Asian Heavens

When you’re on a budget when having a trip to India, you won’t need a costly accommodation. In fact, in India there is no dearth of cheap accommodations available, all you need is travel smarter in order to turn your trip into an enjoyable, smooth and affordable reality. The following are several tips that you can take when traveling to India and have a cheap yet clean and comfortable room.

1. Check Discounts: Check prices of different rooms and ask for discounts. Room prices may vary largely even within a hotel. For example a room with shower is cheaper than a room with tub. Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms have different prices. Similarly rooms with pool or garden views pricier. If you want a cheap room, say it. Some hotels have a few rooms that need renovation without private baths, which they don't usually mention, figuring they would be unacceptable to tourists. And, if you plan to stay three or more nights, it's worth asking if any discounts are available.
2. Consider Hotel Agents: As you step out from the airport or railway station, you'll be met by some hotel agents offering their rooms for rent. They are usually just hardworking entrepreneurs who don't have guidebook listing. If you like what the agent says, and the hotel isn't too far away or filthy (many are), follow him to his hotel. You are obliged only to inspect the hotel. If it's good, check into it. If not, leave. You are probably close to other budget hotels anyway.
3. Compare Prices: Sometimes hotels differ in prices for the same amenities and class. It is worthwhile to check and compare prices of the hotels in the locality. Some hotels raise their prices due to locational advantage as they are near some favorite hot spot. Consider searching for hotels a little far from such spots.
4. Bargain If It's Off Season: The hotels are governed by economics of demand and supply. Prices usually rise with demand during festivals and special occasions such as Christmas or New Year. If it is off-season, try bargaining. If it's too expensive, tell them your limit, they might meet it.
5. Come Early: Early birds get the room easily. If you anticipate crowds, arrive in the morning when the most and best rooms are available. If there is none ready until noon, take one anyway. Leave your luggage with the front desk, they'll move you in later.
6. Think Small: Larger hotels are usually costlier than small hotels.
7. Let Hotel Managers Help: Have your current manager call ahead to make a booking at your next destination. If you're in a town and having problem finding a room, remember that nobody knows the hotel situation better than the local hotel managers.
8. Consider a Chain: There are many hotel chains which offer cheap or moderately priced rooms. Although you may not find character, you'll surely get predictable comfort.
9. Business Hotels: In Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh and Bangalore, business hotels need customers in the winter and on weekends, when their guests are away. And, the later you arrive, the better the discount.
10. Buy a Good Guidebook: Good guidebooks are like good friends. They are like having a friend check places out for you. There are some good online guides too which can be of immense help to locate hotels while you are traveling in India.