In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, travelers want the ability to book a room in as few clicks as possible. Whether you’re looking for a hotel with a spa, pool or meeting space; or need something near an airport, train station, or some other key location, you’ll find thousands of hotels that suit your needs. But which one is the best for you? Although search engines have made it easier to find hotels from specific chains or lodging types in particular locations, sorting through all the information can still be time-consuming and challenging. To make things easier for future travelers, here are some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a hotel so that you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
Research and Know Your Needs
The first step in choosing the perfect hotel is considering what you’re looking for. Whether you want a fancy staycation, a place for a family vacation or a budget-friendly option for business travel, you’ll want to know exactly what you need to make the best decision. Here are a few things to think about:
- Price – How much do you want to spend on your hotel stay? Hotels generally have different price points based on different factors, such as location, amenities, room type, etc.
- Amenities – What specific amenities are important to you? You may want a hotel with a swimming pool or state-of-the-art fitness center, or you may need a location that’s near public transportation or has a shuttle service.
- Location – When booking a hotel, one of the first things to consider is its location. You may want to stay near the airport, in the middle of a downtown city, or in a certain neighborhood or area.
Chain or Independent?
When it comes to chain hotels, there are dozens of prominent brands to choose from. When choosing a specific chain, factors such as the hotel’s location and price point may play a role in your decision. Chains provide consistency, with their hotel rooms all looking the same regardless of where you are.
While chains have their benefits, you may also want to consider independent hotels with just one or two locations in a specific area. They often have better rates, more unique amenities, and may be in better locations than a chain hotel.
Rooms and Amenities
Hotel rooms come in all shapes and sizes, and the amenities can vary significantly between them. Some rooms may have a sofa bed, while others feature a kitchen or living room. Some rooms come with in-room food service, while others have minibars with snacks and drinks. It’s important to be aware of what’s included with each room type so that you can make sure to get what you need.
If you’re planning to stay more than a couple of nights, you may also want to consider a suite. This often offers more than one bedroom, a small kitchen area, and living space separate from the bedrooms to feel more like you’re at home than staying in a hotel. You can also combine room type with location and amenities to find the perfect room for you. For example, you may prefer suites near Anaheim Convention Center if you’re attending a convention there. Research hotels near where you will be spending the most time to minimize travel expenses.
Check-in and Check Out Time
These two factors may not be too important if you’re traveling for pleasure. However, if you’re traveling for business and need to get things done during your trip, you may want to choose a hotel that offers an early check-in time and a late check-out. The check-in time is the earliest time you can arrive at the hotel, while the check-out time is the latest time you can leave. Most hotels offer flexible check-in and check-out times but checking before booking is important. It’s also important to know that some hotels have occupancy restrictions that may affect the check-in or check-out times.
The perfect hotel experience starts with knowing what you want. Whether you’re looking for a fancy staycation, a place for a family vacation, or a budget-friendly option for business travel, you’ll want to know exactly what you need to make the best decision. When choosing a hotel, you should consider chain brand (or an independent hotel), room amenities, check-in and check-out times, and more. With these tips and considerations in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect hotel for your needs in no time.
