How to Choose a Hotel: Tips for Picking the Right One for You

Choosing a hotel can be a tedious task, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or have specific needs and preferences. With so many options available, it’s important to take the time to research and consider your choices before making a decision. In this article, I’ll provide you with some tips and guidelines to help you choose the perfect hotel for your next trip.

I’ve been traveling for 20+ years, so I have lots of experience with picking hotels, from budget to luxury and everything in between. By following my simple steps for how to choose a hotel, you’ll save yourself time and reduce frustration.

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Choosing a Hotel: At a Glance

The first step in choosing a hotel is to determine your budget. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending. Consider how much you’re willing to spend per night and factor in any additional expenses such as parking, resort fees, and taxes. Once you have a budget in mind, you can start looking for hotels within your price range.

I use Booking.com to search for hotels. They have a great selection, and I like the Genius discounts for being a member.

Next, consider the location of the hotel. Do you want to be close to the beach or in the heart of the city? Are you looking for a quiet and secluded retreat or a bustling and lively atmosphere? Think about what you want to do during your trip and choose a hotel that is conveniently located near your desired attractions and activities.

What to look for in a hotel: Determining Your Priorities

When it comes to choosing a hotel, it’s important to determine your priorities. This will help you narrow down your options and find the right hotel for your needs. Here are some factors to consider.

Location Preferences

The location of your hotel can greatly impact your overall experience. Consider what you want to be close to, whether it’s tourist attractions, restaurants, or public transportation. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, you may want to choose a hotel that’s farther away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Open Google Maps when you’re considering the location of the hotels. I love staying in a hotel that is close to lots of restaurants and within a few minutes from public transportation. But if you have different preferences, look at the map with your preferences in mind.

Budget Considerations

Your budget will also play a role in your hotel decision. Determine how much of your travel budget you’re willing to spend per night and look for hotels within that range. Keep in mind that some hotels may offer discounts for longer stays or during off-peak seasons.

Amenities and Services

Different hotels offer different amenities and services, so it’s important to consider what’s important to you. Do you need a gym or pool? Do you want a hotel with a restaurant or room service? Is air conditioning important to you? Are you traveling with your dog and need a pet friendly hotel? Make a list of your must-haves and look for hotels that meet your criteria.

By determining your priorities, you can make an informed decision when choosing a hotel. Consider your location preferences, budget considerations, and desired amenities and services to find the perfect hotel for your needs.

Filtering and sorting hotels

Once you know your priorities, the first thing you should do after putting in the city and dates is filter the hotels by review score, desired amenities, and anything else that’s important to you. It’s also good to set the price bracket to filter out any hotels that are too expensive.

This will eliminate any hotels that don’t match your requirements, which gives you fewer options to sift through. Then sort your hotel list. Maybe price is the most important thing, or maybe you want to sort by the review ratings. Now you can look at the choices in the order that’s important to you.

Reading Reviews

When choosing a hotel, it’s important to do your research to ensure that you’re getting the best possible experience for your money. One of the best ways to get an idea of what a hotel is like is to read reviews from other travelers. The hotel listings on Booking.com have reviews from people who have stayed at the hotel before, and reading through them is a great way to determine if this is the right hotel for you.

When reading reviews, look for common themes. If multiple people mention the same issue, such as noisy rooms or unhelpful staff, it’s likely that it’s a legitimate concern. However, keep in mind that some complaints might be things that don’t bother you.

For example, if someone complained about the parking fees, but you won’t be bringing a car, ignore that review. I actually have a full article about how to read hotel reviews, so check it out for more tips.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hotel: On-Site Facilities

When choosing a hotel, it’s important to consider the on-site facilities available to you. These can greatly enhance your stay and make your trip more enjoyable. Here are some things to keep in mind when evaluating on-site facilities.

Dining Options

One important factor to consider is the dining options available at the hotel. Does the hotel have a restaurant on-site? If so, what type of cuisine do they offer? Is it open for all meals or just certain times of the day? You may also want to check if the restaurant offers room service or takeout options.

Additionally, you should consider if there are any other dining options nearby. Is the hotel located in an area with many restaurants or cafes? Are there any grocery stores or markets nearby where you can purchase food to prepare in your room?

Leisure Activities

Another important factor to consider is the leisure activities available at the hotel. Does the hotel have a pool or fitness center? Are there any sports or recreational activities offered on-site, such as tennis or golf?

You should also consider if there are any nearby attractions or activities that you would like to participate in. Is the hotel located near a beach or hiking trail? Are there any museums or cultural sites nearby that you would like to visit?

By evaluating the on-site facilities available at a hotel, you can ensure that your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Remember to consider your own preferences and needs when making your decision.

Making the Final Decision

After researching and comparing hotels, it’s time to make the final decision. This can be a difficult task, but with the right information and tools, you can confidently choose the best hotel for your needs.

Comparing Finalists

Once you’ve narrowed down your options to a few top contenders, it’s helpful to make a list of pros and cons for each hotel. Consider factors such as location, amenities, price, and reviews from other guests. You can use a spreadsheet or a simple list to organize your thoughts and make it easier to compare the hotels side by side.

Another helpful tool is to look at photos of the hotels online. This can give you a better idea of what the rooms and facilities look like, and help you visualize your stay. I’m sure this is one of the first things you did when sifting through the hotels, but I often find that a second or even third time looking at the photos can bump at least one choice off my list completely.

Understanding Cancellation Policies

Before making your final decision, it’s important to understand the hotel’s cancellation policies. Life can be unpredictable, and you want to make sure you won’t be charged a fee if you need to cancel or change your reservation.

Most hotels have a standard cancellation policy, which usually requires you to cancel at least 24 or 48 hours before your scheduled arrival. However, some hotels have more strict policies, especially during peak travel times or for special events. Be sure to read the fine print before booking your reservation.

By focusing on what matters most to you, ignoring factors that aren’t a priority, comparing your top hotel choices, and reading the reviews, you can make an informed decision and feel confident in choosing the right hotel. A hotel can really make a big impact in how much you enjoy your vacation, so I hope my tips for how to choose a hotel help get you on the right track.

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