On a moderate budget?

tj · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 23 Location: Parsippany, NJ

One thing that I enjoy is "moving up" during the time when I'm trying to save a little dough.

I travel light, so moving to a new hotel is no big deal. So what I'll usually do is stay at a cheap place like a hostel for the 1st half of the week, and then upgrade to a better place for the 2nd half.

Works for me, but I'm reluctant to do this with others.

Laura · Joined: 16 May 2004 Posts: 446 Location: San Francisco

It's a great policy -- a way to stretch your dollars, and also have a variety of travel experiences. Just this June I backpacked in China, and ended my trip by meeting my husband in Shanghai for a few days where we stayed at the Four Seasons :-) I always pack one nice dress made out of something stretchy and non-wrinkly when I travel, so I'm ready for anything.

squirrel · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 74 Location: Bucharest, Romania

I cannot do this... I do not afford it! I usually book up places in advance!

Laura · Joined: 16 May 2004 Posts: 446 Location: San Francisco

I think it might be a little easier to do in this China because you don't often get the best price there by booking in advance. For example, my husband told me that one of the times he went to Beijing on business he didn't have a reservation anywhere. The people he was travelling with wanted to stay at the Grand Hyatt, which is usually around $300 (US) per night! They got off the plane, went to the hotel, and at the front desk got a special price (I think they bargained a little, too) of just $79 (US) per night. That's still a lot of money to some people, but in the end it amounted to a 75% discount.

Jonathan · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 185

Yeah, probably depends where you are... and when! In high season (whatever that is locally), hotels know their demand and tend to be much less willing (if even able) to accommodate last minute discounts. I've saved money on last minute check ins, but I've also been stuck with an over $200 room for one night when I just didn't have any other options... :(

cocodrilo · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 494 Location: Western Japan

That's noble, trying to bargain when arriving at the hotel without reservations and undoubtedly there are deals to be had, but what if there are no rooms available? Been there & done that, schlepping bags here & there , loking for hotels with vacancy after a 12-hour flight. Not much fun...I always book in advance, just to be safe.

tj · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 23 Location: Parsippany, NJ

Let me refine what I was talking about…

The main subject of what I am talking about is to stay at a cheap place for the beginning of a trip. And then stay at a more expensive place later in the week.

I’m not talking about trying to find a place when I arrive in a city. Personally, I have shown up in a city with the intention of staying longer than my hotel reservations, but I generally will leave myself several days to find another place. My backup plans would be to leave the city earlier than I was planning and find myself a room in the next city. I find it way too chancy to arrive in a city without a place to stay.

Laura · Joined: 16 May 2004 Posts: 446 Location: San Francisco

cocodrilo wrote: That's noble, trying to bargain when arriving at the hotel without reservations and undoubtedly there are deals to be had, but what if there are no rooms available?

I wouldn't try it in a popular business/tourist area during the busy season, but Beijing is rather an exception. Right now, due to the run-up to the 2008 Olympics, there is a LOT of extra hotel capacity at the higher end.