Budget Hotel Chains Compared: What You Actually Pay and What You Get
What separates budget chains from each other
Budget hotel chains charge roughly the same nightly rate — usually $50 to $120 depending on location and season — but they differ in what's included, how reliable the rooms are, and what hidden costs you'll face. Some chains include breakfast and Wi-Fi in the advertised price. Others charge separately for both. Some maintain consistent standards across locations; others vary wildly by property. The difference between a good night and a frustrating one often comes down to which chain you pick and which specific location you book.
The major budget chains — Motel 6, Super 8, Red Roof Inn, La Quinta, Microtel, and Days Inn — compete on price but operate under different ownership structures and quality controls. A Motel 6 in one city may be well-maintained while another is neglected. The same is true for every other chain. Reading recent guest reviews for the specific property you're considering matters more than the chain name alone.
Key Takeaways
- Budget chains typically cost $50 to $120 per night, but what's included in that price varies — some add breakfast and Wi-Fi, others charge $10 to $15 extra for each.
- Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn are the cheapest options but often have the most inconsistent maintenance across locations.
- La Quinta and Microtel tend to have more uniform quality standards and include Wi-Fi at most locations, though they cost slightly more.
- Loyalty programs at budget chains rarely offer free nights but do provide small discounts (5 to 10 percent) and occasional room upgrades.
- Booking directly through a chain's website often costs the same or less than third-party sites, and gives you direct contact with the property if something goes wrong.
Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn: The lowest prices, the most variation
Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn are the cheapest options, often undercutting other budget chains by $10 to $20 per night. Both allow pets at no extra charge, which is rare in budget lodging. Both also include Wi-Fi and local calls at most locations. The catch is consistency: a Motel 6 in a well-maintained property can be clean and functional, while another in the same city may have stained carpets, broken fixtures, or staff that doesn't respond to maintenance requests.
Red Roof Inn is slightly more expensive than Motel 6 but has a reputation for better upkeep at most locations. Neither chain includes breakfast. Both charge for parking at some locations, though this is uncommon. Read the reviews for the specific property before booking — a low price means nothing if you spend the night dealing with noise, cleanliness issues, or broken amenities.
Super 8 and Days Inn: Mid-range budget with more consistency
Super 8 and Days Inn sit in the middle of the budget market, typically $10 to $20 more per night than Motel 6 but with more predictable quality. Both chains include Wi-Fi at most locations. Super 8 includes a basic continental breakfast (usually pastries, coffee, and juice) at most properties. Days Inn's breakfast varies by location — some include it, others charge $5 to $8 extra.
Super 8 properties tend to be more recently renovated than Days Inn, which can mean newer furniture and updated bathrooms. Days Inn has more locations overall, so you're more likely to find one in a specific town. Neither chain charges for parking. Both allow pets at some locations, though fees apply — typically $15 to $25 per night per pet, compared to free at Motel 6 and Red Roof.
La Quinta and Microtel: Higher quality, higher price
La Quinta and Microtel are the most expensive budget chains, typically $80 to $140 per night, but they maintain more consistent standards across locations. La Quinta includes Wi-Fi and a free hot breakfast at all locations — a real breakfast with eggs, meat, and sides, not just pastries. Microtel includes Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast at most locations. Both chains have newer properties on average and more reliable maintenance.
La Quinta allows pets at all locations for $20 per night. Microtel allows pets at some locations for $15 to $25 per night. If you're traveling with a pet and want predictable quality, La Quinta is worth the extra cost. If you're traveling alone or with a partner and want to save money, the savings from Motel 6 or Red Roof may outweigh the quality difference.
What's actually included and what costs extra
| Chain | Typical nightly rate | Wi-Fi included | Breakfast included | Pet fee (if allowed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motel 6 | $50–$90 | Yes, most locations | No | Free |
| Red Roof Inn | $60–$100 | Yes, most locations | No | Free |
| Super 8 | $70–$110 | Yes, most locations | Yes, basic (most locations) | $15–$25 per night |
| Days Inn | $70–$110 | Yes, most locations | Varies by location | $15–$25 per night |
| La Quinta | $80–$140 | Yes, all locations | Yes, hot breakfast (all locations) | $20 per night |
| Microtel | $75–$130 | Yes, most locations | Yes, continental (most locations) | $15–$25 per night |
Rates vary by location, season, and how far in advance you book. A Motel 6 in a rural area may cost $50, while one in a major city during peak season could reach $120. The table shows typical ranges based on standard nightly rates, not promotional pricing or last-minute deals.
Hidden costs appear at some locations: parking fees ($5 to $15 per night), resort fees (rare at budget chains but appearing at some), and charges for extra beds or rollaway cots. Always check the full price breakdown before confirming a booking — the advertised rate should match what you pay at checkout.
Loyalty programs and discounts
Every major budget chain has a free loyalty program, but the rewards are modest. Motel 6's Red Carpet Club offers 10 percent off stays and occasional free nights after accumulating points. Red Roof's RediCard program offers 10 percent discounts and room upgrades. Super 8's rewards program offers 10 percent off and free nights after 10 stays. Days Inn's rewards program works similarly. La Quinta's loyalty program offers 10 percent off and free nights after 10 stays. Microtel's program is part of the Choice Hotels family and offers points toward free nights.
None of these programs are worth signing up for in advance — they're only useful if you stay at the same chain regularly. If you do stay at one chain multiple times per year, joining the loyalty program takes two minutes and saves you money on every stay. The free night rewards typically require 10 to 15 stays, so they're a long-term benefit, not an immediate discount.
How to find the best price for your specific trip
Booking directly through a chain's website usually costs the same or less than third-party sites like Booking.com or Expedia, and it gives you a direct phone number to call if something goes wrong. Many chains offer a "best rate may provide" — if you find a lower price elsewhere within 24 hours, they'll match it or give you a discount. This may provide only applies to direct bookings.
Third-party sites sometimes show lower prices because they're using old data or because they've negotiated bulk rates. Always compare the final price (including taxes and fees) across at least two sources before booking. Set up price alerts on Google Hotels or Kayak if you're flexible on dates — budget chains' prices fluctuate based on local events, weekends, and season.
Book at least two weeks in advance for the best rates. Last-minute bookings at budget chains often cost 20 to 40 percent more than advance bookings. If you're booking within a week, call the property directly — the manager sometimes has flexibility on price that the website doesn't show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do budget hotel chains include parking?
Most do, but not all. Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, Super 8, Days Inn, La Quinta, and Microtel include free parking at the vast majority of locations. Some urban properties charge $5 to $15 per night for parking. Check the booking confirmation or call the property to confirm before you arrive.
Can I cancel a budget hotel booking if I change my mind?
It depends on the rate you booked. Non-refundable rates (usually 10 to 20 percent cheaper) cannot be cancelled. Standard rates usually allow cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before arrival. Check the cancellation policy on your confirmation email or the chain's website before booking.
Are budget hotel rooms clean and safe?
Quality varies by location and chain. La Quinta and Microtel maintain more consistent standards. Motel 6 and Red Roof are cheaper but less predictable. Read recent guest reviews for the specific property you're considering — they'll tell you whether that location is clean, whether staff responds to maintenance requests, and whether noise is a problem.
What's the difference between a continental breakfast and a hot breakfast?
A continental breakfast is pastries, cereal, coffee, juice, and sometimes yogurt. A hot breakfast includes eggs, meat, potatoes, and toast. La Quinta serves hot breakfasts. Super 8 and Microtel serve continental breakfasts. The difference is worth $8 to $12 if you buy breakfast elsewhere, so it factors into the real cost of the stay.
Do budget chains charge extra for Wi-Fi?
Almost never. Wi-Fi is included at most locations across all major budget chains. Some older properties or rural locations may charge $5 to $10 per night, but this is uncommon. Confirm on the booking page or call the property if Wi-Fi isn't mentioned.