| When the pocket is light and the economy jittery, | | | | advantage as they are near some favorite hot spot. |
| you don't need to go for a costly accommodation in | | | | Consider searching for hotels a little far from such |
| India. In fact, in India there is no dearth of cheap | | | | spots. |
| accommodations available, all you need is travel | | | | 4. Bargain If It's Off Season: The hotels are |
| smarter in order to turn your trip into an enjoyable, | | | | governed by economics of demand and supply. Prices |
| smooth and affordable reality. Here are top ten tips | | | | usually rise with demand during festivals and special |
| you will find immensely helpful for landing a cheap yet | | | | occasions such as Christmas or New Year. If it is |
| clean and comfortable rooms while you are on India | | | | off-season, try bargaining. If it's too expensive, tell |
| Travel. | | | | them your limit, they might meet it. |
| 1. Check Discounts: Check prices of different rooms | | | | 5. Come Early: Early birds get the room easily. If you |
| and ask for discounts. Room prices may vary largely | | | | anticipate crowds, arrive in the morning when the |
| even within a hotel. For example a room with shower | | | | most and best rooms are available. If there is none |
| is cheaper than a room with tub. Air-conditioned and | | | | ready until noon, take one anyway. Leave your |
| non-air-conditioned rooms have different prices. | | | | luggage with the front desk, they'll move you in later. |
| Similarly rooms with pool or garden views pricier. If | | | | 6. Think Small: Larger hotels are usually costlier than |
| you want a cheap room, say it. Some hotels have a | | | | small hotels. |
| few rooms that need renovation without private | | | | 7. Let Hotel Managers Help: Have your current |
| baths, which they don't usually mention, figuring they | | | | manager call ahead to make a booking at your next |
| would be unacceptable to tourists. And, if you plan to | | | | destination. If you're in a town and having problem |
| stay three or more nights, it's worth asking if any | | | | finding a room, remember that nobody knows the |
| discounts are available. | | | | hotel situation better than the local hotel managers. |
| 2. Consider Hotel Agents: As you step out from the | | | | 8. Consider a Chain: There are many hotel chains |
| airport or railway station, you'll be met by some hotel | | | | which offer cheap or moderately priced rooms. |
| agents offering their rooms for rent. They are usually | | | | Although you may not find character, you'll surely get |
| just hardworking entrepreneurs who don't have | | | | predictable comfort. |
| guidebook listing. If you like what the agent says, and | | | | 9. Business Hotels: In Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh |
| the hotel isn't too far away or filthy (many are), | | | | and Bangalore, business hotels need customers in the |
| follow him to his hotel. You are obliged only to | | | | winter and on weekends, when their guests are |
| inspect the hotel. If it's good, check into it. If not, | | | | away. And, the later you arrive, the better the |
| leave. You are probably close to other budget hotels | | | | discount. |
| anyway. | | | | 10. Buy a Good Guidebook: Good guidebooks are like |
| 3. Compare Prices: Sometimes hotels differ in prices | | | | good friends. They are like having a friend check |
| for the same amenities and class. It is worthwhile to | | | | places out for you. There are some good online |
| check and compare prices of the hotels in the locality. | | | | guides too which can be of immense help to locate |
| Some hotels raise their prices due to locational | | | | hotels while you are on Indian Travel. |