One of the most important parts of any travel planning is choosing the right hotel. While you might not realize it, the accommodations you choose can actually make or break your vacation. Choose a hotel that is too noisy, and you might not get enough rest. Choose a hotel that is too far away from local tourist spots, and you may not get to see and do everything you wanted to on your trip. With this in mind, here are a few helpful tips to choose the right hotel for you.
Location is Key
You have been looking at hotels near your destination and you notice that those closest to the tourist areas are the most expensive. However, hotels and other accommodations farther away are pretty cheap.
So, what do you do? Do you choose the cheaper accommodations or the closer, more expensive ones? It really depends on how much you want to see and do while on your trip. It also depends on how much driving, public transportation, or taxis you are willing to endure.
When you choose your accommodation, consider your options carefully. If you do not mind driving a lot or depending on other modes of transportation the cheaper hotels might be a better choice.
If you do not want to waste time driving and see more sights on your trip, a closer, more expensive hotel might be a better choice for you. Keep in mind, however, that the closer you are to all of the sights, the noisier and busier your hotel is bound to be.
Read the Reviews
Before you book any accommodations, it is wise to read reviews from several different sources. Never rely solely on the hotel’s own review page. To get a better idea of what staying at the hotel might be like, use websites like TripAdvisor, VirtualTourist, or Oyster.
Not only will you get more balanced and unbiased reviews, but you will also get to see what your accommodations will really look like. Remember, those beautiful photos on the hotel website are for marketing purposes, and not necessarily representative of how your room will look.
Check for Hidden Service Fees
When you are looking for a hotel, be sure to carefully read what services are and are not included in the room fees. Some hotels provide free internet, some charge for it. Some other common hidden fees are:
- room safe (have it removed if you will not be using it)
- fitness centers
- newspapers
- shuttles to and from the airport
- parking
- early check-in or check-out
To avoid spending a lot more than you intended on your hotel stay, you must be clear on what is and what is not included. If you do not see a specific amenity on the hotel’s website, call and ask the hotel staff directly.