Anyone who has ever had to book a hotel will know that there are seemingly endless options to choose from. All at different price points, all offering something different, and all vying for your custom.
And your hotel choice can make or break your stay, and the last thing you want is for it to be ruined because you made the wrong decision.
Let’s take a look at how you can choose the perfect hotel stay for your next trip.
Location Location Location
Location matters when staying at a hotel, while it might be nice to stay further afield for cheaper prices, the reality is it means longer days and more commuting to get to the areas you want to be in.
Let’s say you’re planning a trip to New York and a trip to the Bronx Zoo and other top attractions in the Bronx is on the cards for you, then you need a hotel that can give you easy access to everywhere you want to go. Even if it’s not centrally located, if there are transport links that are easy to navigate, you can add it to your list.
Your Needs
Everyone has different needs when it comes to booking a hotel, and as such, you need to be aware of what you want and need for your stay.
Do you need accessible features and hotels that cater to disabilities? Do you need a gym or somewhere where you can sit down to have breakfast? Or do you want something that offers more luxury and has a wealth of amenities, not just a place to sleep? All of this matters when choosing the perfect hotel for you.
Read Reviews
Reviews aren’t always subjective, but you do need to make a conscious effort to dig out some reviews to get an idea of what guests are saying. Check out social media accounts, and look for comments people leave.
Read reviews on the website or independent sites and check for industry publications that might give you a better idea of what to expect. Don’t just jump in on overly positive or negative reviews; instead, look for recurring points being raised and more balanced views.
Set Your Budget
A five-star hotel might offer the escape you’ve always dreamed of, but is it worth the price tag for you, and can you realistically afford it? You need to find hotels within a comfortable budget, and if this is a five-star budget, then you can peruse those hotels within your price range to find the right place.
However, don’t just book on the price alone, factor in what is on offer and what value you get for the price point. Sometimes it’s worth paying a little bit extra, even if it only offers a closer location, or you get a bigger room, or an upgrade. It’s not the price alone; it’s what you get for the price that should matter.
Look for Photos
Sure, the hotel will provide photos of the image they want to put out to attract guests, but they’re not always honest, nor are they up to date. Look for pictures people post on review sites of their stays or on social media to ensure what you are getting is what you are expecting to get. Real-life pictures from guests will pinpoint issues and the surroundings more than professional pictures will.
