During an enjoyable and unhurried visit to Venice, my budget travel curiosity prompted a question for the desk clerk. I asked him what our room would cost in July.
His response came in two parts: The first was "if it's available" and the second was a quote of about $110 USD.
Notice "part one" of the answer. Smaller budget hotels that build loyal clientele often have their rooms booked months or even years ahead. This little budget gem might not even be an option for the July budget traveler.
Now to part two: although $110 is a reasonable rate, it was about 40 percent more than I was paying in March. It's the same room, with the same complimentary breakfast and the same short walk to St. Mark's.
Many European hotels have a "menu" of prices almost as extensive as the restaurants down the street. November rates are low, December can rise one week, sink the next, with January lower still.
One drawback to this strategy is that some European inns close during the off-season, content to remodel and retool for the next tourist onslaught. So off-season travelers need to do even more homework than most. That great deal in the guidebooks might come with fine print that says "closed" on your intended travel dates.
More information: Take a look at a some possible disadvantages to off season travel.
