These days, every dollar counts. If you’re taking a trip to Miami, whether it’s for business or pleasure, you’re probably searching for the best Miami motel to stay at. After all, the cost of lodging is often the biggest portion of a total trip’s budget.
But remember that cheap isn’t always best; you want to find that elusive combination of low price and excellent value!
The cheapest motels in Miami are usually the chains and franchises. Check the prices online for the Miami Best Western or the Miami Motel 6, which are known for their rock bottom prices. Because these are chains owned by large companies, there is accountability and a brand to protect, so you typically won’t get horrible service or dirty rooms.
I also love the Motel Blu, which provides the best of both worlds: excellent prices but high class. The owners of this Miami motel cater to the crowd who doesn’t have thousands to spend, but who enjoy the finer things.
If you have a specific Miami hotel or motel in mind, your next step will be to book the best room and best price. Try searching the online discount travel sites before you call directly. To search these websites, it’s very simple – just input Miami Beach Motel, for example, in the “Search” box and the search engine does all the work for you, presenting you with a list of all the motels in Miami Beach.
If the online pricing looks great, don’t book yet! I suggest giving the establishment a call. Don’t mention the web pricing; just ask for the best price they can give you over the phone. Don’t be afraid to ask directly for a discount! After all, there are a hundred just like this Miami motel who are all trying to win your business.
If the phone pricing is better than the online pricing, go ahead and book over the phone. If not, ask what groups they give discounts to. You may be surprised at the groups that get discounts: AAA members, senior citizens, military, government employees, and more.
If you don’t belong to any of the discount groups, I have found that if you’re nice and ask for a discount, they will often give you one anyway. I actually had this happen to me recently at a Miami South Beach motel.
If the phone price still isn’t better than the online pricing, then ask if they match online prices. Many larger chain motels will match or beat the price offered by discount travel web sites.
Why? If you pay $40 to stay at Discount Motel Miami, for example, to a travel web site, the web site makes a $5 commission. If you pay $40 to the Miami motel directly, they don’t have to pay a fee and keep the entire $40.
Another important few things to consider when shopping for the best Miami motel: amenities and location. Is internet a must for you? Make sure they have it! Free breakfast? Is it stale pastries and canned orange juice, or a full buffet? Do lots of research before you book, and you will be happy with your Miami motel choice.