Where you stay while traveling can significantly shape the tone of your trip. Whether you prefer the lively energy of a city center, the peaceful charm of the countryside, or something in between, the options are endless. With so many hotels to choose from, the decision can feel overwhelming, leading many travelers to simply book the first option within their budget.
But that approach can be a mistake. While budget is undoubtedly a key consideration, it’s far from the only factor that matters. To help you make a more informed decision, here’s a comprehensive guide to finding the perfect hotel for your next adventure!
How To Pick The Perfect Hotel For Your Stay
Your hotel will be your home base when you are on vacation, so you want to select the right one. Here are some tips to help you research hotels and destinations to stay safe.
1. Budget
Understanding your hotel room budget is essential. This refers to the maximum nightly rate you’re willing to pay for accommodations. Be sure to separate this amount from your budgets for food, entertainment, and transportation to ensure you stay within your overall travel plan.
2. Location
Think about your vacation plans and whether you can afford accommodations near the activities or attractions you want to visit. Staying in the city center often means you can save on cabs and rideshares by relying on public transportation or walking instead.
However, this convenience often comes at a higher price. It’s important to weigh the trade-offs and decide what works best for your budget and preferences. If you’re unsure, compare the costs of different locations to make an informed choice.
3. Reviews
Read the reviews of any potential hotels you’d like to stay at. These unbiased guest accounts offer an honest perspective on what staying at a hotel is like going beyond the polished descriptions on the hotel’s official website. Reviews often highlight important details, such as room cleanliness, amenity quality, and even safety concerns.
While no one anticipates accidents during their stay, they can happen. Guest reviews often provide valuable insights into potential issues and how the hotel handles them, helping you make a more informed decision.
Even if you did your best to stay as safe as possible during your vacation, you may still get hurt. If that happens, contact a lawyer specializing in hotel accidents. They can help you understand what your next steps should be and how you can hold the hotel accountable for the unsafe premises that led to your accident.
4. Read Local News Coverage
Google the hotels you’re considering to check for any recent news or incidents. Searching can reveal if there have been any crimes or safety concerns, such as burglaries, accidents, drug-related arrests, or other crimes against tourists.
Negative search results may indicate that the hotel isn’t as safe as you’d like, prompting you to reconsider your choice and explore alternative accommodations. Safety should always be a top priority when selecting where to stay.
Conduct general searches for events happening in the city or neighborhood where you plan to stay. Large events like concerts or conventions can drive up hotel prices, while protests or controversial gatherings might raise safety concerns.
Being aware of what’s happening in the area can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure you feel secure during your trip. A little research beforehand can make a big difference in choosing the right location for your stay.
6. AMENITIES
Even if you don’t plan to spend much time in your hotel room, it’s important to consider the amenities offered. Free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, pools, fitness centers, and business facilities can all influence your decision on where to stay.
Remember that amenities in American hotels may differ from those in Europe, and room sizes are often smaller. Setting realistic expectations about the hotel’s offerings will help you choose accommodations that align with your needs.
7. PARKING
If you’re driving to your destination, check whether the hotel offers parking and how much it costs. You may also want to explore nearby parking lots or street parking as more affordable alternatives. Many hotels charge a nightly parking fee, so be sure to include this in your overall budget.
8. CANCELLATION POLICY
While we hope for smooth travels, unexpected events can happen. It’s important to review the hotel’s cancellation policy to understand if you can receive a refund, or if you’ll be offered a voucher or the option to reschedule at no additional cost.
Consider travel insurance to help cover costs if your room is nonrefundable. If there’s any possibility that you may need to cancel or change your plans, purchasing travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hotel goes beyond just finding one that fits your budget. By staying closer to your planned activities, you can save on transportation costs, or alternatively, you might choose to stay outside the city center and use public transportation to save money.
Reading hotel reviews and checking local news can give you a clearer picture of what to expect during your stay. Additionally, understanding the amenities, parking options, and hotel policies will ensure you make a well-informed decision.
While your hotel room may mostly serve as a place to sleep, it’s worth investing the time and effort into choosing one that best suits your needs.
Enjoy your trip!
Magda
xoxo