Traveling and hotels are a big part of the travel experience. For many people, choosing the best hotel for their needs is a vital decision. Having the right hotel will make or break the trip. Here are some things to consider when making that choice.
Some people stick with the same hotel chain for consistency, loyalty points, and clear expectations about what to expect at any given location. Others prefer to book independent hotels, especially when they’re traveling for business and want more flexibility. Still, the vast majority of travelers choose hotels, with about half of them claiming to have used them in the past year.
When selecting a hotel, comparing prices is one of the most important factors. However, it’s also helpful to consider the hidden fees that are often included in the room rate, including airport shuttle fees, hotel staff gratuities, and even Internet connection charges.
It’s also worth looking at third-party reviews of hotels to get a more realistic sense of what to expect when you check in. Some of these sites are curated, but others allow real-world travellers to post photos and provide candid ratings that are more honest than the fawning promotional material on the hotel’s website.
While it’s always a good idea to read reviews with a healthy dose of skepticism, most are an invaluable resource for travellers. Just remember that overly fawning reviews may come from hotel employees in disguise, while super-fussy ones are sometimes written by people who have an axe to grind (see Hotel Star Quality: What’s In a Rating?).
The location of a hotel can impact its price, too. Those in the heart of the action will generally cost more than those farther away. It’s also worth considering how much it will cost to travel to and from your hotel if you choose an accommodation that’s on the edge of town or in a remote area.
Finally, the overall economic climate impacts travel costs. Inflation has been rising, and those increases are passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices for airfares, hotel rooms, rental cars, food, and other amenities.
With so many options for accommodations, it’s a good idea to understand the advantages of hotels before choosing between them and other types of accommodation. The most common benefits of hotels include convenience, peace of mind, and comfort. Ultimately, they’re a great way to maximize your time and money on your next vacation or business trip. So the next time you’re planning a getaway, give yourself a break by booking a hotel. You won’t regret it! Happy travels!