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:

Location of the hotel - If the hotel you choose is located off the beaten path, you will have to factor transportation costs into the price of your room cost. If you happen to have your own auto, the extra cost really just involves the price of gas. If you are relying on taxis, or public transport, you will need to carefully factor these costs into the cost of your room. Do not forget to ask about free shuttle services. It is not unusual for hotels to offer shuttle service, at least to airports, if not to more attractions.

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 - Find out if breakfast is included in the price you pay and also what is included in the breakfast. Some hotels provide just coffee and toast for breakfast whereas others provide an ‘eat as much you want’ style buffet. If you are not planning to have breakfast, then ask if you can get a discount off of the advertised price.

Check out time - Different hotels have different check out times. Look into this before booking a room. You may not want to leave your room before 11am, noon or 1pm. If checkout is very early, see if you can negotiate a discount. If you get into the room very late the night before, see if you can get a later check out time. Hotels will sometimes compromise. Some hotels will also hold your luggage for you while you site see, either earlier than your check in time or later than your check out time.

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