Hotels/ Hostels/ and Guesthouses: GOOD ACCOMODATION AT THE RIGHT PRICE.
ASIA
. I have found on my visits through Asia good inexpensive accomodation is usually very easy to find. I travel budget but am still able to rent cheap rooms on a nightly /weekly basis for the right price..Of course the longer that you are going to stay in a certain place your chance of the price being lowered are improved.. This of course depends on your bargaining skills ..Remember you have the money!! if you cant get a deal... WALK.. the price will usually drop quickly..
I book a lot of accomodation ahead on: www.hostelworld.com. (booking costs are minimal) I have found this to be a very handy site especially if I am arriving late and sometimes can organise a pickup from the railway station or bus station... Also sometimes they will take you back to the station free of charge..I have found this in many places and was exceptionally handy when arriving in Moscow after being robbed in Mongolia.
A lot of accomodation varies from cheap to expensive but as I've mentioned I travel budget but even medium cost accomodation in S.E.Asia is exceptional.. Bali, Vietnam, Burma(Myanmar) Laos and Cambodia come to mind. I usually take the Hostel option and some are amazing..ie: Hue even had free beer every night for an hour at 6pm..amazing seeing the share room was only $10/night. Also you will find the help that is available from these hostels/hotels is amazing regarding what/where .lots of local info regarding the local points of interest and must see and do's. As I travel alone and mostly by train I find all these things so helpful in strange cities and countries.
When arriving at various places in Asia immediately you will be confronted by "touts" trying to sell you the best accomodation (among other things). So if I haven't booked ahead I usually have a place in mind from my travel info or book..I usually by pass "touts" although I will always listen to some of the chatter
For Bargain Accomodation
When booking ahead always ask if they do pickups from airport railway/bus stations.? .is it free!!
Will they return you and luggage to airport train/bus station!!..is it free!
When bargaining for a hotel room ask how much if you stay an extra couple of days..!! what will the price be then!! if the proprietors aren't willing to bargain ...walk.. usually they will change the tune..
Of Course sometimes in peak season in popular places bargaining sometimes not an option.. expect that..
Always ask what the security is like??
Do they have rental security lockers.!!
Above all look at the room to see what you are being offered ...another chance to bargain !!!



