Used to think hostels were the only way to save money on lodging, but I was wrong

I always figured hostels were the best budget option for places like Europe or big cities. But last year I needed a place near Yosemite National Park and the hostels were charging $60 a bunk. I found a small motel about 20 miles out for $82 a night. That got me thinking, so I started checking something called "last minute hotel apps" that a friend told me about. Turns out, I saved $150 on a 4 night stay in Portland by booking the day before through one of those apps. A motel room with a private bathroom beats a dorm room with snoring strangers any day. Has anyone else found motels cheaper than hostels in certain areas?

2 comments

2 Comments

stellabennett3d ago

Found out the hard way that $60 for a bunkbed is just hostel math for "we know you're desperate." Nothing says vacation like paying motel prices for the privilege of hearing someone snore in D minor.

jessel352d ago

Man, you're not wrong about that hostel math! I had the same thing happen in Denver a couple years back. I was looking at a hostel downtown, $55 for a bunk, and then I found a Super 8 about 15 minutes out for $63. I ended up getting a weird deal too cause I booked it on my phone while sitting in the hostel lobby after the guy said they were full. My brother's a musician and he once stayed in a hostel in Nashville where somebody's dog slept in the bunk above him. He said it was a nice dog but still. I'll take a cheap motel with a deadbolt any day over that gamble.