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 – If a hotel is located out of the way then you will need to factor in the extra travel costs that you will incur. If you have your own transport, then this is not such a big deal, though you will still be paying at least a bit extra for gas, but if you are relying on taxis and public transport then it is certainly something to consider. Ask about a free shuttle service too, as some hotels provide one whereas some do not.

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.

Hotel food – If you are planning on staying in a hotel for several days, chances are good that you might want to grab a meal in the hotel’s restaurant. Most hotel restaurants overcharge for the convenience of eating in the same building that you are staying in. The question is: How much is your hotel overcharging? When comparing two or more hotels, ask how much a simple meal such as a hamburger and fries costs. If the cost is over $12.00, you are being overcharged. That fact alone might help you decide which hotel is the better value.

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.

Now Try – Birmingham Hotel