Prices that are advertised for hotel rooms are often very misleading. It is difficult to tell if you are looking at a good deal simply by looking at the advertised price. Before booking, you should always look further into the prices:
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.
Facilities – If two hotels are charging the same price for a room but one has, say a swimming pool and a gym, then that one is better value than the one without the extra facilities. Similarly, if you do not plan to use any extra facilities then staying in a hotel that has them will mean that you will probably be paying extra unnecessarily.
Restaurant – If you are staying in a hotel for a few days then the chances are that you will end up eating in the restaurant at least once. Hotel restaurants normally over-charge in general, but the question is just how much are doing so? So, find out how much something like a hamburger and fries would be at prospective hotels and compare them on price. Anything more than $12 should be considered excessive.
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.
Learn More : Birmingham Hotel
