Study of Guests’ Perceptions of Value for Money in Budget Hotels in Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria

This study investigates guests' perceptions of value for money in budget hotels in Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria. Despite the challenging security environment that has defined the region in recent years, Maiduguri continues to host significant volumes of government officials, humanitarian workers, and business travellers, creating sustained demand for budget accommodation. A descriptive survey design is adopted, with 140 hotel guests participating through structured questionnaires administered across eight budget hotels in the city centre. Value for money is assessed across dimensions including room quality relative to price, breakfast provision, internet services, security arrangements, and staff attitude. Findings reveal that 56 percent of guests consider their accommodation to represent acceptable value for money, while 44 percent describe it as poor or very poor value. The most common areas of dissatisfaction include inconsistent electricity supply, lack of reliable Wi-Fi, and inadequate room size relative to the nightly rate charged. Despite these constraints, guests consistently rate Maiduguri hotel staff as courteous and helpful, which positively moderates overall satisfaction scores. The study recommends that budget hotel operators invest in uninterrupted power supply systems, affordable broadband solutions, and basic room quality upgrades. The Borno State Tourism Authority is also encouraged to develop a minimum standard charter calibrated for budget hotels. Keywords: value for money, budget hotels, guest perception, Maiduguri, hospitality standards