A while ago I made a post about sleeping in the car to save on hotel costs and the discussion in the comments was pretty active. It seems like more and more people are considering it these days, especially during peak travel seasons when hotel …
Ah, Melbourne in late November! The air is crisp, the festive spirit is in full swing, and the hotel prices are through the roof. It’s that magical time of year when everyone decides to throw a party or two, and apparently, Harry Styles thought it would be a great idea to schedule a concert at the same time. Because, you know, what’s better than a bunch of slightly tipsy fans trying to find a place to crash after belting out ‘Watermelon Sugar’ at the top of their lungs?
So, let’s talk about our dear Reddit user, Fit-Quail-8538, who had the audacity to think he could enjoy a Christmas party in the CBD without selling a kidney. He was just looking for a safe space to enjoy a few drinks and avoid the dreaded post-party trek home, but lo and behold, he found himself staring at a staggering $800 bill for a night at Travelodge Docklands. Yes, you heard that right. Eight hundred smackers!
Now, I can understand some hefty hotel rates during peak seasons, but $800 for a night? That’s a price tag that might make even the most seasoned hotel-goer do a double-take. I mean, at that rate, you could almost book a flight to Bali and enjoy a week of sun, sand, and cocktails by the beach. But no, let’s just stay in the cozy confines of Melbourne’s CBD, where your wallet goes to die.
It’s not just the hotels either; it’s the entire festive season. Prices everywhere skyrocket as demand increases. Restaurants, bars, and even those pretentious pop-up Christmas markets are all cashing in on the holiday cheer. So, if you’re planning to go out, be prepared to pay a premium for everything from your dinner to that overpriced mulled wine that you just know is going to taste like regret.
So what’s the takeaway here? If you find yourself in a similar predicament as our friend Fit-Quail-8538, you have a few options. You could join the ranks of the sober drivers, clutching your bottle of sparkling water while your friends toast the joys of the season. Or, you could embrace your inner adventurer and opt for an alternative accommodation option. Ever considered a hostel? Or maybe a nice little Airbnb? Sure, they might not come with all the bells and whistles of a fancy hotel, but at least you won’t have to remortgage your house just to get a good night’s sleep.
And if all else fails, there’s always the option of sleeping in your car. It’s not glamorous, but it’s definitely budget-friendly. Just make sure to park somewhere safe, and don’t forget your favorite blanket. Who knows, it might just turn into the most memorable part of your holiday season.
So here’s to you, Melbourne. May your hotel prices eventually come down to a reasonable level, and may we all find a way to enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank. Cheers!
Inspired by: “Hotel is how much?!?!?” (r/melbourne)