Cheapest Hotels in USA: How to Find the Best Budget Stays
When traveling in the United States, lodging can be the biggest cost. Finding affordable hotels can free up your budget for food, sightseeing, and experiences. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find cheap hotels, where to stay for the lowest prices, recommended budget chains & motels, tips and tricks, and good examples.
What is “cheap”? Typical Hotel Price Range in USA
Before diving in, it’s important to know what “cheap” means in the U.S. According to BudgetYourTrip, average hotel prices in the USA for different star levels are:
- 5-Star: ~$ US$ 328/night
- Budget Your Trip
- 4-Star: ~$ US$ 268/night
- Budget Your Trip
- 3-Star: ~$ US$ 210/night
- Budget Your Trip
- 2-Star: ~$ US$ 123/night
- Budget Your Trip
So “cheap” for many travelers means below US$ 100–120/night, ideally US$ 50‐80 or even less in off‐peak or rural areas.
Budget Motel & Hotel Chains to Consider
Here are chains and motel brands known for very low cost stays:
- Motel 6: Known as a budget motel chain. Rooms often start from low prices.
- Wikipedia
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- HotelsCombined
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- Super 8 by Wyndham: Another well-known budget brand.
- Wikipedia
- Budget Host motels.
- Wikipedia
- Hostelworld listings sometimes include hostels / cheap motels / shared rooms that can be very affordable.
- Hostelworld
Real Examples: Las Vegas Motel 6
Las Vegas is a good place to see cheap hotel / motel pricing in action.
- Motel 6 Las Vegas – Strip shows prices around US$ 53/night in Expedia for certain dates
- expedia
- Hotel Combined shows Motel 6 Las Vegas, NV – Strip with rates from US$ 56/night
- HotelsCombined
- Motel 6 official site promotes Motel 6 as offering “Studio 6” extended stays with discounts and “cheap rates”
- motel6.com
So if you can stay a little outside the main tourist area, or accept a basic room, US$ 50–60/night is possible in places like Las Vegas.
How to Find the Very Cheapest Hotels
Here are tips & strategies to find the lowest possible rates:
- Use Metasearch Engines
Sites like Google Hotels, Kayak, Momondo compile hotel listings from many sources and allow you to filter & sort by price low → high. - Hotel-pedia
- Flexible Dates
Midweek stays (Tue-Thu) are often cheaper than weekends. Off-peak seasons cost less. If your travel dates are flexible, use that to your advantage. - Check for “1-Star / 2-Star / Budget / Motel” filters
Many platforms have filters where you can restrict results to budget / economy / motels. - Use Hostel / Shared Accommodation Platforms
Even if you’re not staying in a hostel dorm, sometimes hostel platforms list private rooms or cheap motels with very low per-night prices. - Hostelworld
- Book Directly
Sometimes booking on motel/hotel’s official site is cheaper (they might waive extra fees or give best rates). Always compare with third-party sites. - Set Price Alerts
Many platforms allow you to set a price alert: you’ll be notified when rates drop. - Stay Further From City Center
Downtown / near major attractions usually cost more. Staying a bit outside and commuting in can save a lot. - Longer Stays
Some motels offer weekly / monthly rates that reduce average nightly price substantially. If you’re staying multiple nights, check for that. - Watch for Hidden Fees
Some hotels whose listed price is low may add resort fees, cleaning fees, or taxes. Always check total price before booking.
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Best Cities for Cheap Hotels
According to VacayValue, 5 budget-friendly U.S. cities (2025) where budget hotels often hover US$ 35–US$ 50/night include:
- Los Angeles (Koreatown, LAX area)
- vacayvalue.com
- Dallas (Irving, Arlington)
- vacayvalue.com
- New York (Queens & Brooklyn areas outside Manhattan)
- vacayvalue.com
- Miami (Hialeah & MIA area)
- vacayvalue.com
These cities often have strong competition, good public transit, and budget motels / hotels.
Sample Cheap Hotels & Motels
Here are some concrete options worth checking:
| Hotel / Motel | Location | Approx. Price* | Notes |
| Motel 6 Las Vegas – Strip | Las Vegas, NV | ~ US$ 53/night expedia | Basic motel, near Strip. |
| Quality Inn Richfield | Richfield, Utah | ~ US$ 89/night Budget Your Trip | Good amenities. Budget Your Trip |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix/Gilbert | Arizona | ~ US$ 106/night Budget Your Trip | Good guest ratings. Budget Your Trip |
* Before taxes and fees; actual cost may vary.
Summary & Closing Tips
- If you want the absolute cheapest possible cost, Motel 6 & Super 8 motels are your best bet.
- Las Vegas offers great deals: US$ 50–60/night motels near the Strip are possible.
- Always compare on multiple platforms, watch total cost (taxes & fees), and try flexible dates.
- For long stays, weekly rates can give huge savings.
