A hotel isn't just a bed — it's your base. The right one saves you hours of commuting and hassle; the wrong one turns a good trip into a slog. Price is only part of the picture.

Location beats luxury

A cheaper hotel far from where you're going often costs more once you add taxis and lost time. Check the map: how far is it from the places you'll actually spend time, and how easy is it to get there?

Read reviews the right way

  • Sort by most recent — a place can change fast under new management.
  • Ignore the extremes; look for patterns in the middle reviews.
  • Scan for the deal-breakers: cleanliness, noise, safety, and staff.
  • Check photos from guests, not just the hotel's own glossy shots.
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The hidden costs

Check for resort fees, parking charges, and whether breakfast and Wi-Fi are included. A “cheaper” room with £25/night of add-ons isn't cheaper.

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Weighing hotel vs hostel?

For solo and budget trips, also consider a hostel for the price and social side — a private hostel room is often cheaper than a hotel.

Book direct, but shop around first

Booking sites are great for comparing options, but they are rarely the cheapest place to actually book. Use them to shortlist two or three hotels, then check the hotel's own website. Direct rates are often the same or lower, and hotels reserve their best rooms and perks for guests who skip the middleman.

  • Free loyalty schemes usually get you late checkout, free water, or a room upgrade when available — worth signing up even for one stay.
  • Cancellation terms are better direct. Third-party bookings are often non-refundable or a nightmare to change when your plans move.
  • If a third party is cheaper, ring the hotel and ask them to match it. Many will, because they keep more of your money that way.
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Send one email

Before you book, email the hotel: "Can you beat the price I'm seeing online, and is a quiet, higher-floor room available?" A short message often gets you a better rate and a better room.

The hidden costs that wreck a cheap deal

The headline price is only part of the bill. A room that looked like a bargain can quietly cost you far more once the extras land. Before you commit, add up the real total, not the nightly rate.

  • Resort or facility fees get bolted on at some hotels and are easy to miss — check the full breakdown before paying.
  • Parking in city centres can cost more per night than a cheap room. Confirm whether it's free, paid, or non-existent.
  • Breakfast is sometimes included and sometimes a steep add-on; a slightly pricier room with breakfast in can work out cheaper.
  • Getting there. A cheap room 40 minutes out means taxis, time, and hassle. Factor transport into the price.
  • Wi-Fi and city tax are usually small but occasionally charged separately.

When it goes wrong at check-in

Sometimes the room isn't ready, isn't clean, or isn't what you booked. Stay calm and specific. Politely explain the problem at the desk and say what you want — a different room, a clean-up, or a refund. Front-desk staff have more room to fix things than you'd expect, especially if you're reasonable.

If they can't sort it, ask for the duty manager. Keep your booking confirmation on your phone so there's no argument about what you paid for. If the hotel genuinely can't deliver a usable room, ask them to move you to a comparable hotel at their cost — that's a normal request, not a cheeky one.

Written by Niharika Parashar ·Reviewed by Rajan Sharma (Adventure travel guide, Snowdrift Adventures (Manali, India)) · Last reviewed

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to book a hotel last minute or in advance?
It depends on demand. For popular cities, big events, or peak season, book early — prices only climb and good rooms sell out. For quiet business hotels midweek or off-season leisure spots, last-minute deals can appear as hotels dump empty rooms. If you can't risk missing out, book a refundable rate early and rebook if the price drops.
What day of the week is cheapest to book a hotel?
City and business hotels are usually cheaper at weekends when the workday crowd goes home; leisure and resort hotels are often cheaper midweek. The day you book matters less than the nights you stay. Try shifting your trip by a day either side and compare — a Sunday-to-Tuesday stay can be noticeably cheaper than Friday-to-Sunday.
Are hotel star ratings reliable?
Not very. Star ratings measure facilities, not quality or cleanliness, and the criteria differ by country. A three-star with recent five-star reviews will usually beat a tired four-star. Treat stars as a rough guide to what's on offer, then let recent guest reviews and photos do the real deciding.
Should I pay extra for a refundable rate?
Usually yes if there's any chance your plans could change. The refundable rate often costs only a little more, and it saves you the whole cost if you have to cancel. For a fixed, non-negotiable trip where you'll definitely go, the cheaper non-refundable rate is fine — just be honest about how certain you really are.
How do I get a quieter hotel room?
Ask when you book and again at check-in. Request a higher floor, away from the lift, ice machine, car park, and street. Avoid rooms near the bar, restaurant, or function rooms. If noise still keeps you up, ring the front desk that night — they'll often move you, and it flags the problem so they can fix it.

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