I went on vacation recently and made a terrible mistake. I booked one of the cheapest hotels online. It wasn’t a disaster, and the room was quite nice. However I do want to explain a few serious downsides to staying somewhere that’s suspiciously inexpensive. This article examines the “Hidden costs” of booking a room in on of the many cheap hotels you’ll see online. And you’ll learn why these accommodations are often more costly than their higher priced alternatives.

Read on to learn from my mistakes.

You Don’t Save Money If The Logistics Suck

The hotel I booked was one mile from the city center. That doesn’t sound like much (especially if you grew up in the suburbs or countryside). However, one mile in a major city is huge.

Traffic jams, roadwork, and other events mean it takes up to 15 minutes for you to reach your destination.

Likewise, cab or Uber fares add up.

That $5 – $10 a day you’re spending just to go downtown is better invested towards a nicer hotel that’s centrally located.

Watch Out For Subpar Amenities

(This Budget Hotel Had No WiFi Or Hot Water!)

Many inexpensive hotels are just fine. If you’re going to the beach or wilderness, you probably won’t spend much time in your room. There’s no point in splurging on something you aren’t going to use.

That said, urban hotels are different.

Many cheaper options have subpar amenities. The WiFi sucks, there’s no housekeeping, rooms are dirty, etc… These places often catfish guests, then dump them into outdated and unpleasant lodgings.

Be wary whenever you see a place that’s priced significantly lower than the competition.

You’re Better Of Spending A Little More To Maximize Your Experience

(This Hotel Was Only $20 More Than The Cheapest Option In Town)

Vacations are meant to be fun. You’re rewarding yourself with a good time. And sometimes that means you’ll want to splurge on something special.

Maybe you want a swimming pool, or you like working out and need an on-site gym. Whenever the case, it pays to invest in a hotel that suits your needs and makes you happy. Spending an extra $10 – $20 is well worth the superior experience.

Cheap Hotels: The Final Verdict

Saving money is great. But there’s no point in cutting corners when it negatively affects you.

If you’re vacationing in a new city, reward yourself with something nice.

The better amenities, centralized location, and nicer atmosphere pay for themselves tenfold.

P.S. Looking for the best deals on quality hotels? Check out Agoda.com. They offer competitive rates on thousands of terrific accommodations in every city.