There are very few things more disappointing than arriving on your dream vacation only to learn that the hotel room you booked is way below your expectations. With so many things to consider, settling on the perfect option can feel like a daunting task. But the reality is far simpler than you think as long as you know what to look for.
Whether you value a hotel that offers top-quality amenities like 24-hour room service and a fully stocked coffee station equipped with top-of-the-range coffee machines by Nespresso or love to take advantage of promotions and loyalty programs to book your escape to paradise, selecting the ideal hotel room can elevate your vacation in more ways than one so we have compiled a kist of things to consider before booking a hotel room.
Timing
For many people, the timing of their travel is carefully selected to align with certain events during the year, off-season deals, and any benefits they can take advantage of by booking in advance. This flexibility is often not possible for those traveling for business, but for those looking to book a vacation, it may be worthwhile investigating off-season options.
By traveling during quieter periods, you will not only get a better price on airfares, but many hotels offer better prices and special promotions to encourage guests to visit during low seasons. If your hotel destination is not subject to seasonal peaks and dips, turn your focus to booking in advance to secure better rates and potential promotions.
Location
A common mistake many people make when booking a hotel is assuming that the beauty and appeal of the city or area in which it is based guarantees that the hotel itself is in the ideal spot. But this simply isn’t true. Almost all hotel booking sites provide a brief description of their location alongside an interactive map that gives customers a pinpoint address.
Before making any bookings, check their exact location in proximity to places you want to visit and also areas you may want to avoid. Selecting the wrong location can result in an unsafe environment, long commutes into the city for sightseeing opportunities, or the potential of missing out on beautiful natural wonders because they are inaccessible from where you are based.
Hotel Policies
There is nothing worse than arriving at your hotel after a long travel day and finding out you are too early to check in, leaving you stuck with your luggage and unable to get out and see the sites. Before making any hotel booking, familiarise yourself with the check-in and check-out times of your selected location and investigate any policies they may offer to give you more flexibility on your travel days. Some hotels offer a later check-out or an earlier check-in time for an additional fee, which you may find to be a worthwhile expense before or after a long flight.
Additionally, ensure you properly understand the hotel’s payment policies, including the accepted payment methods, deposit requirements, and additional service fees, to better budget for your trip and avoid any unwanted expenses that will cut into your spending money. It is also crucial to select a hotel with a transparent and fair cancellation policy should you need to reschedule or cancel your trip unexpectedly. Failing to understand the terms and conditions can quickly become a very costly mistake.
Amenities
Sometimes, you don’t realize how convenient hotel amenities can be until they aren’t included. Toiletries, turndown services, complimentary beverages, an in-room coffee and tea station, an iron and ironing board, pet-friendly room additions, complimentary breakfast, and bathrobes are just some of the popular amenities found in most major hotels. However, each organization typically offers unique additions that can only be found in its establishments.
If these homely additions are essential to you and influence the overall experience of your stay, it may be worthwhile contacting the hotel in advance to inquire about what you can expect to get should you choose to stay with them. You may be in for a few unexpected surprises.
Room Size & Type
Different people look for different things when booking a hotel room. Depending on the country and local laws, you may be offered a smoking room, while other hotels carry a blanket ban on smoking across their entire premises.
Depending on the nature of your travel and the people you are traveling with, the size and type of room you select will vary pretty significantly. All major hotels carry a range of different room options to suit your specific needs. Consider the sleeping arrangements of your group, how much time you plan to spend in your hotel room, and how much space you would prefer to have to ensure everyone is comfortable. Compare the size and prices of various rooms to find the best option to suit your requirements without forcing you to compromise on what you need.
Loyalty Programs
In today’s economic climate, it is safe to assume that everybody loves a discount. Investigate the loyalty programs of popular hotel chains and booking sites to take advantage of any promotions, coupons, or discounts they may offer.
These programs are often limited in various ways, which may force you to make slight adjustments to your trip in order to experience its full benefits. However, if you have flexible holiday plans, these loyalty programs can significantly reduce the financial cost of the trip while offering you additional rewards.
Hotel Reviews
If you are looking to book a stay at a hotel you have never visited before, the best source of honest and transparent information about the establishment can be found through hotel reviews. However, with the rise of social media and the expansion of the online world, it can be challenging to establish what you can or can’t trust online.
The key is to use trusted and reputable review sites that are known to platform a balanced and honest reflection of a hotel and its services. It is important to take everything you read with a grain of salt and establish whether a person is leaving an honest review that covers genuine issues of a hotel or simply voicing their discontent because their unrealistic expectations were not met.
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