The simplest way to tell is to look at rates for various dates in the future for your choice. If you look 2 weeks further out and your property's rates are $78, 2 months out it is $84 and 3 months out is $82, then you know the current rate is a bargain if it is under $80.
If your chosen property is currently offering a room at $47
and their rates in the future are $42, $49 and $44, then you know you are
choosing a generally cheap property - attendant with all the pitfalls a cheaper
hotel offers. Like dubious locations, a run down building, saggy beds,
inadequate A/C or heat, lack of standard amenities like a continental
breakfast, etc.
Of course the reverse can be true. Suppose you find a property in the $85 range. Can you assume it is a mid-level property? In a better location with higher standards of maintenance and service?
Not at all. Your
property may have a large group or groups coming in and the few remaining rooms
are priced double the normal rate. Of it may be a busy period in that city and
ALL rates are higher. This is why it is important to not only look at the rates
for the dates you want to stay, but for rates before and after your dates. This
is a warning for you if you see $39, $43 and $45 in the future but for your
stay the rate is $87. You can also get a
feel for the type of hotel or motel it is by reading reviews. A few comments
like " Well, I didn't pay much and it wasn't
worth much..." will tell you plenty about the type of property it is.
So don't be fooled by a higher price based on price alone if you like higher quality properties. Do your research and make sure you aren't choosing a motel with a 2.1 average rating that just happens to be near full for your date of stay. You'll be glad when you arrive in the dark and feel safe rather than alarmed.
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