Traveling and hotels go hand in hand, as hotels provide the accommodation that allows travelers to rest after a day of sightseeing or business meetings. Many factors determine what hotel is best for a given trip, from the location to the amenities offered. Some of these include breakfast and airport shuttles, but other things may not be as obvious. For example, some hotels have female-friendly offerings, such as shampoo and deodorant in the room, while others offer extra amenities like yoga mats and phone and laptop chargers for use during a stay.
The type of hotel also matters, from small mom-and-pop hotels to large resorts. Some have a theme and cater to specific audiences, such as families or digital nomads. Others are based solely on price, which can be a good or bad thing depending on the situation.
Some hotels have a lot of different services and amenities to offer, such as fitness centers, spas, or pools. They can also be located in the heart of a city or close to public transportation. Some are even green, with sustainable practices and eco-friendly features. These can make a big difference to travelers, especially in the current climate when environmental issues are top of mind.
The number of people staying in a hotel is another factor to consider. This is particularly important if it’s during the peak season, or if the hotel is known for a particular service such as business events or weddings. For example, a family will want to ensure there are enough beds for everyone, while an individual may not care about this as much.
It’s worth checking out hotel reviews on various websites before making a decision. Sites such as Tripadvisor and Yelp are helpful, as they allow users to leave honest feedback about their experiences at the hotel. These are a great way to find out about things such as whether the hotel’s internet actually works, how clean the rooms are, or if staff members were helpful and friendly.
In the current post-pandemic era, more and more people are opting for staycations rather than traveling abroad. This is partly due to uncertainty around international flights, but it’s also because of the reopening of some tourist destinations and the fact that some hotels are charging lower prices during the off-season.
It’s always worth checking out the fine print to see what’s included in the hotel price. For instance, there might be a hidden charge for items such as WiFi or minibar. It’s also important to pay attention to the overall rating and review trend of a hotel. If the rating is going down, it may be a sign that something needs to be fixed. However, it’s important not to focus too heavily on one or two poor or terrible reviews, as these are often the result of a specific issue and do not reflect a hotel as a whole. On the other hand, if most reviews are positive, it’s probably a safe bet that you’ll have a great experience at that property.