4 Tips for Picking Your Next Hotel

Finding the perfect hotel for your trip is somewhat of an art form. After all, there are over 107,000 hotels across the country, and while not all will be available where you visit, there will likely be a significant number to choose from. And no one wants their stay ruined by picking the wrong hotel or paying for something that doesn’t meet their needs. This is why you need expert hotel tips to help you enjoy your trip how you need to, thanks to having the perfect base to return to at the end of each day.

Without further ado, let’s look at some of the best tips for choosing your next hotel.

Value not Cost

Picking a hotel based on the price, specifically the lowest price, will only lead to disappointment. There is a reason some types of accommodations are at a lower cost, which usually means compromises are to be made. Be it further away from where you need to be, with fewer amenities, or they’re not as modern or flexible as other options. Instead of looking at the cost of the hotel, look at the value it offers. Is it a better location? Does it have better amenities? Improved living arrangements: is it a luxury hotel? Look at the bigger picture and see if the price tag is justified for you by what is included.

Tips for picking your next hotel -- like this beauty we found on the road

Location

Location is key to finding the right hotel. If you’re staying for a short city break and you need to be close to the action in, let’s say, Philadelphia, then finding hotels in Philadelphia Center City can narrow down your choice. Or you might require excellent transport links, i.e., being close to a highway or public transport hubs for easier access. If the location doesn’t work for you, you might find yourself missing out or unable to do what you need to do due to poor access or the time it takes to move between the hotel and the reason for your visit.

Facilities

As we mentioned above, pick your hotel based on value and not price alone; you also need to be aware of the amenities included. This includes things like having free wifi included, whether you get breakfast, and late checkout or early check-in available. Is there a gym, pool, free parking, and 24/7 reception available for you to use? Is there a lift or other accessible features if you require additional assistance? Always factor these into your search to help you assess if the hotel you’re booking is right for your needs.

For example, I prefer staying at hotels with a pool and a gym so that I can stay in shape while traveling
For example, I prefer staying at hotels with a pool and a gym so that I can stay in shape while traveling

Reviews

You must read a review or two or even fall down a hotel review rabbit hole to eliminate some not-so-ideal choices. However, there is a trick to reading hotel reviews because, in an age where people are freely able to leave reviews online, you need to determine the genuine ones from the false or disgruntled comments left. Look for common themes, e.g., on food and cleanliness. Are they what people expected? Better or worse? Try to find the middle ground by focusing on the average reviews rather than the glowing or downright negative ones, as this will give you a more balanced idea of what to expect.

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About Derek Freal

"Some people eat, others try therapy. I travel."   Cultural enthusiast. Adrenaline junkie. Eater of strange foods. Chasing unique and offbeat adventures around the world since 2008. Derek loves going to new destinations where he does not speak a word of the local language and must communicate with hand gestures, or places where he is forced to squat awkwardly to poo -- supposedly its healthier and more efficient. For more information (about Derek, not squat pooing) including popular posts and videos, check out his bio.

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