I’m not ashamed to say it: I like cheap hotels.
The way I look at it, a hotel is just a launchpad. When I’m on vacation, I’d much rather save money on a place to sleep so I have more cash to explore, eat well, and experience my destination.
That doesn't mean I stay in sketchy, rundown places—there’s a major difference between a budget hotel and a shady one. Over years of traveling, I’ve developed a strict set of criteria to help me land a high value stay every time. Even if I can't hit every point on the list, I aim for as many as possible.
My Value Hotel Criteria
When I’m looking for a great budget stay, I lock in on these essentials:
- Location & Safety: A safe neighborhood within easy walking distance of local markets, convenience stores, bars, and budget-friendly restaurants.
- Easy Logistics: A free airport shuttle or quick access to public transit.
- Included Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and free breakfast to kickstart the day.
- The Basics: A clean, private bathroom (a total non-negotiable) and a straightforward bill with zero surprise add-on fees.
Things I Don't Need (and Actively Avoid)
Part of finding a great cheap hotel is knowing what not to pay for. Premium properties love to bundle useless perks into inflated room rates or sneaky fees. Here’s what I happily skip:
- Unnecessary Service: Bellmen opening doors or carrying bags I can easily roll myself, and overpriced room service.
- Hidden Traps: Resort fees, extra charges for Wi-Fi, and sneaky costs for in-room coffee (looking at you, Sheraton).
- Pricey Convenience: Minibars, in-room snacks, and pay-per-view movies. If it has the word "luxury" attached to it, I'm usually heading the other direction.
Where to Look (and What to Avoid)
It really comes down to location first, with reliable free Wi-Fi as a close second, and free breakfast as a major bonus.
Trusted "tourist class" chains—like Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Days Inn, or Red Roof Inn—are usually solid bets for clean, dependable rooms without the fluff. On the flip side, full-service brands like Renaissance, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham often tack on fees for every little extra.
Do a Little Recon First
Before booking, spend five minutes doing research on review sites or Google Maps. A quick neighborhood check can pay huge dividends—finding a local grocery store or cheap diner right down the block will save you a bundle on daily meals.
Want to see the epitome of a great value hotel in action? Check out my review of the Hampton Inn Tropicana in Las Vegas to see how to land a prime location without paying luxury prices:
