It can be not easy to choose a place to stay for a trip. I am a frequent flier and have found that using a set of repeatable criteria helps me quickly determine where to stay. You can simplify the process by using these tips whether you are travelling to a resort, island or city.
List your top travel requirements.
Start with the things that will make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Do you need to be near public transport or cultural sites? You want a resort that is away from everything, has great food and lots of activities. You can build a solid foundation by focusing on the things that are most important for your trip. Say you’re looking for a hotel in Nashville near the honky tonk bars. Start by checking out the Hyatt Central Nashville, located just two blocks away from Broadway and the bars that are waiting to welcome you.
Reduce the number of requirements.
Avoid letting things that you will not use influence your decision. You’ll be at a venue that offers free parking, but you don’t own a vehicle. You don’t require that. You don’t need that. This time, it’s not a good value. If a hotel meets your needs AND offers bonus items, it’s the icing on top. The Beach and Cabanas Hotels, Tulum, met all my needs and also included a free breakfast, on-site yoga, parking, bicycle rentals and direct access to the beach.
Don’t ignore options further away when checking the location.
It’s not necessary to be in the middle of everything to get a good deal. You’re going to Charleston, SC, but you want to feel as if you are escaping the city for a while. You can also try a hotel further away, such as The Beach Club at Mt. Pleasant. The hotel is only a short ride by water taxi into Charleston, but you still feel as if you are far away. This is a great option for many itineraries, and you may even get MORE than you expected.
Read reviews, but qualify them.
It can be misleading to take hotel ratings at their face value. Make sure that any comment made is directly related to the guest’s stay. What is being praised (and lamented), and how will it apply to you? Has the resort addressed these issues since? Prefer the latest reviews as they are most relevant to your experience. If you enjoyed the personalized service at a particular hotel or saw an improvement in their facilities, please let others know.
Note the amenities and services included.
You may not need all the amenities. Sometimes, you’ll get perks that you won’t find at a nearby hotel. Savoy Palace, in Madeira, Portugal, offers a free rooftop view and the ability to walk to neighbouring hotels for dining, pool, beach or other amenities. You have more options than if you were to stay at a hotel that did not offer such perks. A stay in an all-suite hotel could also allow families to enjoy a more comfortable and longer stay since they can be together. They can also take advantage of the kitchenette and refrigerator to save money.
Check out loyalty programs.
You may also decide where to stay if you can take advantage of loyalty programs or points. Based on your total points, you may be able to get a better or larger room or even bank them for future use.
These tips will make your search for the ideal lodging option easier. You’ll also be setting yourself up for future success (and an improved stay).
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