A useful comparison starts before the arithmetic. Two quotes should cover the same dates, people and room count. Check the room type, meal plan and cancellation conditions too. Otherwise the smaller total may simply buy less.
Normalize first, compare second
Use the same nights and rooms for both stays. The hotel tool deliberately shares those inputs. Enter each quote in its own currency, then select one comparison currency. If the currencies differ, enter a manual rate expressed as comparison-currency units for one quote-currency unit. A value of 1.20 means multiply, not divide.
Worked example: the lower rate loses
These hypothetical USD quotes are for 3 nights and 1 room, with a 10% tax on room price only.
A: (3 × 80) + 24 tax + (3 × 15 fee) + 30 once = 339.00 USD
B: (3 × 95) + 28.50 tax = 313.50 USD
Difference: 339.00 − 313.50 = 25.50 USD
Stay B has the lower calculated total even though its nightly rate is 15 USD higher. Its all-in room-night cost is 104.50 USD, compared with 113 USD for A.
Convert once, with a stated assumption
If a separate quote totals 300 EUR and you assume 1 EUR = 1.10 USD, the comparison value is 330 USD. This is an invented rate for illustration, not today’s exchange rate. Record where and when you obtained a real rate. Bank or payment-provider fees may require an extra allowance; the calculator does not add them automatically. The ACCC’s consumer guidance explains why exchange rates and transaction fees both matter.
Give non-price differences their own line
- Estimate extra transport costs if one location is less convenient. Put an agreed booking-wide allowance in the one-off field only if it is not already counted.
- Compare breakfast and luggage arrangements without assuming you will use every inclusion.
- Read written cancellation deadlines and payment timing. A cheaper restrictive rate and a flexible rate are different offers.
The result identifies the lower entered cost, not the best hotel. It does not assess availability, safety, accessibility or quality. Save the written quote and verify the final checkout amount before paying.
Official references
References checked 3 November 2026. Examples and arithmetic are original; booking conditions can change.