Hello, Cheap.

I have two passions in life.

Writing and traveling.

Unfortunately, Passion A has yet to produce the funds required to do Passion B in the manner to which I would like to become accustom.

Translation: I am too broke to travel the way I’d like to, but too stubborn to just stay my butt home.

As a result, I have had to learn how to travel on the cheap.  I firmly believe that money should not keep you from your passions.  Where there is a will, there is a way, and all that.

7 Ways To Save Money On A Hotel

1. Share a room. The easiest way to save money on a hotel is to split the bill.  Of course, this doesn’t work if you’re sharing a room with your spouse – so I highly recommend you convince them that traveling is stupid.  For your budget’s sake.

2.  The more, the merrier. The more people you shove in a room, the smaller your chunk of a bill is.  Don’t be afraid to cozy up to a girlfriend in a double bed.  Just be sure everyone brings pajamas.  See also: “you’re not too good to spend a night on the floor” and “that pull out couch represents one more person who can pay a share”.

3.  Name your own price on Priceline. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars by using the “name your own price” tool on Priceline.  Here’s an article on how to name your own price on Priceline without getting ripped off or sleeping in the slums.

4.  Eat the continental breakfast. Technically, this won’t save you money on your hotel bill, but it will take away from your overall travel expense.  And if you bring back a muffin for a midday snack, you receive the Official Cheap Traveler Ninja Gold Star.

5.  Book a hotel away from the tourist attractions, but on a bus line. If you’re staying in a city with great public transportation (like New York City), you can take advantage of drastically lower hotel rates by staying farther out from the “hot spots”.  Just make sure you’re saving more on your hotel than what you’ll pay for a subway pass or bus ticket.  Obviously.

6.  Get a credit card with hotel reward points. Visa and American Express (and others, I’m sure) offer membership rewards programs that allow you to use your points towards free hotel stays.  Now, I’m not suggesting you rack up credit card debt.  But if you have the financial discipline to do so, get a credit card that you use to pay bills, buy groceries, get gas, and pay it off in full each month – and save up for free travel bonuses.

7.  Join hotel rewards programs. Hotel rewards programs will also offer perks like free upgrades, reduced rates and, in some cases, free stays.  You’ll build up these points faster if you find a family of hotels that you like and stick with booking within that chain.

Do you find creative ways to stretch your travel budget?  What’s your top secret tip for saving money on a hotel?

Photo by psd on Flickr.

Los Angeles International Airport, fondly known as LAX, is an inevitable stop on the way to Palm Springs, Asia, and parts of Mexico. Or even, Los Angeles itself!

Since LA is a driving town, and there isn’t really a downtown, you might as well stay at the airport if you can get a great deal. Here are three options, in our usual range of schmancy, nice, and on-a-budget.

Luxury: The Inn at Playa Del Ray

You don’t usually think “beach resort” and “airport hotel” but in Southern California all things are possible. The Inn at Playa Del Ray is gorgeous, the kind of place people visit, rather than merely stay.

Every morning you are welcomed to a full, hot breakfast buffet, laden with fresh, home-made bread and egg soufflés! See? Schmancy.

Afternoon tea at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

In the afternoon guests are invited to tea and cookies, and each evening you can enjoy wines and hors d’oeuvres. There are private sunbathing gardens, and bikes for rides on the beach.

A room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Each of the 21 rooms is slightly different. Some have views of the bird sanctuary, others of the ocean. There are jacuzzis, fireplaces and sunny decks.

Another room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Sounds heavenly, and not at all like an airport hotel. Of course, with basic rooms starting at $275/night, probably most people are there for a vacation, not just a layover.

Mid-Range: Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport

For hotel that is a lot less expensive, but still offers some decent amenities, take a look at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. It’s a Starwood property, so you can earn/use points, and you can get a room starting at $89/night, with suites available if you’re traveling with the whole family and need a little more space.

Room at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

There is an outdoor heated pool, a fitness room with cardio machines and free weights, and a gift shop filled with brightly colored mugs and shirts that will seem like a good idea at the time.

Heated pool at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

The rooms are a good size, there is both a bar and a restaurant on-site, and free airport pick up and drop off. Perfect for a tired traveler just passing through town.

Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

Budget: Super 8 Motel – Los Angeles/Airport LAX

With rooms as low as $60/night, you probably shouldn’t expect much beyond clean sheets and a door that locks. Located just a mile from the airport, this Super 8 offers a free LAX Airport shuttle, free “Super Start Breakfast” and free parking during your stay.

Super 8 LAX Breakfast Room

There is a 24 hour front desk so you check in and out at weird times, wifi and an outdoor pool.

Super 8 LAX pool

The rooms look clean and bright, and you have to love the candor of a place that lists California Pizza Kitchen and Quiznos Sub as “nearby restaurants”.

Super 8 LAX Room