The true cost of cheap digs: Why quality accommodation matters

Weston House Keith
Feb 5
4 min read

The true cost if cheap digs: Weston House Serviced Accommodation

When you're working away from home, accommodation is one of the biggest factors that can make or break your experience. It’s tempting to go for the cheapest option—after all, no one wants to spend more than they have to. But here’s the thing: cheap digs often come with hidden costs. They might not show up on your invoice, but they take a toll on your health, productivity, and even your wallet in the long run.

Let’s talk about why the quality of your accommodation matters and how making the right choice can actually help you save money, stay healthier, and work more efficiently.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Accommodation

At first glance, booking the cheapest room might seem like the best way to keep your expenses low. But anyone who has stayed in subpar digs knows that the reality is far from ideal. Here’s what you’re really signing up for:

1. Poor Sleep and Fatigue

Many budget accommodations cut corners on the essentials—like a decent mattress, good heating, and proper noise insulation. This means broken sleep, waking up tired, and struggling through your working day running on fumes. When you’re exhausted, you’re more prone to mistakes, slower on the job, and at higher risk of accidents.

2. Lack of Cleanliness

One of the most common complaints about budget digs is cleanliness—or the lack of it. Dusty rooms, dirty bathrooms, and poorly maintained communal areas can make for an unpleasant stay. Worse still, a dirty environment can impact your health, leading to allergies, respiratory issues, or even infections. If you’ve ever had to clean your own room or bathroom just to feel comfortable, you know what a hassle this can be.

3. Inconvenience and Added Costs

Many cheaper accommodations lack basic facilities like a laundry room or a proper kitchen. That means extra costs for takeaway food, laundrette visits, and even things like bottled water if the taps are questionable. Over time, these small expenses add up—sometimes making a “cheap” stay more expensive than a well-priced, all-inclusive option.

4. The Frustration of Shared Spaces

Ever stayed somewhere with a shared kitchen or bathroom that no one bothers to clean up? It’s not just annoying—it’s unsanitary. Budget accommodation often lacks proper management, leaving guests to deal with dirty dishes, overflowing bins, and unkempt spaces. No one wants to cook their dinner in a kitchen that looks like a bomb site or shower in a bathroom that hasn’t been scrubbed in weeks.

5. Lack of Security and Professionalism

Not all budget accommodations are well-managed. Issues like lost keys, disruptive guests, and unreliable service can make your stay frustrating. Worse still, if there’s no on-site staff to maintain order, you might end up dealing with noise, theft, or general disorder—none of which are great when you have an early start the next day.

Why Quality Accommodation Makes a Difference

The good news? Not all digs are like this. Staying somewhere clean, well-maintained, and professionally run can completely change your experience. Here’s why investing in decent accommodation pays off:

1. Better Rest = Better Work

A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable when you’re working long hours. Quality accommodation provides comfortable beds, proper heating, and peaceful surroundings, so you can rest properly. When you wake up feeling refreshed, you’ll work more efficiently and safely—without relying on endless cups of coffee to keep you going.

2. A Clean, Hygienic Environment

No one wants to spend their evenings cleaning up someone else’s mess. Professionally managed accommodation ensures that communal spaces, bathrooms, and bedrooms are cleaned regularly, so you can focus on unwinding after work instead of scrubbing the sink.

3. Facilities That Save You Money

Good accommodation provides the essentials—like a well-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities—so you don’t have to spend extra money eating out or hauling your washing home every weekend. Cooking your own meals not only saves cash but also means you can eat healthier, keeping you in better shape for work.

4. A Professional, Managed Environment

A well-run property has on-site staff to ensure everything runs smoothly. Issues get sorted quickly, noise and disruptions are managed, and you don’t have to worry about things like lost keys or broken appliances. Having reliable management means less stress and a much more comfortable stay.

5. A Space That Feels Like Home

When you’re away for work, your accommodation should feel like a home-from-home. Somewhere warm, welcoming, and comfortable. A place where you can unwind, cook a decent meal, and get a proper night’s sleep. A space where you don’t feel like just another number in a rundown lodging house.

Weston House: Quality Accommodation at the Right Price

At Weston House, we understand what contractors need when working away from home. That’s why we focus on providing clean, comfortable, and affordable accommodation that helps you make the most of your time away.

Clean and professionally managed: Daily cleaning of communal spaces ensures a hygienic, pleasant environment.
Fully equipped kitchen: Cook your own meals and save money on eating out.
Laundry facilities: Keep your workwear fresh without extra costs.
On-site staff 24/7: Peace of mind knowing that someone is always there to help.
Spacious, comfortable rooms: Proper beds, heating, and a quiet space to relax after work.

We also offer discounted weekly rates for longer stays, helping you keep your costs down without sacrificing comfort. Because when you’re working hard, you deserve a decent place to come back to at the end of the day.

Final Thoughts

The next time you’re booking digs for work, take a moment to think beyond the price tag. What looks like a bargain upfront might end up costing you more in stress, lost sleep, and extra expenses. Choosing quality accommodation means better rest, better working days, and a more enjoyable experience overall.

Because at the end of the day, you’re not just looking for a place to sleep—you’re looking for a space that supports you while you’re working away. And that’s exactly what we provide at Weston House.

If you’re coming to work in the Keith area and need accommodation that ticks all the right boxes, get in touch. We’d love to welcome you.