The best hotels are not always the cheapest or most conveniently located. How to find the right hotel.
Jeffrey Sirota is the senior director of leisure for Protravel International. He said that travellers today have many options when booking a hotel. The number of hotels opening around the world is increasing rapidly, making it difficult to choose the right one.
Define Your Trip Purpose
Suppose you are looking for a relaxing holiday where you may not want to leave your hotel very often; consider a resort-style property that has amenities like a spa and pool. “It’s a place you want to be,” said Mr. Sirota.
If you are on a sightseeing trip, your hotel will likely be the place where you sleep and recharge at night. If you’re looking for a centrally-located hotel near major attractions, there’s no need to pay extra for luxury or amenities.
Consider your Location
Would you like to live in an established tourist area, or would you rather stay in a residential or up-and-coming neighbourhood that has a local flair? Beverly Hills, in Los Angeles, is a popular destination for tourists who want to shop and see celebrities. Downtown and Koreatown, on the other hand, are less touristy but have a lot of local stores and restaurants. If you have been to the same destination before, Mr Sirota says it is always worth choosing a hotel in an area that you are not familiar with. “You’ll gain a fresh perspective.”
Select a hotel that matches your priorities (and budget)
What is your budget, and what do you want from it? You could, for $400 per night, get a small hotel room in certain cities. However, at a four-star hotel, you might be able to grab a junior suite with breakfast included. The property may lack five-star amenities, such as an upscale dining room or a large fitness centre. Some travellers will find these amenities worth it, while others may value the free breakfasts or an extra night. Decide what is important to you, and then choose the property that best suits your needs.
A hotel’s size is also something to consider. Staying at a boutique or bed-and-breakfast with only a few rooms is very different from staying at a large hotel with hundreds of rooms. The latter is likely to offer a wide range of entertainment, dining, and other amenities. The former, however, will provide a more personalized experience with individualized attention.
Hotel rates are always changing, so it’s important to keep this in mind when trying to get the best deal. Sirota says that you can find lower prices by waiting until your trip is shorter and taking the risk that your desired property may not be available.
Use sites such as Trivago and Hipmunk to track the price changes over time. If your travel dates are flexible, you can call the hotel and ask when the best time to book is. You can find some last-minute deals on hotels here.
Get your Loyalty points.
If you are a frequent traveller, it makes sense to select a hotel that is part of the brand portfolio. If their hotels are available where you will be traveling, do so. Priorities are important, but you should always put your own first.
What is Your style?
Most travellers do not consider their style when choosing a place to stay. Some travellers prefer hotels with modern decor and hip scenes, while others like traditional hotels that offer white glove service. Others want accommodations that have a local flavour and encourage them to explore. “Adventurous travellers tend to prefer independent properties. But those who are looking for predictability should stick to brands they know,” said Mr. Sirota.
Consider Sustainability
Mr. Sirota stated that many of his customers prefer to stay in properties that are environmentally friendly or that give back to the community. He said that this is a very important criterion for today. There are sustainable hotels at every price point, so whether you have a limited budget or a lot of money, you can find one. The hotel’s website will usually provide information about its sustainability practices.
