Last updated: October 30, 2026. Hotel prices below were checked on Trip.com on that date for 2 adults and 1 room. They change daily, so compare for your own dates.
A cheap hotel doesn’t have to be a bad hotel, but the very cheapest room is rarely the best deal. We checked the lowest-priced hotels in three popular US cities for the same weeknights, and looked at what you get (and what you might pay extra) at the main budget chains. Here’s what we found.
Key Takeaways
- In our check, the cheapest chain hotels cost about $60–$95 a night on weeknights in Dallas, Nashville and Atlanta.
- The very cheapest rooms often had guest ratings of only 5–7 out of 10. Spending $20–$30 more often got a rating of 8 or higher.
- Free breakfast, free parking and no resort fee can make a slightly pricier hotel the cheaper choice overall.
What the Cheapest Hotels Really Cost (Weeknights, March 2027)
Lowest-priced hotels per night for 2 adults, Tuesday–Thursday, March 9–11, 2027, with Trip.com guest ratings (out of 10):
| City | Hotel | Per night | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | Motel 6 Dallas – Forest Lane | about $62 | 7.1 |
| Dallas | La Quinta Inn & Suites Dallas I-35 Walnut Hill | about $64 | 6.7 |
| Dallas | Comfort Suites North Dallas | about $65 | 7.0 |
| Nashville | Red Roof Inn Nashville – Music City | about $71 | 6.4 |
| Nashville | Red Roof PLUS+ Nashville South – Fairgrounds | about $72 | 7.1 |
| Nashville | Super 8 by Wyndham Whites Creek / Nashville NW | about $79 | 7.0 |
| Atlanta | Motel 6 Atlanta – Airport East | about $84 | 6.0 |
| Atlanta | La Quinta Inn & Suites Atlanta Midtown – Buckhead | about $92 | 7.7 |
| Atlanta | Hampton Inn Atlanta – Buckhead | about $115 | 8.2 |
Trip.com, sorted by lowest price including tax, checked October 30, 2026 (2-night totals divided by 2).
What this means: in mid-size US cities, a basic chain hotel on a weeknight costs roughly $60–$95 for two. In Atlanta, the Hampton Inn Buckhead cost about $30 more than the cheapest Motel 6 but was rated 8.2 instead of 6.0, and includes breakfast. For many travelers, that’s the better deal. Looking at bigger cities? See our USA hotel price check for New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago and San Francisco.
Budget Hotel Chains in the US: What You Get
- Motel 6 / Studio 6: among the cheapest national chains; very basic rooms, usually no breakfast. Studio 6 adds kitchenettes for longer stays.
- Red Roof Inn / Red Roof PLUS+: simple and cheap, usually pet-friendly; the PLUS+ locations are newer or renovated.
- Super 8, Days Inn (Wyndham): basic rooms; many locations offer a simple free breakfast.
- La Quinta, Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn: a step up, often with free breakfast and better ratings for a few dollars more.
- Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express: usually more expensive, but consistently well rated and with free hot breakfast.
- Extended Stay America, InTown Suites, Home2 Suites: rooms with kitchens and lower weekly rates, good for stays of a week or more.
Quality varies a lot by location, even within the same chain. Always read recent reviews for the exact property.
How to Spot Hidden Fees
- Resort and destination fees: common in Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami and some city hotels; often $25–$55 per night. Since May 2025, the FTC requires hotels and booking sites to include mandatory fees in the total price shown. Read more in our guide to hotel resort fees.
- Parking: free at most roadside budget hotels, but often $20–$60+ a night in big city centers.
- Taxes: hotel taxes vary by city and state; compare prices with tax included.
- Deposits and extras: some budget hotels ask for a cash or card deposit, charge for early check-in or late check-out, or charge pet fees.
Where to Book Cheap Hotels
- Comparison sites: show many hotels and prices side by side; sort by price, then filter by guest rating (7.5 or higher is a good rule).
- Hotel loyalty programs: free to join (Wyndham Rewards, Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards and others) and often unlock a slightly lower member rate when booking directly.
- Last-minute apps: apps like HotelTonight can have same-day deals, but availability is unpredictable.
- Opaque deals: on Priceline’s Express Deals you see the area and star rating but not the hotel name until you book. They can be cheap, but they’re usually non-refundable.
Timing: When Cheap Hotels Are Cheapest
- Weeknights vs. weekends: in leisure destinations, Sunday to Thursday is usually cheaper. In business cities, weekends can be cheaper.
- Off-season: beach and theme-park areas drop prices outside school holidays.
- Events: conventions, festivals, concerts and big games can double prices. Check the local calendar before you pick your dates.
- Book refundable: reserve a cancellable rate early, then check again a few weeks before your trip and rebook if it’s cheaper.
Location: Where to Find Cheaper Hotels
- Near the highway or airport: often the cheapest, with free parking; ideal for road trips.
- Suburbs with transit: cheaper than downtown, but add transport costs and time.
- Safety first: very cheap hotels in some areas have poor reviews for a reason. Read reviews about the neighborhood and arrive before dark if you’re unsure.
Amenities That Save Money
- Free breakfast: can save a family $30–$60 a day.
- Kitchenette: great for longer stays and families.
- Free parking: a big saving in cities.
- Free Wi-Fi: standard at most chains today; check reviews if you need to work.
More money-saving guides: hotel booking tips, the best time to book hotels, last-minute hotel deals and our test of flight + hotel packages.
Conclusion
Cheap hotels in the US are easy to find: in our check, chain hotels in Dallas, Nashville and Atlanta started at about $60–$85 a night for two on weeknights. But the cheapest room isn’t always the best value. Filter for a guest rating of at least 7.5, compare the total price including fees, and consider whether breakfast and free parking are included. A few extra dollars often buys a much better stay.
FAQs
How much does a cheap hotel cost in the US?
In our October 30, 2026 check for March 2027 weeknights, the cheapest chain hotels cost about $62 a night in Dallas, $71 in Nashville and $84 in Atlanta for two people. Big cities like New York and San Francisco are much more expensive.
What is the cheapest hotel chain in the US?
Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, Super 8 and Days Inn are usually among the cheapest. Quality varies by location, so check recent reviews.
Is it worth paying more than the cheapest hotel?
Often, yes. In Atlanta, a Hampton Inn with free breakfast and a rating of 8.2 cost about $30 more per night than a Motel 6 rated 6.0.
How can I avoid hidden hotel fees?
Compare the final total, including resort fees, taxes and parking. Since May 2025, US hotels and booking sites must show mandatory fees in the total price.
When are hotels cheapest?
Usually on weeknights in leisure destinations, in the off-season and away from big events. Booking a refundable rate and rechecking later can save more.
