Budget accommodation in Ireland is a huge savings factor when traveling on a tight budget, and even the wealthiest tourist might appreciate spending a few euros, yen or dollars less for a good night’s sleep. So let’s try to find a cheap room in Ireland… how do you do it?
Let a booking platform find your cheap accommodation in Ireland for you
As you read this, you are already on the Internet, so help is just a few clicks away. You’ll find any number of booking sites with a quick search, taking the hassle out of finding cheap accommodation in an Irish destination. In almost no time will you be presented with a list of rooms and options that can be booked instantly… and there will be big differences in price.
Of course, these booking platforms are not operated on a non-profit basis: they are financed by adding a modest commission to the net cost of a booking. The big word is “modest,” a large amount of bookings and relatively low running costs make bargains possible.
Reliable search and booking tools like Kayak, booking.com, trivago or Expedia can help you… give it a try, but don’t book now, because you should…
Let a search platform compare
Price comparison platforms are also worth a lot, why not look for a cheap hotel in Hipmunk for example?
Try the hotels own websites
The wisdom of the web is that you will never find cheap accommodation on the hotel website… dismiss this as an urban legend, now! You will actually find good deals there, especially well in advance, for multiple stays or with meals included. This is, however, a game of chance. Sometimes there are just no bargains, but if you search long before you travel, you will be pleasantly surprised. So, check with the hotels directly anyway. And also …
Juggling coins on the Internet
Some websites will offer you the ability to choose between multiple currencies for payment – if the payment is withdrawn from your credit card immediately, check the prices in the other (major) currencies on offer. Discrepancies can often be discovered and worked to your advantage. Unfortunately, most hotel bills will be settled at the time of payment only. In that case, pay in local currencies to avoid absurd “conversion charges” and unfavorable rates.
Call your local travel agent anyway
Once upon a time, travel agents made their money by charging huge commissions from clients… times have changed and a normal travel agent in an average city will already have adapted (or will close shortly). Sometimes they’ll surprise you by getting a really good deal. Often in a package of flights, accommodation and car rental. But never forget that …
Not every deal is really one
Once you’ve found a cheap accommodation… think about whether it really suits you. Getting a hotel in, for example, Dublin is one thing, getting the best hotel for what you plan to do could be quite another. You may be tempted to save $ 10 by checking into Hotel A instead of Hotel B… only to find that you would have spent $ 15 a day less on public transportation if you had chosen the “more expensive” option. Don’t choose a cheaper hotel only to pay more in the end.
Questions to ask
- Is the location convenient, will it save you time and money?
- How much will they charge to park?
- Are meals and other extras (like Internet) included?
- Is there a shuttle bus service to the airport, or at least easily accessible and reasonably priced transportation available?
- Do the rooms suit you (especially in older hotels, ask about the elevators)?
Don’t be meaner than Scrooge
One last word … bargain hunting is fine, but there will always be a bargain you will miss or someone who will find a better price. Once you are satisfied that you have gotten a good hosting deal, stick with it and be happy. Don’t check prices again later, unless you can cancel for free (often possible until almost the last minute on booking platforms). Then just cancel after making the new reservation …
On the other hand, if you find that the neighbors in your room get a free Irish breakfast at the same price overnight, speak up about this. They can point out that there is nothing they can do. But they may well be accommodating and reduce your burden. Image, after all, is everything.
