Why You Should Book a Budget Hotel Over Luxury Accommodation (Besides Saving Money)
With the growing perception that Airbnb isn’t worth the money these days, you’re probably booking hotels again as your best bet for your upcoming trip this summer. And if you can afford it, you might automatically assume that it’s best to choose the most luxurious rooms within your budget. But does a higher price really translate into higher quality? (And with room service at many hotels across the country, what is considered a luxury anyway?)
When you’re budgeting on a pre-trip spreadsheet , your housing situation shouldn’t be based solely on the numbers you technically can afford. Instead, it’s important to consider where you’re going, who you’re with, and your travel priorities at a particular destination. The sacrifices of luxury amenities can cost money allocated to other parts of your trip. Here’s what you should consider before booking your next stay.
Is a luxury hotel worth the money?
When luxury rooms cost several hundred dollars more than budget options, it’s worth taking a second to figure out exactly what you’re paying for. The cost difference may not accurately reflect the difference in experience.
For me personally, one aspect of “luxury” that is usually worth the price is cleanliness. However, a higher room rate does not necessarily lead to a higher standard of cleanliness. A small study by TravelMath in 2016 went even further and found that budget hotels are just as clean as five-star hotels, if not cleaner.
On the other hand, if you can afford a few extra hundred dollars, the reasons for spending money on luxury accommodation are pretty obvious. You will be paying for a greater sense of security, the convenience of a location, and all the tangible amenities and intangible atmosphere that make something “luxurious.” So your decision comes down to how prioritized this “luxury” is for your travels. Read on to rethink the benefits of budget hotels in other areas of your stay.
How much time will you actually spend in the room?
In addition to the cost of the room, budget hotels allow you to save money on other aspects of your trip. Think about it: how much time do you really spend in your hotel? What if the money you spent on sleep could be reallocated to gourmet food, an extra day trip, or a nice souvenir?
Our advice: check your daily travel itineraries before booking a hotel. Consider whether your hotel is an integral part of your experience or just a place to shower and sleep. For trips when you walk all day, it may make sense to save on accommodation.
Which one offers more flexibility?
Due to an emergency, flight delays, or a desire to continue your holiday, travel dates may change. It’s usually easier to extend your stay in budget hotels in terms of room availability as well as your wallet.
Could you actually be happier in a budget hotel?
If you are one of those people for whom a hotel is essentially a destination (absolutely!), then treat yourself. But as The Points Guy argues, cheaper hotels have one of the greatest intangible benefits: manageable expectations. While a luxury stay can overwhelm you with the need to cash in on every little offer, an inexpensive hotel can pleasantly surprise you again and again during your stay.
Also, if you’re traveling alone and want to meet people , cheap places are a much better choice than the privacy and quiet that people pay for in luxury hotels.