Budget hotels have a lot to offer to travelers, even if they’re not as expensive as their luxury counterparts. They allow travelers to save more money, extend their stay, and expand the overall budget of their trip. As a result, guests can focus on other aspects of the travel experience, such as exploring their destination, participating in different activities, enjoying the local cuisine, buying souvenirs, and much more.
Some travelers believe that quality must be compromised for a smaller price tag, but this is far from the truth. Many budget hotels offer good rooms and amenities—they might not be five-star, but they’ll certainly give you more bang for your buck. Ultimately, the quality of any lodging will depend on how well you’ve done your research beforehand. When searching for a budget hotel, it’s vital to choose one that can fulfill your basic needs as a traveler.
If booking a stay at an economical hotel isn’t your thing, that’s perfectly fine. However, it may be worth reexamining your hesitations, especially if they stem from the misconceptions that surround this type of lodging. After all, false notions may stop you from finding your next best travel accommodation.
To help you make more well-informed decisions when planning for your next trip, we’ve debunked five common myths about budget hotels:
They’re Only for Travelers on a Budget
Budget hotels aren’t just for people looking to save money. They’re also convenient accommodations for travelers who prioritize accessibility and flexibility. Most budget hotels are positioned near airports, popular tourist spots, and prime real estate. That’s why key places like malls, restaurants, transportation stations, hospitals, and banks are often within reach.
Travelers to Metro Manila may want to explore Manila Bay and its surrounding landmarks. For a more convenient trip, there are several budget-friendly Pasay hotels that are located near these famed spots. Moreover, they are only a few minutes away from large malls and the airport.
In addition, budget hotels usually have more lenient booking policies. As such, they tend to offer flexible conditions to travelers, which can be a big help during sudden delays or schedule changes. Some budget hotels even allow walk-in bookings and offer full refunds in case of emergency. Of course, this will differ from brand to brand, so be sure to check a hotel’s terms and conditions before booking a stay.
They Have Lower Cleanliness and Hygiene Standards
It’s often thought that budget hotels sacrifice cleanliness and hygiene to stay cost-effective. However, pricing doesn’t determine the cleanliness of a place. Many budget-friendly hotels offer rooms that are just as clean as those in five-star hotels. At the end of the day, a hotel’s cleanliness will depend on the values and priorities of its management team.
During your research, you’re likely to find a lot of budget hotels that uphold a high standard of hygiene, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, a good number of them offer daily room sanitation and laundry services to ensure that guests experience a clean and comfortable stay.
They Don’t Offer Quality Service
Similar to the previous misconception, some people believe that the quality of a hotel’s service must be compromised for a lower price. While the staff at budget hotels may not be at your beck and call like in five-star accommodations, they can still deliver excellent and reliable service. To prove this point, many budget-friendly hotels have 24-hour reception desks and daily housekeeping. Some even offer additional services that feel premium, such as on-call massages and airport transfers.
They Lack the Necessary Amenities
You don’t have to skimp on basic amenities for economical accommodations. Many budget hotels offer everything a traveler needs and more. This includes high-speed internet, hot and cold showers, flat-screen TVs, electrical outlets, study tables, and comfortable bedding. A lot of budget hotels also have their own in-house restaurants and cafés that offer hearty and delicious meals at affordable prices. Some hotels even offer 24/7 business centers or conference rooms. So, if you’re looking for a place to host cost-effective business trips, a budget hotel is definitely a viable option.
They’re Unsafe
Another common misconception about budget hotels is that they offer little to no security. However, you’ll find that many of them actually have sufficient safety measures in place. Some of these measures include round-the-clock security checks, guarded parking lots, safety deposit boxes, and the like. Most budget hotels also have 24-hour CCTV cameras installed in their shared areas, such as lobbies and corridors. Although it’s always best to practice caution wherever you stay, you can at least rest easy knowing that most budget-friendly hotels have their guests’ safety in mind.
If you’re not looking for five-star accommodations in your travels, it may be worth booking a stay at a budget hotel. Despite having lower room rates compared to luxury hotels, it can still offer all the essentials you need for a cozy trip. Indeed, budget hotels prove that you don’t have to break the bank for clean, comfortable, and secure lodgings, no matter where you go.
