Last October, my spouse and I spent our anniversary reveling in the beauty of Newport Beach. Managed to score a fantastic deal on a highly-rated hotel using Hotwire, we were thrilled to be residing at an exquisite Hilton property at just around $60 per night. Functioning within a budget, while simultaneously revelling in each other’s company was the focal point of our mini-vacation.
However, the seemingly stunning hotel turned out to be a hindrance in our attempt at a cost-effective anniversary getaway. You might argue that certain indulgences are justifiable during special occasions. I don’t dispute that, for we did allocate $50 on an unforgettable dinner and also enjoyed an exhilarating boat tour. But, when it comes to unimpressive costs like hotel amenities and regular meals, a more economical choice like Best Western would’ve been a smarter option. Here are our reasons:
Parking Charges: The hotel levied a charge of $15 per night for parking, which tacked on an additional $30 to our bill. While this may seem exorbitant, I do acknowledge that pricier hotels often command upwards of $20 per night for parking.
No Complimentary Breakfast: I, for one, appreciate the availability of a free continental breakfast at hotels. Similar breakfast at eateries like Denny’s or Carrow’s might cost around $7-9 per head. Therefore, our breakfast for both days summed up to approximately $20-30.
No Free Wi-Fi: Further disappointment ensued when we discovered that Wi-Fi access was not complimentary, but priced at $12.95 a day. Furthermore, the room entertainment was limited and any movie rentals bore a hefty price tag. We had intended to enjoy a movie on our Netflix or Hulu account and had anticipated using the internet to scout for restaurant reviews and discounts.
Lack of Refrigerator: The absence of a refrigerator is a trivial issue when choosing a hotel room. However, having one can be convenient for preserving leftover food or storing snacks and deli items to prepare a quick bite or lunch instead of recurring to junk food.
The essence of my argument lies in the fact that a hotel deal isn’t as worthwhile if it doesn’t include these amenities. For an economical trip, aim for a reasonably priced hotel that provides numerous perks. Wouldn’t it be wiser to rent a movie on Amazon using your laptop for less than $4 than paying the hotel’s rate? Doesn’t it make more sense to partake in a modest free breakfast and allocate more funds towards a sumptuous dinner? The right hotel can contribute to overall trip savings, while the wrong choice can lead to unexpected expenses.
