Where should I stay: "Cheapy" or a "Pricey" Hotel?

Philippines Hotel Reservation

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Question 1: Why go for a hotel that's super uber expensive when you'll be spending most of your time outdoors exploring the place?

Question 2: Why do I have to stay in a budget hotel when they lack the services that I want for my relaxation?

The idea of relaxation is every bit different for every person. Traveling maybe the idea of some, while others can recharge their tired bodies with simple activities like a leisure walk or trip, a spa getaway, or staying in a luxurious hotel for the weekend.

Luxury hotel setting in the Philippines

First thing I take note of before I go anywhere is accommodation. Having a comfortable place to ease your worn-out body after a long day of strolling the various hot spots is a necessity. But this essential can take most of your budget, so booking cheap hotels or camping are just some of my options to save money and have a great time altogether.


Budget hotel, Inn, Hostel setting in the Philippines

Budget hotels, hostels and guesthouses are just around the area. Most of them are located in great spots for your vacation with "sincere "smiles from staff that even some top star hotels can't offer and at some instances these super star hotels would treat you like a second class customer. There are lots of places that you can rest your head without draining your wallet.


Bed and Breakfast

Bed and breakfasts for one, can save you money over pricey hotel rooms, especially if you're willing to use a bathroom down the hall. And it may be less inconvenient than you think. Sometimes the room you're supposed to share a bathroom with might not even be booked -- giving you the facilities all to yourself! Sweet!

The coziness and camaraderie of a B and B is appealing to many travelers (like me!) -- enough so to overlook the possibility of having to share a bathroom. You'll save not only on accommodations, but also on meals since breakfast is covered. Though some B and B's, especially those with shared bathrooms, may lack other modern amenities, such as flat-screen televisions, multiple outlets for charging electronics and sometimes Wi-Fi (ohh, I must admit, I'm a sucker for free wi-fi)


GO Hotels, one of the best budget hotels I've been to

Places like this may have hip names and addresses. Despite of it, the accomodations are of course, fairly run-of-the-mill. So don't expect too much. They have the basic stuff and it wont be that difficult to find convenience stores in it's vicinity if you lack supplies. Again, that is if you prefer hitting the streets than hitting the hay all day.

Opting for these types of accomodation still depends on you. If you can afford it and you really want to have a luxurious and relaxing vacation, then go for the top star hotels. But if you're on a tight budget or you just basically need a place to stay and leave your stuff before you start your adventure, go for the budget accomodations. And it won’t take too long to save up your allowance to stay in budget friendly hotels.


Ong Bun Pension, is my Dinagyang Festival crib

Affordable hotel packages are abundant if you know where to look. Cheap lodging always has its pros and cons, so you should be prepared to deal with it if you want to cut your budget. Even though you want to pay less for your hotel, you don’t want to compromise important factors like convenience and safety. These are two things that I consider first and foremost when looking for a place to stay especially in an unfamiliar territory.

One thing that comes with booking inexpensive hotels is the location. Some, if not most of these hotels are quite far from tourist hot spots but is within the city center.You'll definitely won't go hungry because food stalls and fastfood restaurants are just around the corner (based on my experience... ha ha). Big hotels may have fine dining, exceptional ambiance and great food, but I'd still go local. I mean, native dishes and delicacies that completes the whole travel experience which costs less than those being served in such hotels.

Bellavista Hotel in Mactan Cebu, it's near the airport!

The level of service rendered by again, some, hotel staff is also another vital you shouldn’t ignore. I read reviews online of guests who's been to a specific hotel which gives me an upper hand of what to expect. Being a 2 or 3-star hotel doesn’t mean that their amenities and service are beyond redemption. They may give you less than what you’ll get to enjoy in a 5-star hotel, but then again, numerous reasonably priced hotels now are doing their best in providing quality service and top-of-the-line hotel amenities.

The Internet is a valuable tool that helps me look for cheap hotels for my travel. Just entering your chosen destination, several websites offering cheap hotels will pop out to assist you. Exclusive promos and packages are also up for grabs for interested travelers. However, one has to be cautious still for there a lot of offers that are non-existent or will even rip you off of your money in the end. Try to assess first and confirm it yourself if these cheap hotels do offer the packages you found on the web. This way you’ll have a guaranteed low-budget, but worthwhile travel.


Here are some sites that I visit for guest reviews and ratings as well as for choices for accomodation:

Trip Advisor
Hotels Combined - once you click on it and search for your chosen destination, the website will open several windows of other sites -- hotel/travel booking sites with your search item. It may be confusing to toggle windows with just one search item, but at least you have options laid out in one click to find the best price and availability.
Agoda
Hoteltravel.com
Expedia
Asia Travel

Please comment below if the links are no longer accessible and should you have questions. :)
Goodluck!