Hotel room prices can be misleading. Because you see a low price advertised do not assume that it is good value. Always ask some questions and do a little research:
Hotel location – If you have chosen a hotel that is not in the center of things you may need to factor transportation costs into your total. If you have arrived in your own car the only extra cost will be gas. If you are planning on using taxis, that can be a considerable expense, and even other public transport can cost plenty. Remember that many hotels offer shuttle service to and from towns, attractions and airports. Do not forget to ask about that service.
Amenities – Have you found two hotels that are charging the same price? Check further into what is included in that price. Does one hotel have a gym and pool and the other does not? That makes the first hotel a better value. Suppose you have no plans to use a gym or pool. Then the second hotel may be a better value if it offers other services that you might rather have. Keep in mind that every extra amenity that a hotel offers is factored into the price of your room.
Restaurant – If you are staying in a hotel for more than a day or so you will inevitably find yourself wanting to stop into the hotel restaurant for a meal. When booking a hotel room, ask about the prices of some basic meals. Most hotels overcharge for food. But some overcharge much more than others. If you find that a simple meal like a hamburger and fries is much less in one hotel than another, you may want to consider the one where it is less expensive. Anything more than $12.00 for a meal of this nature is way too expensive.
Breakfast Offerings – Lots of hotels offer a continental breakfast with the room. It usually consists of coffee, juice and toast, rolls or pastries. Some hotels offer large buffet style spreads. If you are not planning on eating in the hotel, you might want to ask for a discount. However, if you have children with you, or a large group, you might want to look for a hotel that offers breakfast. Depending on the price of the room, free breakfast at the hotel can be a money saver.
Check out times – You will find that different hotels offer different mandatory check out times. You should find out what the check out time is before you make a decision. Perhaps it is 11am, or noon or 1:00 pm. If you have to have to check out very early, you might try for a discount. If you have arrived late the night before, you could ask for a discount for this late arrival or for an extended check out time when you leave the hotel.