers an affordable way to explore new destinations without breaking the bank. But what exactly qualifies as a “cheap hotel”? There’s no universal definition, but cheap hotels generally have nightly rates under €100. For major cities like New York or San Francisco, cheap hotels may charge around €150–200 per night.

 

The appeal of cheap hotels is obvious: you get a comfortable, private place to sleep without paying premium prices. Cheap hotels allow you to allocate more of your travel budget to activities, food, and other expenses. They are ideal for solo travelers, students, backpackers, and families looking to save money.

With savvy shopping, cheap hotel rooms can still provide a great guest experience. Many offer surprisingly stylish decor, friendly service, and nice locations close to major attractions. However cheap hotel rooms do require some compromises compared to luxury hotels. This article will cover what to expect from budget lodgings, tips for getting the best deals, and strategies for making the most of a cheap hotel stay.

Finding Deals on Hotel Rooms

One of the best ways to find cheap hotel rooms is to use search engines and travel deal sites that aggregate prices and allow you to compare rates across multiple booking platforms. Sites like Kayak, Trivago, and HotelsCombined compile prices from Expedia, Booking.com, Priceline, and more to show you a comprehensive list of hotel rates for your destination. This saves you the hassle of checking each site individually.

You can often save money by being flexible on travel dates. Hotels frequently drop rates for dates when occupancy is low, such as weekdays or off-peak seasons. Avoiding major holidays, events, and summer vacations can lead to significant savings.

When booking directly, join hotel loyalty programs and sign up for email promotions to receive exclusive discounts and flash sales. Members-only rates can offer the lowest prices.

Pay attention to all-inclusive rates versus room-only rates. Added fees like resort fees, parking, taxes, and WiFi can quickly increase the real cost. All-inclusive rates roll these mandatory fees into one nightly price for better transparency.

Taking a few simple steps when searching for hotel deals online can unlock major savings on rooms.

 

Factors Affecting Hotel Rates

Hotel rates can vary widely based on a number of factors, including location, amenities, season and date, and supply and demand.

Risks of Cheap Hotels

While tempting for the budget-conscious traveler, cheap hotels do come with some risks and downsides to consider:

• Poor amenities – Don’t expect the luxuries of pricier hotels like room service, valet parking, a fitness center, or 24-hour room service. Cheap hotels tend to offer just the bare basics like free wi-fi, cable TV, a coffee maker, and a simple continental breakfast.
• Hidden fees – Cheap headline rates can sometimes turn out to be more expensive through hidden resort fees, parking fees, and other surcharges. Always read the fine print to avoid surprises at checkout.
• Outdated decor – Furnishings at budget hotels are often well-worn and dated. Don’t expect stylish, modern interiors and amenities.
• Noisy – With thinner walls and doors, noise travels easily through budget hotels. You may hear hallway conversations, slamming doors, plumbing sounds, and neighbors. Ask for a quiet room away from elevators.
• Unsafe areas – Some very cheap hotels can be located in high-crime areas. Research locations carefully and check crime maps before booking.
• Poor service – With lower-paid staff and high turnover, service levels may disappoint at budget hotels. Manage expectations when it comes to the front desk, housekeeping, and maintenance responsiveness.

Amenities to Expect

Cheap hotels provide basic amenities but lack some of the nicer features of more expensive hotels. The room will likely have:

• A bed – Usually a double or queen rather than a king. The mattress and bedding quality may not be luxurious.
• WiFi – Most cheap hotels offer free WiFi, but connection speed and reliability may vary.
• A TV – Standard definition rather than high definition. Limited channels available.
• Basic toiletries – Sample size shampoo, soap, lotion. No specialty products or high-end brands.
• Sparse decor – Plain walls, minimal artwork, basic furniture like a nightstand and dresser.

Shared amenities are also limited. There’s typically no pool, room service, spa, or fitness center. The lobby is simple without lavish seating. Breakfast, if offered, consists of cold continental items like cereal, bread, and fruit rather than hot buffet items. Vending machines may substitute for gift shops. Overall, the room and amenities provide essentials for an overnight stay but lack the comforts and amenities of luxury hotels.

Cheap Hotel Chains

Cheap hotel chains can provide basic, no-frills accommodation at affordable rates. They appeal to budget-conscious travelers who prioritize location and price over luxury amenities. Some of the most well-known economy hotel chains in the United States include:

Motel 6

With over 1,400 locations, Motel 6 is one of the largest budget motel chains. The iconic brand is known for its “We’ll leave the light on for you” slogan. Motel 6 rooms are very basic, usually offering just a bed, TV, phone, and bathroom. However, rates are low, and many locations provide an outdoor pool.

Super 8

Owned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Super 8 has over 2,500 properties globally. Guest rooms offer modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Some Super 8 locations provide additional services like airport shuttles, fitness centers, and breakfast. Nightly rates are typically under $100.

Travelodge

Another major budget brand, Travelodge, has over 580 hotels throughout North America and the UK. In addition to basic guest rooms, Travelodge properties may have pools, gyms, and on-site restaurants or bars. Travelodge Rewards program members can earn points for free nights.

Days Inn

The Days Inn chain has nearly 1,700 hotels in the U.S. and Canada. Originally founded in 1970, it joined the Wyndham brand in 2007. Days Inn aims to provide clean, comfortable rooms with modern amenities at affordable rates. Select locations offer business centers, meeting rooms, and fitness facilities.

Ramada

Ramada boasts over 800 properties across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The chain is part of the Wyndham family and has over five decades of history. Room types range from standard to suites. On-site amenities can include pools, lounges, and complimentary breakfast. Nightly rates are generally €75–150.

 

Best Cities for Cheap Hotels in the US

Some of the best cities for finding cheap hotel deals in the United States include:

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is known for its over-the-top hotels and casinos, but you can still find great rates if you know where to look. Downtown Las Vegas along Fremont Street offers budget chain hotels like Main Street Station, the California Hotel, and the D Las Vegas. Last-minute deals on the Strip are also possible if you’re flexible. Avoid major conventions and look for weekday rates.

Orlando

With its many family-friendly theme parks, Orlando is a huge tourist destination. Luckily, there are affordable options both on and off theme park property. Check hotel prices near Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World for steep discounts during off-peak seasons. Hotels along International Drive also offer budget rates year-round.

New York City

It’s possible to find cheap hotels in NYC if you search in the right neighborhoods. Look for options in Long Island City in Queens, near JFK airport, or in New Jersey cities like Jersey City and Secaucus. Hostels and budget brands like Pod Hotels offer affordable rates in Manhattan. Avoid peak holiday times, when prices skyrocket.

Miami

Miami is known for its glitzy beach resorts, but cheaper hotels exist, especially during the hot and humid summer. Look for art deco gems along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue in Miami Beach for rates under $100 in the off-season. Mainland neighborhoods like Downtown and Little Havana also offer deals.

Chicago

Boutique hotels and trendy hostels offer cheap rates in Chicago‘s hip neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Logan Square, and West Loop. National brands like Motel 6, Super 8, and Days Inn have budget-friendly options near O’Hare Airport. Avoid the high-season summer months for the best deals.

With the right timing and location, major tourist destinations can provide budget lodging options. Avoiding peak times is key to securing rock-bottom rates.

 

Other Lodging Options

For some travelers, hotels may not be the ideal accommodation, even when booking budget options. Here are a few other lodging choices to consider:

Making the Most of a Cheap Hotel Stay

When booking a budget hotel, it’s important to set expectations accordingly and plan ahead to make the most of your stay. Here are some tips:

• Bring your own toiletries and snacks. Cheap hotels often don’t provide much beyond basic soap and shampoo. Packing your own toiletries, like toothpaste, a hair dryer, makeup, lotions, and snacks will make your stay more comfortable without having to buy these items.
• Read reviews carefully. Pay attention to recent reviews mentioning cleanliness, noise, and other issues to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
• Request a quiet room away from elevators. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a quiet room at booking or check-in to avoid noise disturbances. Earplugs are also great to pack.
• Take advantage of free amenities. While limited, cheap hotels often offer free amenities like basic breakfast, wifi, parking, and a gym, which can save you money.
• Consider location carefully. A hotel in a popular area may make up for any deficiencies and offer easy access to attractions. But also watch for hidden fees like parking and resort fees.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces. Wiping down surfaces and remotes in your room never hurts, especially at budget hotels where cleanliness may be lacking.

With the right preparations and expectations, a cheap hotel can still offer a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Focusing on location, reviews, and packing essentials can help maximize your experience.

Conclusion

Staying in cheap hotels can be a great way to save money on accommodations when traveling. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons when booking.

On the plus side, cheap hotels allow you to spend less on lodging and more on activities and food. You can often find basic but comfortable rooms in convenient locations. Chains like Motel 6, Super 8, and Days Inn provide predictable budget lodging nationwide. Apps and websites can help you find nightly rates under €50-60. Off-peak seasons and farther-out city locations tend to be cheaper.

The downsides are that cheap hotels have limited amenities, thinner walls, and fewer services. Properties may show more wear and tear. Locations could be less desirable. You may encounter maintenance issues, loud guests, or stale décor. Security and cleanliness standards may be lower.

To make the most of cheap hotel stays:

• Read reviews and look at recent photos to calibrate expectations
• Bring your own toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies if needed
• Request a quiet room away from elevators, ice machines, and busy streets
• Check for bed bugs and stains upon arrival
• Take advantage of free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast if available
• Consider joining loyalty programs like Choice Privileges for deals

With the right precautions, cheap hotels can stretch your travel dollars further, though it helps to keep expectations realistic. Focus on value, convenience, and location rather than luxury. For a moderate step up in comfort and amenities, consider mid-range hotels, Airbnbs, hostels, or shared accommodations as alternatives.

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