The nightly rate is the least honest number on the page. Every booking site leads with it because it's the smallest number they can show you — then the taxes, fees, and "resort charges" pile on at checkout. Here's what I actually check before I book anything, for myself or for a client.
1. The all-in total
This is the only number that matters: nightly rate × nights + taxes + fees. If a site won't show it before checkout, that's a red flag, not a deal. I quote clients the real total every time — it's the whole reason ATX Reward Plug exists.
2. The free-cancel date
Not "free cancellation" — the date it expires. A room that's free-cancel until Thursday is a totally different product from one that's non-refundable. I always note the exact cutoff.
3. Resort / amenity fees
The classic hiding spot. A $129/night room with a $45 daily resort fee is a $174 room. Vegas and Orlando are the worst offenders, but it shows up everywhere now. If the fee isn't disclosed upfront, I assume the worst.
4. Parking
Downtown Austin hotels charge $40–60/night for parking like it's nothing. For a 3-night stay that's up to $180 nobody mentioned on the search page. Always factor it in if you're driving.
5. The rebook check
Prices move. If I book something refundable and the rate drops two weeks later, I rebook at the lower price. Set a calendar reminder for a week before your free-cancel date and check the rate again — free money.
The shortcut: this is literally what I do for every $9 search. Send me your destination + dates, and you get all five numbers checked, three stays picked, in about 5 minutes.