Not sure how to answer that, but we're talking about maybe bouncing around Expedia, another portal, making a few queries on Trip Adviser, and checking the hotel website. Maybe 15-20 minutes tops? (I'm not talking about any deep bargain hunting.)
In some locations, I know where the deals probably are, whether because of company-negotiated rates or just past experience. But $50-$100 (or more)/night cheaper is not at all unusual compared to just choosing my default chain in a large city. (Though sometimes the price of the large chain is fine.)
And just last night I happened to get an email from a hotel I've stayed at previously in SF about a special. Turns out it was about $150/night cheaper than a rate I had locked in at another hotel just to make sure I had somewhere to stay for an event in late August. So I cancelled and switched. Took 5 minutes to save about $600.
My basic point is that, especially in expensive cities, there's a big difference between even doing just a quick search and just staying at the usual.
In some locations, I know where the deals probably are, whether because of company-negotiated rates or just past experience. But $50-$100 (or more)/night cheaper is not at all unusual compared to just choosing my default chain in a large city. (Though sometimes the price of the large chain is fine.)
And just last night I happened to get an email from a hotel I've stayed at previously in SF about a special. Turns out it was about $150/night cheaper than a rate I had locked in at another hotel just to make sure I had somewhere to stay for an event in late August. So I cancelled and switched. Took 5 minutes to save about $600.
My basic point is that, especially in expensive cities, there's a big difference between even doing just a quick search and just staying at the usual.